A marvelous day, in memory of Elfrado ‘Slasher’ Roberts, involved a Pattaya Cricket Club XI playing The British Club of Bangkok last Sunday at Horseshoe Point in a 30 over game.
Proceedings started at noon with a short address from Simon Philbrook, the club Chairman, to all the supporters and players that included references to the great man’s character, achievements and legendry storytelling from yesteryear.
The Pattaya Cricket Club and British Club of Bangkok players pose for a group photo prior to last weekend’s match.
After a swift rum and coke the captains for the day Earl Brown and Dale Lamb tossed the coin and PCC elected to bat first in a game to be played as two 15 over innings. The BC bowlers bowled a controlled line and length to restrict PCC to 100 for 4. The loudest roar of the day was heard from Rob above as Earl Brown edged his first delivery to depart for a hard fought golden duck! Jerome retired with 30 runs to his name, whilst Debdas and Usman each finished 22 no.
In reply, the PCC bowlers began aggressively as early wickets tumbled but a strong recovery ensured they had the smallest of leads after their 15 overs, scoring 102 for 5. Rahul retired with 30 runs and Sailesh was 27 no.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the Pattaya team still posted a fine 258 run total from their 30 overs.
Second time around and with those who had not batted to continue the innings it was 13 year old Hamza who was the linchpin of the innings as he compiled an accomplished 30 not out. This would surely have brought a huge smile of satisfaction to Rob’s face as he was so passionate about the development of juniors within the club. Support was provided by Sunny (34 no) and Debdas (32 no) who were evidently invigorated by the half time pies supplied by Jamesons and PCC posted an impressive 258.
The BC batsmen never really threatened an upset as they were continually kept in check by the PCC bowlers with Hamza again demonstrating his potential and maturity, finishing with figures of 2 for 14 and in doing so claiming the man of the match award. His and Rob’s smile could be seen all round the ground.
The result of the game was not important as both sides immediately indulged in a mammoth slammer session involving 3 litres of fine Thai rum, almost completely appropriate as Rob was West Indian.
Elfrado ‘Slasher’ Roberts, whose memory lives on at Pattaya Cricket Club.
A special thank you goes to The British Club, in particular Jack Dunford, for their participation in what was an extremely enjoyable and memorable occasion that Elfrado ‘Slasher’ Roberts would have been proud of.
For more details of all things cricket at PCC please see the club website at www.pattayacricketclub.com.
