Bangkok Cricket League 2013/14
Pattaya Cricket Club captain Simon Philbrook and stalwart John Spiers recorded a club record partnership of 137 runs to post an imposing total of 197/4 from 25 overs against league rivals the Southerners of Bangkok at last Sunday.
Having won the toss, PCC elected to bat first on a beautiful day at the magnificent Thai Polo Ground. Openers John G (32) and Venky (7) started brightly and when Andy Schofield (15) departed with score on 60/3 after 11 overs PCC were well placed and Simon and John were united at the crease.
Man of the match Simon Philbrook.
The pair were circumspect early on as they both struggled with the slow pace of the wicket. Simon broke the shackles with a dazzling 22 runs in the 15th over that signalled the start of an aggressive onslaught. John was happy to play the supporting role despite being hit in the mouth early in his innings that required stitches and maneuvered the ball expertly into the gaps for singles.
Simon continued the big hitting, looking to hit straight anything pitched up and pull anything short. The Southerners opening bowlers returned at the end of the innings to regain some control of the scoring but the damage had been done after Simon finished with 85no from 54 balls, including 6 sixes and John being bowled off the final ball for 42. The pick of the bowlers was Raj with 2/20 from his 5 overs.
In reply the Southerners top order batsmen scored steadily, helped by some wayward PCC bowling and at drinks the score was 75 but tellingly 4 wickets had fallen. As the required run rate increased so the pressure mounted and eventually it told as more wickets tumbled in their attempt to stay in the game. Finally, the Southerners were all out in the last over for 143 as PCC ran out the winners by a comfortable 54 runs.
John Spiers capped a fine day with figures of 3/30 but it was not enough to take the man of the match award away from the captain. The result means PCC now top the league with 6 games remaining.
PCC would like to thank the main club supporter the Pattaya Sports Club.
Pattaya Cricket Club play their next league fixture on Sunday 16th February at the Thai Polo Ground against Indorama and welcome any supporters or anyone wanting to play or officiate. Please refer to the club website www. pattayacricketclub.com or visit the club Facebook page for more details.
