Pattaya Cricket Club hosted Chiang Mai Lanna CC over the weekend, November 14-15, in a 30 over and T20 game at the wonderful Thai Polo Ground. Threatening skies prevailed throughout both days but despite one brief shower and a break for lightening the games were played in a competitive yet convivial atmosphere.
Batting first on a steamy morning and clearly suffering from the previous nights excesses, the Lanna batsmen found the Pattaya CC bowlers too hot to handle. Backed up by some impressive catching Lanna CC were reduced to 38/4 after 15 overs. Wickets continued to fall as the batsmen tried in vain to post a defendable total and despite the valiant efforts of Martin Cardno (28) and Matt Bray (28), a total of 114/9 was always going to be insufficient. Debutant Peter Bass (3/22) and David Scott (2/11) were the pick of the PCC bowlers.
Pattaya first teamers Venky (34) and Dan Nicholson (40) put the result beyond doubt with a run a ball opening partnership of 85, much to the delight of the rest of the team and especially the PCC captain Simon Philbrook who had been talked into allowing the very raw but enthusiastic Dean Kenney to bat at first drop. Dean lived up to expectations with a masterful 3 runs before losing his off and middle stump to the returning Lanna opening bowler who had clearly had enough of Dean’s overstay and bravado.
Another PCC debutant, Avi Singh (15no), and the skipper saw the home team over the line which prompted the post match celebrations – a common practice after such fixtures.
The T20 game on the Sunday was an altogether more serious affair with the touring team evidently bristling after the spanking from the day before. PCC batted first and Venky (30 -retired) continued where he had left off. Supported by Andy Emery (18), Dan Nicholson (12) and Jason Darby (15) the score looked to be heading to a competitive target but excellent bowling toward the end of the innings and a damp outfield after a the rain restricted the home team to an under par 97/6. The innings defining over came from Richard Young with a devastating 3 wickets in 4 balls that included the valuable wicket of Jez Lees (0 golden).
Lanna began confidently with Shine Thomas (26) leading the charge. Despite the wily offspin of John Speirs, playing his last game for PCC before moving reluctantly to China, the Lanna batsmen maintained a healthy run rate and closed in on the target with a comfortable 2 overs in hand.
PCC club chairman commented that the weekend had been a huge success and thanked the Lanna boys for making it such an enjoyable two days that will now be an annual fixture in both clubs’ diaries.
PCC are actively looking for new players due a shortage for the first time in the club’s 6 year history. Anyone of any ability and age interested in playing is requested to please contact the club via website www.pattayacricketclub.com or visit the club’s Facebook page.
