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Golden Goal decides B. Grimm Polo Tournament
by Willi Netzer
Saturday March 20 was another big day for polo
enthusiasts in Thailand. Harold Link, the owner of B. Grimm & Co.
invited Thailand’s horse lovers and countless members of society to the B.
Grimm Polo Tournament finals at Siam Polo Park Pattaya.
As is
the polo custom the audience was invited onto the field at half-time for the
traditional stomping of the divots.
The festivities, part of the 125th anniversary of the B
Grimm Group in Thailand, started with a magnificent buffet lunch, most
lavishly set up in a huge white air-conditioned tent. The finest cuisine was
offered complemented by soft background music by the Bangkok Symphony
Orchestra.
 Guests
were treated to a magnificent buffet lunch, most lavishly set up in a huge
white air-conditioned tent.
Another eye-catcher was the Mercedes Car show with the
latest top models and a rare collection of Mercedes vintage cars owned by
the Link family.
Real action started at 15:00 hrs. with a Ladies Polo
Exhibition match, ending after two chukkas in a draw.
At 16:00 hrs. the long awaited final between the teams of
King Power and Siemens Mobile took off and it was the host, Harald Link from
the Siemens Mobile Team, turning ball possession into a straight race to the
opposite goal, several times tapping the ball in full gallop and scoring
with a nicely placed shot. Not so long after he managed to get ball
possession again and, closely followed by two opposing players, he again
decided to go for it all alone and scored once more.
 Siemens
Mobile in ball possession, riding towards the goal in full gallop.
Unfortunately, while riding in a full gallop through the
goal, he could not avoid colliding with a goal post. Everybody went silent
as the impact threw him off his mount and he remained motionless for a few
moments.
Rising up amongst the roaring applause of the spectators
he went straight for his horse, ready for action again.
Feeling the pressure the King Power team, led by Khun
Vichai Raksriaksorn, turned on the heat and managed to score 3 times in the
second chukka and was leading at half time 6:5.
During the intermission the spectators were treated to
High Tea at the clubhouse.
Game started again after 20 minutes and Gustavo Yanez
from Siemens Mobile, riding everybody’s favorite pony Purasuerte managed
to score the equalizer. The heat was on and it became a neck and neck race
for the following 3 chukkas. The atmosphere got very tense when Marco
Focaccia from King Power managed to move his team ahead to 11:10 with barely
1 minute left until the final ring of the bell.
Was there still enough strength left for the Siemens
Team, everybody wondered.
Matters got worse when Khun Vichai managed to lead an
attack until just a few meters to the goal, but Siemens defended well and
only with a few seconds left counterattacked. It was Nat Phatumarin, barely
17 years old, son of the stable manager Khun Omsin, that equalized the game
11:11.
It was to be a Golden Goal. The first goal would decide
the winner within extra time. What still nobody knew was that young Nat a
bit overzealous had sandwiched two other players while scoring. So King
Power was awarded a penalty shot, executed by Khun Vichai’s son Top for
the final Golden Goal, giving the trophy and the honors to the King Power
Team.
New league starts at PS Bowl
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
The Friday Pattaya Sports Club Bowling league started their first league
of 2004 at PS Bowl. The venue has been moved from Pattaya Bowl, as soon they
will be closing for renovation.
 Tue
bowled a 210 game - the only 200 game of the day.
Brother D and Jack & Tar got off to a good start as both teams won
four points from Caf้ Ole and Caf้ Kronborg. House of the Golden
Coin took three points from Shakey Pete’s. VFW Post 9876 won three from
Three Sisters. Tue, bowling for Alt Koelle, had the only 200 game of the day
and led her team to a three point win over Nam Tip.
Week 1:
Team Standings Points Mar. 19
Brother D. 4 - 0 4 - 0
Jack & Tar 4 - 0 4 - 0
VFW Post 9876 3 - 1 3 - 1
Alt Koelle 3 - 1 3 - 1
House of the Golden Coin 3 - 1 3 - 1
Shakey Pete’s 1 - 3 1 - 3
Three Sisters 1 - 3 1 - 3
Nam Tip 1 - 3 1 - 3
Cafe้ Kronborg 0 - 4 0 - 4
Cafe้ Ole 0 - 4 0 - 4
Pattaya 9 Ball Pool League
Wednesday Quiz League
Improve Your Golf
 Ian
Ashenden, Pattaya Golf Academy, Thepprasit Road
Tip 5 - Release Your Leading Shoulder
This week’s tip is slightly different as it comes not from
me, but from European Tour golfer Stephen Scahill. I have had the pleasure of
caddying twice for him recently on the European Tour, last month in the
Malaysian Open and last week in the Singapore Masters. Stephen finished 65th in
the Volvo Order of Merit last year and if his excellent play last week is a sign
of things to come, he could well improve on that this year if things go his way.
Stephen’s tip is as follows:
“Most amateurs who have trouble slicing, do so partly
because they do not release their left (leading) shoulder away from their chin
through the impact area. If the shoulder stays too close to the chin, this will
pull the club across the target line. Release your shoulder away from your chin
towards the target for more chance of a straighter ball flight.”
You can follow Stephen’s progress on www.euro peantour.com,
in the meantime keep sending me your e-mails to ian.ashenden @talk21.com.
Lawn Bowling League
Pattaya Pool League
Mark Bonner’s Month is March
IPGC Golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday March 14
Green Valley - White Tees
Monthly Medal
1st Place A Flight: Graham Holmes, net 70
2nd Place A Flight: Steve Weller, net 70
3rd Place A Flight: Julian Clarke, net 71
1st Place B Flight: Colin Davis, net 69
2nd Place B Flight: George Jackson, net 70
3rd Place B Flight: Joe McArdle, net 70
1st Place C Flight: Mark Robbins, net 64
2nd Place C Flight: Eddy Beilby, net 66
3rd Place C Flight: Kevin Bowman, net 67
Near Pins: #8 - Julian Clarke; #16 - Joe McArdle
 Steve
Mascari (right) with Monthly Medal Winner Mark Bonner.
Recording the third lowest Monthly Medal score in the
competition’s 4-year history, Mark Robbins scorched the Green Valley
layout and the field with a gross 83, net 64 masterpiece.
The only lower winning totals were fashioned by Svein
Vistung (net 63 in June 2002) and Paul Ovens (net 62 in December 2002).
Left holding scores that would have won most other months were Mark’s
fellow C Flight placeholders, Eddy Beilby and Kevin Bowman, who shot net
66 and 67 respectively. It should be noted that Oddvar Rykke and Jez Lees
didn’t even place in their flight with net 68 and 69 respectively.
 Steve
Mascari and John Emmerson embrace Poo Supaporn after her hole-in-one.
Moving up to B flight found Colin Davis edging George
Jackson and Joe McArdle by a single stroke. A countback gave One-Ball the
penultimate step. Graham Holmes continued a tour de force of Pattaya Golf
with yet another Flight victory, this a countback over Steve Weller.
Julian Clarke did likewise to Jim Wickstrom to resolve third place.
Monday March 15
Pattaya C.C. - White Tees
2-Person Scramble - Stroke/Medal
1st Place: John Emmerson & Poo Supaporn, net 56
2nd Place: Julian Clarke & Keith Meehan, net 60
3rd Place: Paddy Wilson & Mike Lloyd, net 60
4th Place: John Foote & Graham Holmes, net 61
This scribe has been playing golf (or has at least
owned clubs) for some 48 years yet he could not accomplish what the
significant other of Ol’ Silverback did in 3 months, that is score a
hole-in-one!
Poo Supaporn did it on the treacherous 16th at Pattaya
Country Club where a one putt is considered miraculous, let alone a
hole-in-one. Poo’s play was sufficiently strong to carry her old man to
a four-stroke victory in the 2-person (very PC) scramble format of the
day.
Julian Clarke, who was playing his last round of this
visit, teamed with Keith Meehan to edge Paddy Wilson and Mike Lloyd on
countback. John Foote and the omnipresent Graham Holmes snatched the last
spot.
Wednesday March 17
Burapha - C & D - Blue Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Place A Flight: Per Aschan, net 68
2nd Place A Flight: Steve Mascari, net 68
1st Place B Flight: Sugar Ray, net 68
2nd Place B Flight: Seamus Brennan, net 72
Near Pin: #8 Mike Crainghead
Per Aschan returned to Lewiinski competition with an A
Flight count back victory over proprietor Steve Mascari. Per, Per, Per...
don’t you know you don’t beat the boss on the first day back? Sugar
Ray Hanford, sporting a smile that showed how much his game had improved,
put a choke hold on the B Flight gold by scoring a four shot victory over
second place, and son of St. Pat’s, Seamus Brennan.
Friday March 19
Century Banchang - White Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight: Steve Mascari, 38 points
2nd Place A Flight: John Emmerson, 38 points
1st Place B Flight: Colin Davis, 36 points
2nd Place B Flight: Danny Dyke, 35 points
Near Pin: #7 Risto Manerus
Steve righted the injustice of two days before by passing the grief of
a countback loss onto Golf Manager, John Emmerson. Colin Davis edged
Danny Dyke by a single stroke despite both players having their mind on
the post tourney debriefing in the attendant Social District of Banchang.
Big Bucks for the Young Bucks!
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Bunker
The highlight of the Bunker’s month is always the
two-day event at Green Valley and this month’s event was no exception.
Green Valley put on its best face on Monday and Tuesday, March 15 and 16 for
the seven three-ball teams who competed in a stableford event with the best
two scorecards per team, per day, counting towards the final result.
The two days were very hot with a strong breeze blowing
to cool the golfers, if not actually helping their game and the very fast
greens and tight pin positions on the second day, in particular, added to
the challenge.
At the end of the first day the team of golfing young
bucks, Steve Nowell, Mark Joshua and David Smith held a firm grip on the
tournament with their combined score of 75 points, which equated to a team
round of three under par. The nearest challengers were the team of old hands
Harry Riley, Doug Campbell and Saranya Chaiyanont with a level par 72
points. Waiting in the wings were Bill Hewitt, Keith Hector and Wilf Latham
only a further two points behind. With conditions tougher on the second day
the initial impact was made by a team representing a combined 185 years of
finely honed athleticism, John Preddy, Pat Murphy and Len Jones, and their
67 points equaled their total for the first day. They were to be the only
team that was to hold its own whilst all the others performed less well.
For a long time they were the two-day clubhouse leaders
until Bill, Keith and Wilf crawled in exhausted after a round of 66 points.
Before they had the time to refresh themselves the final group had returned
bearing a score of 70 points.
At the end of the day the young bucks had picked up the
two daily first prizes and the glory of the overall victory.
On day one there was only one birdie two, that of Bill
Hewitt, but on the second day a quarter of the field had achieved the same
feat with Len Jones, Wilf Latham, David Smith, and Harry Riley all sharing
the Bunker Super Sawng award with an elated Ian Phillips whose eagle two on
the third hole had stolen the glory for the day. Sadly for Remy Guy, Paul
Butler and Dale Shier their ignominious display on the second day had
guaranteed them the Bunker Banana Booby prize but they took it in good part
as always.
Another successful two-day event had closed and all eyes
are turning to the third week in April when the next one will be played at
Green Valley.
Tough Times at Khao Kheow
On Thursday March 28, three dozen Bunker Boys and ladies
traveled to Khao Kheow for the weekly stableford event and found the A and B
courses in reasonable condition with racing greens on the “A” nine. Khao
Kheow is a fine golfing challenge but times would be tough indeed on a hot,
still day!
In division two, cut at eighteen, nobody came anywhere
near par but a resurgent John Preddy, currently in good form, fired 31
points to take third place, one behind Neil Griffin, recently returned from
work in Iran. Annual visitor Sharon Burton topped the field with her 33
points.
Division one saw the same tight struggle as Keith
Smithson and David Smith vied for second place, both scoring 32 points.
Keith’s gross 76 was a fine achievement on a day when putting was all
about touch and feel. David Lightfoot took the main prize with a splendid 33
points and left the course with thoughts of what might have been for his
first nine total of 22 points had held such great promise. Brian Watson
bagged the day’s only birdie two to win the Bunker Super Sawng award and
at the other end of the leaderboard Bill Hewitt, Jon Wood and Jim Payne all
detected a whiff of fruit until Mr. Loy awarded the Bunker Banana Booby to
the latter for his low score of the day. On the day, the course at Khao
Kheow had won but the Bunker Boys will be back!
Bob “The Leprechaun”
O’Lindborg is magic at Mulligan’s
Mulligan’s Irish Bar & Restaurant
on Soi Pattayaland One staged its 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Tournament
on the near sacred day of the March 17. Proprietors Ray Ryan and Larry
Nicholas, along with Golf Organizer Bruce Tollitt, threw another great
affair, replete with a tough test of golf on Peter Thompson’s Green
Valley layout, a sumptuous buffet, liberal libations and karaoke for the
Irish in everyone.
 Bruce
Tollitt presents the champion’s trophy to Bob Lindborg as Ray Ryan looks
on.
On the day that it is said there are two types of
people, the Irish and those that wish they were Irish (that’ll get the
Brits!), the promoters were hopeful that a visitor from the ol’ sod would
carry the day. Certainly countrymen Gerry Power and Mike Seary made a run
of it, garnering 39 points each in A Flight. But the day was left to a
Geordie, and the widely recognized Guru of Green Valley, Bob Lindborg, and
his 41 points. Fortunately Bob was speechless after his victory. George
“One Potato” Jackson snatched the bronze in A Flight. Danny Greer and
Alec Hoare filled out B flight.
 Party
revelers at Mulligan’s.
Overall Champion: Bob Lindborg.
A Flight: 1st: Gerry Power (39); 2nd: Mike Seary (39);
3rd: George Jackson (33).
B Flight: 1st: Bob Lindborg (41); 2nd: Danny Greer (38);
3rd: Alec Hoare (37).
Nearest Pins: #5 Phil Mitchell; #8 Joe Carney; #13
Graham Beaumont; #16 Terry Summers.
Longest Putt: #18 John Evans.
Longest Drive: #7 Clive Bruce.
PSC Golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar
Friday March 19
Bangpakong
Riverside
Country Club
Stableford
What a fine course this is, long, at about 6700 yards, and
pretty open it favors the big hitters, especially if the wind is not blowing.
Laid out along the windy banks or the Bangpakong River it always seems to blow,
as it did this day, and usually for some reason we are hit with a deluge, as
also late in the round we were on this day.
 Bobby
and Max with the winner Derek Brook.
The day had started as normal with a full free solid
breakfast for all the players and a liquid breakfast for Bobby. This running bar
is too tough for the likes of a mere mortal. So load the golfers into the cars
and prepare for the long haul to Bangpakong. On this day the road was packed,
and missing the Motorway turnoff meant a miserable drive up route 3 to the club.
Still we got there on time and booked in quickly and reached the first tee on
time.
Technical winners
with Bobby.
As said, this is a fine course to play, pretty open and if
you hit a good ball fairly forgiving, but it is long with most par 4 holes in
the region of 400 yards with a few even longer and the par 3’s all about 200
yards - and for some reason into the wind. Drivers and 3 woods are in use at a
few of them. The shot of the day, and nearly cause for drinks all round was
played on one of the par 3’s when Derek Brook, having a fine day, hit the ball
and it looked in when the ball disappeared only to be found 6 inches behind the
hole. The cellophane bridge.
Back in the Clubhouse as the first group enjoyed a well
earned beer, Derek was leader in the Clubhouse having shot a gross 78, with 4
birdies, his best round for a long time, but it was known there were some tough
players behind with high handicaps. And the good rounds did come in, but all not
quite good enough, until we had a card with 25 points on the front nine, but a
fall away on the back. So he hung on and any time a round in the 70’s is shot
it should be good enough to win, but here you can never tell.
So to the drive back and packed roads and heavy rain lead to
stopped traffic and bent noses for many cars on Route 7. A slow crawl back
didn’t get any better as we hit Pattaya and the Music Festival traffic. With
Beach road blocked off and 2nd Road one way, the traffic back from the Dolphin
Roundabout was in trouble. It must be difficult for the Police to know where to
send all the traffic and a big circle to nowhere is as good a solution as any.
Back at the 60’s Bar the food was on the go and Beach Road
was bouncing as a ‘Bright eyed Bobby’ after his ‘Midday Siesta’ did the
presentation in his winning funny hat. Then, as is normal, we all complained
about no Carlsberg and comforted ourselves with a second best.
Winner: Derek Brook
Long Putts: Derek Brook, Ray Spurling
Near Pins: Jack Brabant, Bill Knight, Mike Allidi, Derek Brook, Mike Chady,
Colin Bavington, Andy Evans, Gavin Bradley.
PSC Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday
March 15
Bangpra International Golf Club
Stableford
The Bangpra layout was host for a
Stableford Competition in two Flights, A 0 to 18 and B 19
upwards. The course was in fine condition but a bit dry.
As usual service in the Clubhouse was impeccable and the
food first class.
 Ted
Morris, winner A flight on Tuesday
On the day Ted Morris took the A Flight
with 39 points, Ebrahim was second with 35 points and Rob
Brown third with 34 point.
In the B Flight Dutchman Henk De Bock
won with 36 points, second was Alan Pearce with 35 points
and third was Harvey Samuel with 33 points.
Near Pins: #2 & #8 Jeff Wylie; #12
Wayne Koch; #17 Richard Kubicki
Thursday
March 18
Eastern Star
Golf Club
Stableford
 ‘Mr.
Steady’ Ebrahim, winner A flight on Tuesday
This Robert Trent Jones Jr. Course is a
tough test on any day, but when the wind blows it can turn
into a monster, and on this day it was pretty windy. The
course has been worked on quite considerably in the last
12 months and the fairways are pretty good at present but
there are still problems with the greens. They are much
improved but just not there yet.
 Henk
De Bock, winner B flight on Tuesday
Thus on the day the course won, with
only one golfer shooting his handicap or better and the A
Flight getting their ‘You know what’ severely kicked.
Still there is always tomorrow.
In the A Flight ‘Mr. Steady’
Ebrahim came in with 33 points to win the Flight. Second
was decided on countback with a magnificent 31 points and
Don Richardson came second with Derek Brook third. Not
good scores but you only need to score more than the rest
on the day.
 John
Swanson, winner B flight on Thursday
In the B Flight John Swanson won with a fine 37 points,
in these conditions. Second was decided on countback with
three players on 35 points. Second was Dick Worden, third
was Dave Richardson and just losing out was Brian Noguer.
Warwick and Willett shoot the better ball
Mike Franklin
Ian Warwick and Larry Willett found form on St.
Patrick’s Eve, March 16, with a fine performance to win the
Shenanigan’s Pairs Better Ball at Eastern Star Country Club &
Resort.
 Kim
Price receives his Guinness polo shirt for his gross par on the
treacherous #9 hole.
Their score of 48 Stableford points was just enough to
beat an Eastern Star ‘Management’ team, comprising Khun Saradej (GM)
and Khun Chamnan (F&B Manager) by one point. Their score of 47 points
was three shots clear of third place winners, the irrepressible
partnership of Mikael Andersson and John King returning 44 points.
 Saradej,
GM of Eastern Star, receives his runner-up prize.
The course continues to be in fine shape. The greens
were running at speed 8, and some work, that did not interfere with play,
was in progress at some of the bunkers with finer texture sand being
added as a first step in a program that will make a number of ‘fine
tuning’ improvements to areas of the course. More news of that in
future visits to Eastern Star.
The technical prizes were well spread with near pins
being claimed by Larry Willett, Mikael Andersson, Cecil Williams and Igor
Saktor. The Rysers sank both of the long putts, Steve on the ninth and
Toy on the eighteenth.
 Winners
Ian Warwick and Larry Willett with Mike Franklin and daughter.
The weather was great - a fine hot summer’s day with
a strong cooling breeze adding to the enjoyment.
The players all received a Free Irish coffee voucher
and a Guinness cap to acknowledge St. Patrick’s Day eve, and Eastern
Star added a further touch of hospitality by serving a glass of bright
green ‘Paddy Punch’ at registration. A nice gesture appreciated by
all.
Back at Shenanigans it was business as usual, although
the leprechauns had been at the sound system and Mike had to do the prize
giving ‘acappella’. Some new faces were welcomed in the form of Scott
Corbett, Mark Guthrie, Sean Murphy, Werner Glimm, Dave Townsend, Khun
Ting and, visiting from Belgium, Anthony Botellberge and Tom
Vandermoortele.
A special welcome also to Khun Saradej, Eastern Star
General Manager, on his first outing with Shenanigans and visit to the
pub. Kim Price, playing for the first time on a golf course with namesake
Landlord Fletcher, had the sort of round one would expect but a gross par
on the ninth deserved special commendation, for which he was presented
with a Guinness polo shirt.
It was welcome back to Khun Lek, Herb Schweiterman,
Rob Brown and Rick Bevington, and sadly farewell to the Williams, Stevens
and Saktors - all due to return later in the year.
The ‘Tuesday 100 baht Special’ was Chef Sunny’s
Irish stew, and very good it was too. A free Jameson Irish coffee to
finish it off and complete an enjoyable and very friendly Shenanigans St.
Patrick’s Eve.
Tuesday March 30 sees a return to Pattaya Country Club
for a Pairs Combined Stableford. Sign-up on Shenanigans golf notice
board.
The ladies have their special day coming up at the Shenanigans Ladies
International Open on Friday April 2 at Eastern Star. This is followed by
the Shenanigans Funhill Cup on Friday April 23. Full details on the
notice board, in the Pattaya Mail and on the web page at
www.shenanigans-pattaya.com.
Shakey Pete’s spirit helps Bobby shoot 47 points
3 Sisters Golf
The Ides of March - the omen was out. Bobby Clark struck gold. Bobby
claims that it was Shakey Pete that helped him shoot the game of his
life. Bobby was wearing a hat that Shakey had given him. The Logo on the
hat was a Bull with the words “Shakey’s Higher Institute of
Technology”. In other words Bull S— What? Bobby swears that Shakey
helped him shoot 90 off the stick - 11 under his handicap! He had never
before shot this low - 47 points — 25 on the front and 22 on the back
at Siam. I’ll bet that it will be a while before Bobby does this again.
Good shooting Bobby.
In a distant second, Bob Benda and Tim Holt tied at 38
points. This would have normally been a good score but as it was their
numbers looked small and dismal. Both Bob and Tim are always near the top
so they will have their day in the sun shortly.
In from work this week was Gerry Holt. Gerry may have
been in Pattaya and playing golf at Siam but I think he left his game at
work. Gerry came in with a score of 16 points holding up the rest of the
golfers for the week. He did not fall into the cellar, he crashed with a
bang! I guess all the time working and not playing golf told on his game.
I’m sure that by next week his game will be getting back on track.
Rollie Weese and Mike Gerrard tried to take the bottom spot but shot all
too well to give Gerry any cause for alarm. Both tied at 23 points - 7
points off the bottom slot. It will be interesting to see who will be
sliding into the cellar next week.
Strongmen muscle in on the 2nd Annual International Arm Wrestling Competition
Following the success of last
year’s event, the Royal Garden Plaza Pattaya, in association with the
Bodybuilding Association of Thailand, held the 2nd Annual International Arm
Wrestling Championship last Saturday afternoon.
 Supagrit
Somprasert out-maneuvered Edoardo Cuaz from Italy in the under 75 kg class.
The competition, open to all nationalities, was well
attended in the two weight categories, under 75 kilograms and over 75
kilograms, and drew a great deal of interest from onlookers as the
testosterone driven men used the best strong-arm tactics to defeat their
opponents in the best of three matches.
 In
the over 75 kg class it was Dean Fairfield from the UK against Lennart Axen
from Sweden.
When it came down to the last two in the under 75 kg
class it was 28 year old Supagrit Somprasert out-maneuvering his opponent
Edoardo Cuaz from Italy 2 to 1 for the first prize of a trophy and 15,000
baht in cash.
 Two
muscle-bound Thai contestants struggle in the preliminary round.
In the over 75 kg class it was an international battle
between the very large Dean Fairfield from the UK against Lennart Axen from
Sweden. The Englishman took two rounds from the Swede to win the first prize
trophy from the Bodybuilding Association of Thailand and 15,000 in cash.
The runners-up in both classes received 5,000 baht each
for their huge efforts and bringing excitement to the numerous spectators
watching the event.
Mighty Dubliner defeat title rivals on Super Saturday
MBMG International Casuals League - Week 17
Fresh from having signed a multi-million baht
television deal, Khun Kwai, the league owner and chairman, cancelled all
other fixtures this week but for a pair of glamour games to usher in the
new televised era.
Thus, it was The Scandinavian Vikings versus The Mighty
Dubliner and paparazzi favorites, Bangkok Glitz against bitter rivals
Patana.
As millions around the nation’s capital settled in to
watch this veritable feast of football and thousands more filled into the
ground, there was a sense of shared participation in an historic occasion
and a feeling that, in years to come, old and young alike would be able to
look back in awe and whisper with pride: ‘I was there’.
The Scandinavian Vikings, cup holders and current
league leaders, were in exuberant mood before their game against the
current champions and second place team the Mighty Dubliner, holding a
seven-point lead over their rivals and having been imperious this season.
In contrast, the Mighty Dubliner had been comprehensively beaten in their
last game and rumors of an injury crisis abounded. As the team sheets were
released there were collected gasps from the green and white hordes
dominating three corners of the stadium, as the full extent of the crisis
was revealed: seven first teamers out, and starts for youngsters
Wakefield, Mine Jae and Millward, in a game that would make or break the
season.
The Vikings, in their pre game ritual of hurling axes
at oak doors and shouting ‘Slaughter!’ smelt blood.
The game began with the Vikings continually hurling
long balls in to their opponent’s box, yet Brawn Jamieson and Scott
Meilke were resolute in defense, refusing to be bullied into submission.
And, with the Vikings unable to breech the Mighty Dubliner’s sturdy
fortress, the champions began to slowly establish a strangle hold on the
game, and with twenty minutes gone, Sloman, The Mighty Dubliner’s top
scorer, purred into top gear, out-paced the Viking defense and prodded the
ball into the net. As befitting the team of Nordic warriors, the Vikings
began to fling everything at their enemy but the drawbridge would not
lower and the Mighty Dubliner clung on for a precious victory. Talking to
the press after the game, Robbo the Mighty Dubliner’s coach said
magnanimously: “The Vikings are a great team, and probably deserved more
than they got today.”
In Super Saturday’s other game Bangkok Glitz,
darlings of the media with their good looks and silky skills took on
Patana. Indeed, there was a hint of hostility in the air after the
acrimonious pre-season transfer of the talented Stamp brothers from Glitz
to Patana. In a tight game, marred by regular pitch invasions by screaming
teenage girl’s eager touch their pin ups, saw the Stamp brothers
instrumental in Patana’s first win of the season, 3-2.
Results Week 17:
Scandinavian Vikings 0 - 1 The Dubliner
Patana 3 - 2 Bangkok Blitz
PH3 St. Patrick’s Day Run #1045
Dateline: HHH; A-Site: Wat Yan Road; Monday March 15;
16:00 hours; Year 2004 plus some 10 days. Today it’s the St Patrick’s
Day run.
Tony signed on Good Friday so let’s forget about the
last 2,000 years and while Oliver Cromwell turns in his grave we can
celebrate the land of the little people. Certainly not The Quiet Man G.M.
Charlie Manson calls the circle to first bless the new shoes (why do you
never see leprechauns with soiled boots?) then invites the hares Seamen
Stains and wife Lee (I vote we rename her Ryan’s Daughter) to explain the
run.
Watching the various Christy Browne’s and Roddy
Doyle’s set off on the run putting My Left Foot forward I am reminded of
the remark from Tip O’Neill “What is five miles long with an I.Q. of 11?
Answer: A St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Still Seaman’s no Edmund Burke and quite Jonathan Swift
so I have a feeling they will have a good work out. Regretfully having to
stay at the A-Site to guard the hash rags I resort to consulting with the
likes of King Yao Yao and Sir Fossil to obtain the full extent of today’s
exercitations. Trusting Teutonic reliability it transpires the run was most
acceptable. Flat except for the hilly bits. Good and plentiful checks with
some F.T.’s thrown in and for the cracks a well measured length made for a
different and satisfying run. Such praise indeed from this normally hard to
please duo. Small wonder the Fatherland was allowed to dock U-Boats off the
coast of the Emerald Isle a few years back. All in all a good run so cause
to James Joyce.
PH3 Toiesearch Charlie Manson calls the circle for
Energizer Bunny to get the raffle out of the way then what else would you
expect on the St. Patrick’s day run but some religion. Sir Airhead, a man
who has not so much kissed the Blarney Stone as swallowed it takes the
circle to act as the Eamon De Velara’s instrument first icing the hares to
rubber stamp today’s favorable run opinion. Luc Jannssen gets the name
Passport P. and Sunee Patpoon becomes Big Airport.
R.W. does time for trying to pass his hash trash to his
good lady Tina Star; then it’s back to Charlie who ices the shirtless ones
before welcoming the visitors and virgins. No surrender as Father Ted, our
own Sir C. F., takes over the circle to reveal T-4 is useless at
cartography. Having spat the dummy returnee Dr Pinky does his penance over
his fear of Thai premier Thaksin taking over his beloved Liverpool F.C.
(buying Liverpool itself would be cheaper) and then it’s back to CM for
some anniversaries.
Dr Pinky completes his 300 runs and Ewok receives both
her 300 run T-Shirt and mug and in return we are treated to a quick peak of
silicone valley as she duly tries her shirt on. Returnees dealt with then on
the Brendan Behan of the G.M. S.S. on in to fulfill his Commitments and J.M.
Syng the Ugly song for us.
Incidentally O.K. T-Shirt design mate but orange would
have looked better. A down-down to celebrate Snowflake’s upcoming birthday
and as the PH3 has some Captain Boycotts, rotten to The Corrs, conducting
their own circle CM gets IRAte and hands out several double down downs.
Hash Hymn duly rendered with the Noraid of S.S. then
it’s off to the T.Q.1 for hot dogs and happy hour. If I have left anyone
out apologies. Faces and fannies I never forget but names are for
tombstones.
On On
Free Willy
Mickey Mouse Darts League
Table leaders are now Pleasure Dome. Rising Sun had a
hard night against an in-form PSI, who won all at the Rising Sun. Smugglers
keep in touch with the top teams by a game win but a beer loss at home to
Palmers.
The bottom of the table is still tight, with Cheers and
Windsor Tavern winning their respective beer legs. Helicopter has landed at
the bottom by losing all in a hard fight against Devonshire, it was all
decided on the beer.
Next fixture will be played on April 2.
Results:
Teams Game Beer Under 10’s
Windsor Tavern/Pleasure D Pleasure Dome Windsor Tavern 5
- 4
Bunker/Cheers Cheers Bunker 4 - 5
Smugglers/Palmers Smugglers Palmers 7 - 8
Helicopter/Devonshire Devonshire Devonshire 8 - 4
Rising Sun/PSI PSI PSI 3 - 1
League Standings:
Team Won Lost Beer U 10’s Check
1. Pleasure Dome 9 1 4 56
2. Rising Sun 8 2 6 39
3. Smugglers 8 2 4 56 Ron 137
4. PSI 6 4 7 39
5. Devonshire 6 4 7 53
6. Bunker 4 6 2 52
7. Palmers 3 7 5 65
8. Cheers 2 8 5 52
9. Windsor Tavern 2 8 5 53
10. Helicopter 2 8 4 66
Next Fixtures (April 2):
Cheers vs Pleasure Dome; PSI vs Windsor Tavern; Rising Sun vs Helicopter;
Devonshire vs Smugglers; Palmers vs Bunker
Nacra Ch’ships of Thailand: BNH to the rescue
story and pix by Peter Cummins
In the just-completed 2004 Nacra National Championship of
Thailand, sailed off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, South Pattaya, the deadly
Baguley father/son combination of Gary/Adrien with five straight wins,
bolted away with the hi-tech Nacra 5.8 racing machine (with spinnaker).
 The
loneliness of the ‘long-distance Nacra sailor’.
In the second division, a mixture of single-handers and
craft of various sizes and configurations, racing to handicap, saw solo 14
Square sailor, Jan Holldorf, narrowly defeat the larger Nacra 5.5 (spin)
with Stefan, Jamna De Vos.
In the Nacra 16 Square (spin), the personable Roscoe
Guinea, flying in from his Brisbane Catamaran facilities, showed that he not
only builds boats, but knows how to sail them, finishing just marginally
ahead of our own home-towner, ever-improving Alberto Cassio.
 Nacras cross the start line: the weather obliged.
The Bangkok Nursing Home Hospital, through its
intermediary Claire Medd, while not exactly rescuing these heroic sailors -
even the geriatric ones - joined Brisbane Catamarans, The Chandlery at Royal
Varuna Yacht Club and Packworks, to under-write the Nacra National
Championships, 2004.
In fact, it was Claire, communicating with husband Simon
in Brazil, who organized the championships, maintaining the interest of BNH
and managing to finish third in her division.
 The
fleet closes up: close racing.
An up-market first-aid kit, fancy carry-alls and, most
importantly, free medical check-ups were disbursed as prizes, by BNH. 4.
Home-towner Alberto Cassio Septuagenarian Race Officer Richard van den
Heuvel, who had spent seven grueling hours on the water managing the first
day’s four races, would have been the appropriate recipient of a check-up
voucher, though he vehemently denied that he needed one!
 Home-towner
Alberto Cassio receives his reward from Claire and Richard.
More seriously, it was a most welcome support from BNH,
to a sport which although, somewhat justifiably, can lay claim to be one of
the world’s healthiest past-times, is also accident-prone, especially in
high winds.
The first day of the Nacra Championships of Thailand 2004
started out overcast, with light rain. Principal Race Officer and Royal
Varuna Sailing Secretary Richard van den Heuvel looked anxiously at the
skies for a break in the low-scudding cumulus. It came, slowly at first and
by mid-day, there were about 10 knots of wind - plenty, he estimated, to
hold four races.
 Roscoe
Guinea (centre) up from Brisbane takes home his Nacra 16 Sq. trophy, flanked
by event organizer Claire Medd (L) and race manager Richard van den Heuvel.
Sunday was much of the same, except there was no break
until around one p.m. But Richard had decreed that there would be five races
- and there were. Nobody messes with Sir Dickie when there are races to be
sailed, championships to be held, winners and losers to be allocated to the
hierarchy when it is all over.
 Baguley
and Son, Open winners (Nacra 5.8 spin): L to R: Gary (dad), Principal Race
Officer Richard, event organizer BNH’s Claire Medd and Adrien (son).
Although this correspondent was assigned to cover the
“Pattaya Music Festival” this last weekend, his recent forays into the
Classics (Vienna Philharmonic and Puccini’s “Tosca”) left him somewhat
disinterested in the maxi decibels of bands that all sound the same, the
utter confusion and the horrendous traffic jams of Pattaya.
Rather, he (wisely) chose the music of Nature out there
on the sea - admittedly, with the occasional shouting of the sailors.
Although this same correspondent had mooted sixty craft
on the water, it was somewhat less but came up to a count of almost sixty
hulls!
There were as many classes of this racing craft
competing, as Elizabeth Taylor has had husbands. For the uninitiated, Nacra
was the acronym for “North American Catamaran Racing Association”,
though it seems that the Aussies have taken over.
Results:
Nacra 5.8 class (spin) (points scored): 1. Baguley (4);
2. Aaron R. Wandee W. (8); 3. Claire Medd/Neil Semple (13); 4. (Equal, 17
points) Andrew/Joe Connelly, Ute/Claus Dorfner; 6. Olly Hughes/Mark
Hamill-Stewart (19); 7. Simon Makinson/James Pitchon (26).
Open class (first six only) (craft/points scored): 1. Jan
Holldorf (N. 14 Sq, 8); 2. Stefaan/Jamna De Vos (N. 5.5, 10); 3. Jan De
Bruin (N. 17 uni, 11); 4. Ivo Gonzenbach/Sarah Wesnes (N. 5, 12); 5. Jouke
Postma (N. 14 Sq, 20); 6. Pieri Gualtieri/Toy (N. 5, 23).
Nacra 16 sq: 1. Roscoe Guinea (5); 2. Alberto Cassio (6);
3. Olaf Reese (12); 4. Gary Cooper (15); 5. Iain Pengelly (21).
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Big news last week when it was announced that Ratanachai
Sor Vorapin (55-8) will get a shot at WBO bantamweight champion Cruz
Carbajal (24-11-1, 20 KOs). He’ll get that chance on May 7 and in the
friendly atmosphere of Bangkok. For Vorapin the third time might be the
charm. After Vorapin beat Danny Romero in ’01 he had a opportunity to win
the crown in a fight with IBF Champ “Terrible” Tim Austin at Foxwoods
Casino.
He came up way short losing a UD. Prior to that he fought
Gerry Penalosa for the WBC International title losing in 6 via TKO.
Vorapin’s on a nine fight winning streak but his best days may be in the
rear view mirror. Carbajal may be ranked right up there with Tom Austin in
his prime. Vorapin is rated #1 by the WBO but a respected computer ranking
has him #18 behind countrymen Veeraphol (42-1-2), Chartchai Sasakul (44-2)
and the up and coming Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym (16-0). It will be a tough
hill to climb.
The hopes and pride of the “Bomb Thrower from the
Beach” are that Audley Harrision was engaged in a “big time fight”
last Sunday. Well he thought it was big time as he had Lennox “The
Lionhearted” adding his sage advice and counsel from ringside.
Not everyone thought it was a big deal least of all Jack
Magowan from the Belfast Telegraph. “Why is it always hard to know which
hat fits Audley Harrison among boxing’s shop-soiled heavyweights? Tonight,
the 32-year-old Londoner, who talks better than he fights, clashes with a
Dutchman not even ranked 100th best in the world for something called the
WBF championship in a contest nobody wants to take seriously.”
Well in fact the WBF title does mean nothing. Harrison
did though improve his record to 15-0 with a fourth round KO over Richel
“The Dutch Sonny Liston” Hersisia (21-1) Saturday night at Wembley Arena
in London. This fight may or may not mean anything, only time will tell. The
BBC - while not over the moon - was impressed.
“Hersisia looked confident enough in the opening two
rounds but Harrison opened up a cut over the Dutchman’s left eye in round
three. Harrison finished the job with a thunderous upper-cut two minutes
into the fourth round.” Harrison? “I give that a seven or eight out of
10.” “A win is a win is a win.”
Boy you wanna talk about “hangin’ in there”.
Fabrice Tiozzo won his first world title (WBC Light Heavy) back in 1995 with
a decision over “Iron” Mike McCallum (46-2). He would defend once
successfully against Eric Lucas (36-6) before moving over to win the WBA
Cruiserweight Crown. That title he defended 5 times when he was knocked out
colder than a Tiger Woods pitch shot by Virgil “Old Man River” Hill in
one round back in 2001. After taking 2002 off he had a couple of tune up
fights before winning the WBA Light Heavy title Saturday night in Lyon,
France.
His victim was Silvio Branco (49-7) who was defending for
the first time. It was a majority decision (114-112, 114-112, 113-113) in a
match where both fighters were down. The man who Branco neat for the title,
Meddi Sahnoune (25-1), had a win on the undercard.
There’s good news down the road for WBA Super
Featherweight champ Yodsanan (Nanthachai) 3K-Battery (43-2-1; 36 KO’s).
Not only does he get a fight in the USA against Jorge Rodrigo Barrios
(40-2-1) but it’ll be on American television via HBO.
3K gets Barrios, a former minor champion, only because
Joel Casamayor lost to Diego Corrales a couple of weeks ago while fighting
for the WBO title. That’s a huge break for 3-K as he gets the TV exposure
and a quality opponent. More as the fight draws near.
Last Friday IBF #8 Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym (40-3) stopped
Roberto Oyan (16-11-2) in 6.
Rakkiatgym trapped Oyan in his own corner while bombing
away with guided missiles from both hands that landed spot on and had Oyan
out on his feet. The other 3-K, Fahsang (43-6), scored a second round
knockout over Ramil Anito (25-23-3) of the Philippines. “3K Battery
attacked from the first bell and connected with effective combinations. In
round two a right hook - left cross dropped the import for the full ten
count.”
Big fight tomorrow night in the land of Blonds, Beer and
Bratwursts. Sven Ottke (33-0) will defend his WBA & IBF Super
Middleweight titles against Armand Krajnc (29-2) a former WBO Middleweight
champ. Krajnc, from Sweden, won the WBO crown by KO in 6 over Bert Schenk in
Germany. Krajnc had a problem with the German promoters Universum so gave
back the title to the WBO. Heck they didn’t want the darn thing wither so
it as given back to Krajnc.
Krajnc didn’t keep it long as he lost it in his second
defense to South African Harry Simon. Sven Ottke has been, and is
considered, the best in the business at this weight. It’s been rumored
that this might be Ottke’s last fight in Germany before he tries America
or retires at the end of the year. “I must knock him out,” says Krajnc.
“A KO or a TKO, it doesn’t matter. I must go with the flow. When I land
my punch I’ll get him. Everybody knows that in boxing - once I get my
opponent I don’t let him go. But my problem is that I must catch him
first. But once I have him - booom! I don’t draw back like other fighters.
You see, other fighters step back, but not me. I fight.” We will see what
we will see.
The Bermuda Triangle of fighters, Indonesia, has another
fighter in a battle for his life as we go to press. This time it’s Dian
Hasibuan, who underwent brain surgery following to his TKO loss from Jack
Rui. Way to go Indonesia. Don’t let anyone tell you how to live or act.
Just keep killing fighters in the ring while your promoters and boxing
authorities get pig fat rich off the poor trying to make their way in life.
11 boxers qualify for 2004 World Championships in Chiang Mai
Suchada Tupchai
The local branch of the amateur Thai Boxing Federation
recently held the first round competition fights in preparation for the
upcoming 2004 world championships to be held in Chiang Mai, April 7 - 14
this year.
 40
boxers from 5 provinces battled it out to qualify for the 2004 World
Championships.
The low-key tournament was held on a temporary stage at
the Bali Hai Pier, South Pattaya as 40 boxers from 5 provinces battled it
out in center ring for selection to participate in the championships.
Anuparp Kesuwan, federation secretary revealed that 11
boxers would qualify to compete in the north.
The two day tournament, was a very low-key event but
despite that was well attended by boxing fans and competitors alike.
At the end of the 3 days the final 11 were presented with
their prizes with the overall division champions moving into the next round.
Results:
Pinweight (45 kgs)
1. Rewat Ponmaharaj, Nakorn Panom
2. Wirat Jantrgrajarng, Angtong
3. Chonsorn Mungmee, Bangkok
Flyweight (48 kgs)
1. Kraisorn Sarnbun, Angtong
2. Sarawoot Suriya, Payao
3. Thankorn Duangsridar, Srisaket and Boonlue Sowarti,
Petchaburi
Flyweight (51 kgs)
1. Manoon Noonan, Songkhla
2. Taweesak Mennoi, Petchaburi
3. Rawicharn Pakae, Narn
Bantamweight (54 kgs)
1. Komgrit Changpradit, Angtong
2. Nattapong Rianson, Payao
3. Santichai Jaengsri, Srisaket and Komjitr Sutewisai,
Bangkok
Featherweight (57 kgs)
1. Kittipong Auamsumarng, Bangkok
2. Manotchai Ruengkrit, Krabi
3. Manop Chueniam, Angtong and Kriangkrai Guntuwong, Prae
Lightweight (60 kgs)
1. Gowit Taeptup, Krabi
2. Sinchai Prarbsakun, Angtong
3. Somchai Choosit, Krabi and Jirasak Sommut, Srisaket
Lightweight (60 kgs)
1. Charat Indaengthong, Angthong
2. Pongksak Kamkhao, Bangkok
3. Wongsawat Srilaowong, Srisaket and Anand Thonpradit, Sukhothai
Welterweight (63.5 kgs)
1. Apichart Sarman, Krabi
2. Siam Sungkamanee, Roi Et
Welterweight (67 kgs)
1. Prajuk Gaenjanbor, Bangkok
2. Pai Phakdeeratmanee, Angtong
3. Mana Pitartaro, Kalasin
Middleweight (71 kgs)
1. Teerapong Harnsupo, Nakorn Panom
2. Thamarat Khamklai, Petchaburi
Heavyweight (81 kgs)
1. Preecha Thipjantar, Krabi
2. Chai-anand Jongtrakul, Srisaket
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