Saturday the 17th December saw the hosting of Pattaya Cricket Club’s inaugural fun Xmas cricket day and annual awards party at Horseshoe Point. Four teams consisting of 8 playing members of the club, all of varying ability, representing the Juniors, Thoroughbreds (over 45’s) and Seniors, played in a 6 over round robin format with a final played between the top two sides.
The captains of the teams were the 4 senior members of PCC: Simon Philbrook, Joe Grunwell, Elfrado Roberts and Hanif ‘Sunny’ Qayum. A fixed rolling batting line up and a minimum of 5 bowlers per innings ensured everyone contributed throughout the day and limited the dominance of any one player. As a consequence all the games were very close with the exception of one thanks to Rob Young whose game changing over of left arm non-spin conceded 26 runs and hurried a victory for the Club captain’s side.
Other notables were Jack, Debdas, Mithu and Lucky who all scored maximums of 25 runs and Sodhi, Usman, Sunny and very surprisingly Simon for their economical bowling figures.
A final between Simon’s and Elfrado’s team saw Simon prevail as his team set a daunting total of 74 runs that Elfrado’s men made a valiant 67 in reply. It was a fitting end to a day of cricket where the results did not matter and the only important thing was the spirit of the game and the camaraderie between the players.
Player of the Day was Jack and Player of the Final was junior Andy Thomson whose last over heroics with the ball sealed the victory for his side.
In glorious sunshine and sat under the tents at the ground, the PCC players awards party started with the Club Captain and Chairman giving a welcome and thank you speech for the efforts of every member throughout the season that have resulted in a hugely successful second season. The highlights of which were reaching the Bangkok International Sixes Cup Final, finishing a very commendable 5th in the Bangkok Premier League, entering a team in the Chiang Mai International Sixes and not forgetting winning the Bowl in our very own Pattaya International Sixes Tournament (PIST – somewhat appropriate!).
The batting prize was awarded to Simon for his consistent performances throughout the season and averaging 65 whilst the bowling award was presented to Usman for his brisk left arm seamers that brought him a total of 32 wickets.
Player of the Season went to Sunny Qayum for his all round performances with bat, ball and wicket keeping. The Thoroughbred of the Year award was delicately presented to Rob ‘Zimmer’ Young for his outstanding contributions both on and off the field and the Junior award went to Yogesh who as a 14 year old represented the first XI and displayed a level of maturity and considerable talent as a fast bowler that belied his years.
Pattaya Cricket Club continues to go from strength to strength and welcomes anyone interested in cricket of all abilities, age, shape and size to come along and join in the fun. For more information please refer to our website at www.pattayacricketclub.com.
End of season party and 2011 awards for the Pattaya Cricket Club.
