Pattaya Cricket Club, affiliated with PSC, maintained their 100% league record with a convincing 98 run victory over Siam CC last Sunday at the Thai Polo Ground in east Pattaya.
A strong PCC side, full of confidence, had no hesitation in batting first against opponents who had done the double over them in the previous season. Debutant, Neil Decker opened with Venky, but the bowlers applied early pressure and soon the pressure told as Venky (6) and Neil (12) perished trying to force the run rate. When Andy Schofield followed next ball, well caught by a diving Brett Taylor at point, PCC were in trouble at 22/3 off 6 overs.
Dave Callick hit an unbeaten 83 to guide Pattaya to a total of 182 for 4 against Siam Cricket Club, Sunday, March 2.
John Spiers and Dave Callick consolidated the innings and at drinks (13 overs) the score had progressed to 68/3 and PCC were well placed for a second half onslaught. John (29) almost immediately had to retire hurt with a pulled hamstring to be replaced by the captain Simon Philbrook. However, after a fluent 24 he also had to retire hurt with a pulled calf muscle. But Dave remained in belligerent form and passed his fifty off 49 balls with a six over mid wicket.
Ably supported by Dan Nicholson (9) and a cameo from Andy Emery (8no), Dave continued his aggressive innings and finished 83no as PCC posted an impressive 182/4.
With the captain on the sidelines, John Spiers assumed the on field duties and his bowlers responded magnificently to his game plan with an opening spell that strangled any hopes Siam CC had of winning. Thomas (3/7) and Hamza (2/17) were relentless with their line and length and John himself, Dave C and Andy Emery continued the pressure as wickets fell regularly.
Finally, SCC were all out for 84 in the 21st over. Dave C was named the man of the match after a fine all round performance and PCC remained at the top of the league.
Hamza (right) returned figures of 2/17 during an impressive bowling display by PCC.
One day earlier at the same venue, the Pattaya Cricket Club Thoroughbreds XI (over 45’s) entertained the British Club of Bangkok in a 25 over game.
With the club captain Simon Philbrook standing down it was Booby Young who marshalled the Thoroughbred XI against an equally ageing BC side. Booby lost the toss and PCC were asked to bat first on a somewhat overcast morning.
The Right Honourable Richard Harvey and Daniel Coogan opened the innings and after two imperious boundaries RH chipped a catch to mid wicket for a glorious 8. Dan Nicholson (24) struggled for fluency early on whilst Dan C slowly found his form as the score lurched to 41 before Dan C (20) was caught in the deep.
Raj added some much needed impetuous to the run rate with a well crafted 30 retired, but it was Simon (33no) and Andy Emery (32no) who changed the innings momentum completely with a dazzling unbeaten 63 partnership off only 28 balls to post an imposing 179/4.
Booby (2/23) craftily opted to open the bowling himself and his wily left arm spin was too much for Nick White as he was caught at cover attempting to cut the ‘floater’. RH, who had been bowling all week at no one in his personal net at home, showed that practice makes perfect as he beat Kumar all ends up with his very first delivery that clipped the top of middle stump. After this remarkable opening delivery it was pointed out by his teammates that his personal net might be 25 yards long as he proceeded to serve up a series of delicious full tosses.
Raj (2/24) swung the ball in both directions and nipped out a couple of mid order wickets. He was well supported by John ‘Anchor’ Spiers (3/17) but Dale Lamb made Booby call on all his 60 plus years of experience as he hit a breezy (30no).
When the ninth wicket fell with the score on 121 Dale returned to the crease to crash a further 17 runs and Booby was seen to suddenly age an extra 10 years (in over 45’s cricket that’s serious). Richard ‘Calamity’ Grunwell ensured standards remained high in the field by displaying a series of unique fielding techniques that at times reduced his own side to what can most accurately be described as jaw dropping stunned silence. But Raj halted Booby’s rapid ageing as he wrapped up the innings by trapping Dale lbw for an entertaining 47 and BC were finally 144 all out.
A 35 run victory capped an enjoyable and memorable day and the golden oldies nursed their creaking bodies, drank ice cold beers and recalled cricketing stories from yesteryear.
Note: The Pattaya Cricket Club first X1 will take on the Thai women’s national team on Saturday, March 8 at the Thai Polo Ground starting at 11.30 a.m. The women recently won the Asian championship (see page 56) so PCC can expect to face a stiff challenge.
Anyone interested in cricket and PCC are encouraged to go to the club website www.pattayacricketclub.com or visit the club Facebook page.
