Pattaya CC missed a chance to consolidate a league play-off place against a strong Southerners team at the wonderful Thai Polo Ground last Sunday, March 13.
Asked to bowl first, Peter Bass (3/5) led the Pattaya attack brilliantly and the home team reduced the opposition to 24/5 after the first 6 overs. David Scott and spin twin Gonzo Bouter played significant supporting roles as the pressure mounted on the Southerners batsmen.
Andrew Langston, in after the first wicket, dug in as the wickets tumbled at the other end and with only 5 overs remaining the score was a measly 79/6. Suddenly Andrew (55) changed the tempo of the innings and began to find much needed boundaries, ably supported by the enigmatic Walter Persaud (28). Four sixes in the last 3 overs ensured the Southerners posted a respectable 131/7 but PCC fancied the run chase.
Venky (0) perished early to the excellent Daniel Whincop and Andy Emery and Manik found runs hard to come by in the face of some excellent Southerners bowling. When Andy (32) was bowled whilst looking to break the shackles it triggered a PCC collapse from 47/1 to 96/8, with no batsmen registering double figures. Manik was still at the crease though and looking to single handedly win the game for PCC.
Twelve runs off the penultimate over meant 16 were needed from the last. A single from David Scott and 2 twos from Manik kept PCC in the hunt. A vital dot ball followed by a six set up the chance for an improbable victory. A full and straight delivery from the cool Faheem could only be hit for a two and PCC lost by 3 runs. Manik finished with a valiant 60 not out but the man of the match award went to Andrew Langston for his invaluable 55.
The result means PCC drop to third place in the league and with this coming weekend’s game against table toppers BFF at home on Sunday it could be a tough road to the play-offs.
PCC would like to thank the support the PSC and Shenanigans By The Lake and welcome anyone wishing to join the club to contact the club via the webpage www.pattayacricketclub.com or the club Facebook page.
