Pattaya Cricket Club played Amphawa CC at Harrow International School, Bangkok last weekend in the semi-final of the League Cup competition, with a place in the final against Kerala Strikers the prize for the winners.
The late arrival of the opposition led to a penalty deduction of 4 batting overs being imposed and after winning the all important toss, PCC captain Simon Philbrook had no hesitation in batting first.
Pattaya captain Simon Philbrook produced a flamboyant knock of 92 not out to set his team on the road to victory against Amphawa CC in Bangkok.
Despite the early loss of Venky (16), Colin Clark and Paul Hack started well, scoring at a run a ball for the first 10 overs. Paul Hack (11) was bowled in the 11th over with the score on 69 and this signalled Simon Philbrook to join the ever vocal and ebullient Colin at the crease. The pair immediately upped the tempo with excellent running between the wickets as they put both fielders and bowlers under pressure.
Colin’s fine innings of 63 came to an abrupt end when he was bowled middle stump but the 105 partnership with his skipper had given PCC the upper hand. Simon continued the innings momentum with some dominant hitting and six 6’s and nine 4’s later his 43 ball 92 not out enabled PCC to post a commanding 218 for 3 from their 25 overs.
With only 21 overs to chase the imposing target the Amphawa batsmen made their intentions very clear from the onset, with shots being played all round the ground. However, PCC maintained their composure and despite a couple of dropped catches they picked up wickets regularly. John Speirs was at his wily off spinning best with figures of 4/45 that ripped the heart out of the batting line up.
Always behind the required run rate the lower order had to take chances and eventually the task proved too great as Amphawa finished on a valiant 180 for 9.
The man of the match medal was awarded to a very happy yet weary PCC captain.
PCC will play the final in Bangkok on Sunday and anyone wishing to come along and support is most welcome.
Pattaya Cricket Club would like to thank the support of the PSC and encourage anyone wanting to join the club to contact them via the website www.pattayacricketclub.com or visit the club Facebook page.
