Eight teams from all over Thailand were competing last weekend for the cricket Super 8’s Cup sponsored by the Pattaya Sports Club and it was Pakistan Sports Club that came out on top in a thrilling final off the last ball.
Despite early morning rain on the Saturday, June 13, the Pattaya Cricket Club Super 8’s tournament started on time at the magnificent Thai Polo Ground, Pattaya. Two groups of four teams of 8 players a side played each other on the Saturday and Sunday morning with the winners of each group playing off in the Cup Final. The Shield, Plate and Spoon finals were consolations for the remaining six sides.
The Pakistan Sports Club team hoist the Super 8’s trophy as they are joined by Pattaya Cricket Club Captain Simon Philbrook (far left), Tournament Director Joe Grunwell (2nd right) and Thai Polo Club MD, Kh. Surapol (3rd right).
Holders and pre-tournament favourites The Southerners looked impressive as they comfortably won their 3 group games. Asian Stars prevailed in a close finish over Siam CC as they both finish second and third respectively and the Pattaya Thoroughbreds propped up the group.
In the other group, Pakistan SC topped the table despite some inconsistent performances. Chiang Mai pipped the Pattaya Stallions to claim the second berth and the British Club of Bangkok were winless to ensure the bottom slot was theirs.
Thunderstorms threatened all day on the Sunday but the finals commenced with the British Club taking on the mighty Pattaya Thoroughbreds captained by John Speirs. Batting first the Thoroughbreds came out of the stalls slowly but gradually broke into a gallop as Dan Nicholson (31ret), Andy Emery (5) and John Speirs (11) began to find the gaps. The innings finished with a remarkable sequence of events that culminated in Richard ‘Calamity’ Grunwell hitting a short ball into orbit only to flatten his stumps with his right foot. Unfortunately for ‘Calamity’ it was all caught on video, which has now gone viral on Facebook.
A total of 52 was always going to be a challenge for the British Club, especially when Haroon was clean bowled first ball by Andy. Dale Lamb (13) was caught spectacularly one handed by Khalid on the long on boundary but Patrick (22no) and Rahoul (7no) kept their nerve to win with 3 balls to spare.
Chiang Mai’s Ubaid (left) receives the Man of the Tournament trophy from Thai Polo Club Managing Director Kh. Surapol, as Tournament Director Joe Grunwell looks on.
The Plate final matched the Pattaya Stallions with Siam CC. Under threatening skies the Stallions batted first. Colin Clark (28) and the skipper Simon Philbrook (20) led the charge as they posted a strong 73 run target. In reply, Siam CC started positively but Colin stumped the dangerous Brett Taylor (8) off the Stallions’ man of the tournament Hamza Khan. The innings momentum was lost and despite a flurry of extras Salman, Thomas Manoj and Sam Nethery kept the batsmen in check to restrict Siam CC to a creditable 65/3.
In the Shield Final crowd favourites Chiang Mai were paired with the Asian Stars. Batting first Bilal (33no) was the stalwart for the Asian Stars as they posted a slightly under par 52 to win. Chiang Mai started impressively with the excellent Ubaid (23) leading the way. Martin Cardno (15no) dispelled any doubts of victory by hitting a maximum with 4 balls to spare to secure the win.
The Cup Final was always going to be a tense affair and it did not fail to live up to expectation. Pakistan SC batted first and excellent bowling from Chai and Ajun kept the run rate in check. Naveed (26) broke the shackles with a succession of boundaries late on as PSC recorded a competitive 66 runs.
Wickets fly during the chase for quick runs.
The Southerners batsmen fancied the run chase but when their big gun Andrew Purser (4) was caught in the deep and in the face of disciplined bowling the run rate crept up. 10 runs were needed from the final over to be bowled by Usman. A perfect yorker first ball and dot ball to Nathan Kincaid increased the pressure. Two 2’s and two singles followed meaning a boundary was needed from the final ball. A top edge high over the wicketkeeper sent hearts on both sides racing as the fielder chased it to the boundary. Pulling up just before the rope the ball was returned with the batsmen attempting a fourth run. The throw was too good and Pakistan SC triumphed by 1 run in a nail biting finish.
It was the perfect end to an excellent weekend of cricket and season for all concerned.
A big thank you goes to Pattaya Sports Club for their sponsorship of the event and we will all be starting again next season in November.
Anyone wishing to be involved with PCC are urged to contact the club via the website www.pattayacricketclub.com or visit the club Facebook page.
