The final day of the 2nd Pattaya International Cricket Sixes played last Sunday was going splendidly, featuring some fabulous cricket, until the heavens opened to a tropical downpour as the finals began, washing out the rest of the day’s play.
Fourteen teams from around the world competed over three days from April 22-24 for silverware and enjoyed the hospitality of the newest tournament on the Asian Cricket Sixes Tour, staged in the wonderful surroundings of the Horseshoe Point Resort.
Pattaya Stallions take on Village CC in one of Friday’s round-robin matches.
The local schoolboys of GIS Gladiators were particularly impressive on the final day, winning through to the Bowl Final versus Phuket outfit the Village Cricket Club.
The Village Cricket Club had won through to the Bowl Final in an exciting encounter against the Asian All Stars. The Stars had batted first and put on a reasonable 50 runs. Fifteen year old Yogesh of the All Stars then delivered a magnificent spell of bowling, taking 2 wickets in a cheap over to give the All Stars hope of reaching the final, and earning him the ACST Player of the Day award. But the Villagers reached the target with 3 balls to spare led by impressive batting by their wicketkeeper Mark.
As all of the four finals were washed out by rain organizers used a count-back system of most wins, and if still even, best net run rate, to determine positions.
A local derby match-up between the Pattaya Thoroughbreds and the Pattaya Colts had occurred in the Shield Final. On count-back the Thoroughbreds came out on top with a higher net run rate and were awarded the Shield.
The boys from the GIS Gladiators juniors lifted the Bowl trophy after the count-back showed that they had a higher number of wins than the Village CC. They were also awarded the Spirit of Cricket Award for their sportsmanship and determination to do well.
In an impressive tournament for local Pattaya cricket, the Pattaya Stallions had won through to the Plate Final versus Josephite 2. But the team from Bangladesh took the Plate title on count-back by the very narrowest of margins. Equal on wins, Josephite 2 had a net run rate of 1.7478 against the Stallions 1.7475!
The Cup final was to have been contested in an all-Bangladeshi affair by Josephite 1 and the KC Club. Earlier Josephite 1 had convincingly defeated early favourites and compatriots Narayangang CC, and on count-back the Josephite team pipped the KC club on net run rate to become Cup champions of the 2nd Pattaya International Cricket Sixes.
Players head for shelter as the rain comes down at Horseshoe Point on Sunday.
Player of the Tournament was awarded to Athar of KC Club for his superb bowling throughout the three day event.
Despite the weather putting a literal dampener on proceedings on the field it was an excellent tournament followed by a gala presentation dinner at Horseshoe Point supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Tournament Director Ian Liddell of the ACST said, “It’s been a great tournament despite the weather, with cricket action for all levels of ability.
“Horseshoe Point is a fantastic location to stage a cricket tournament, the teams have thoroughly enjoyed their week on and off the field,” he continued.
For further information about the Pattaya International Cricket Sixes see the tournament website at www. pattayasixes.com. Teams wishing to register early for next year’s event can do so by contacting Michael Maher at [email protected].
