Pattaya Cricket Club played their final league game of the season against Chicha CC last Sunday, with a win needed to secure qualification for the end of season playoffs. However, a tied result in a topsy-turvy game leaves PCC relying on other results to determine their fate.
Chicha CC batted first on a very warm and hazy afternoon at the marvellous Thai Polo Ground. Opening bowlers Hamza (0/21) and the ageing Leon Bouter (0/25) bowled beautifully to restrict the batsmen in the powerplay overs. The ageless David Scott (2/12) was exemplary and continued the pressure as boundaries were almost non-existent.
The first momentum change of the match occurred with the introduction of Bernard Lamprecht and Andy Emery whose 2 overs went for a combined 44 runs. Suddenly Chicha looked to be on for a score in excess of 180 from their designated 25 overs. Niraj (51) was particularly destructive and ably supported by Girish (23) the score rattled along at over a run a ball. PCC captain Simon Philbrook continually changed the bowlers and steadily the run rate was curtailed as wickets fell. Chicha closed their innings at 168/7 which meant PCC had to chase their highest score of the season.
Venky (34) and Manik (35) gave the innings the perfect start with excellent running and hitting that put the fielding side under increasing pressure. Simon Philbrook maintained the momentum with a well crafted 34 from 22 balls before being bowled by Sameer. Andy Emery (13) and Paul Hack (12) continued the run chase but when Paul and Josh Carr were both caught in the 23rd over the odds swung back in favour of Chicha.
With one over remaining 8 runs were needed with Dave Scott and Leon Bouter at the crease. A dot ball, a wide and a single from the first three balls increased the tension. Another dot and single and a scampered two from the penultimate ball meant three were required from the last to win. Leon connected over mid wicket and as the legs that added up to 123 years between them began running, 3 was a possibility. Unfortunately, the ball was fielded on the mid wicket boundary by legs belonging to a 25 year old. The throw was too good and Dave was run out attempting the winning run.
The man of the match award went to Sameer for his crucial 3 wickets in the middle of the PCC innings.
The tie left everyone with mixed emotions, in particular Venky whose job it was to calculate the qualification permutations. PCC’s destiny is in the hands of other teams and the club will not know their fate until 15th May, according to Venky.
The season has been very memorable and PCC welcome anyone wanting to join the club to contact them via the website www.pattayacricketclub.com or visit the club Facebook page.
