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Yellowbellies take on Pattaya Panthers in rugby friendly
Horseshoe Point, May 9
By Neil Smith
A week after the immensely successful Chris Kays Memorial
Tens, the Pattaya Panthers returned to Horseshoe Point for the much awaited
return of the Yellowbellies touring team.
 The
Yellowbellies pick themselves up after a scrum collapse.
The Yellowbellies, a veteran’s side hailing from
Hamilton in New Zealand, were paying their second visit to Pattaya after
their previous tour in 2001.
As always, the visitors arrived with a strong contingent
of players and supporters. They also arrived with an unhealthy dose of
‘Pattaya belly’, which caused a number of their players a great deal of
discomfort during the game!
Panthers
executing their teamwork on the pitch for a friendly match against the
visiting Yellowbellies.
The game was played under veterans’ rules (35 years old
and over) and saw three ten-minute periods, non-contested scrums and a ban
on kicking. This made for an entertaining game contested in the true spirit
of touring rugby. The tackles were hard, the mauling and rucking physical
and there was an appropriate amount of shenanigans when the referee was
unsighted. All good clean stuff!
The
Kiwis performed a traditional Maori Haka before taking on the Pattaya
Panthers.
In typical New Zealand style the start of the game was
preceded by the Haka. This version was especially written in Maori to
reflect the subtle talents of this band of warriors. The game got under way
with the Panthers playing uphill.
A swiftly gathered kick by the Panthers was recycled and
several moves were put together involving both forwards and backs. The move
culminated in Duane Lindsay running into the in-goal area and cunningly
repeating his Manila stunt of falling over his own feet.
Another
try!
However, he did not break his arm this time and also
managed to safely touch the ball down. First blood to the Panthers.
A succession of tries followed for the Panthers scored by
Steve Turner, Neil Smith and Mark Betteridge.
After a well needed break for both sides the game
restarted and the Yellowbellies began to show their form as a rolling and
driving side. They took the game to the younger Panthers and exposed some
weaknesses in their defenses. The highlight of the second period was a try
for the Yellowbellies on the final whistle scored by Frits from a quickly
tapped short penalty. The Yellowbellies were on the score sheet and the
battered Panthers knew that they were in a game.
The third period started well for the Panthers as Mark
‘Bev’ Betteridge ran in his second of three tries. However, the visitors
answered back immediately with two tries from Jeff and Pete Maloney.
Pete had provided great amusement earlier in the game
when the ball popped into his hands unexpectedly and he stood there shocked
with a look of horror on his face not knowing what to do. However, his
teammates helping him out, took the ball off of him and drove it up the
field. Several more tries followed for the Panthers to complete a hard
fought and good natured game. The sides clapped each other off the field to
hearty applause from the crowd and slaps on the back all round.
In true Pattaya Panthers fashion both sides adjourned to
the Horseshoe Point pool for a swim and Heineken fueled re-hydration
session. Then it was off to Shenanigans for a well earned few beers and the
presentation of the man of the match award, which was unanimously awarded to
Mike from the Yellowbellies.
If you are interested in rugby or the Pattaya Panthers
you can find them at www. pattayapanthers.com or email to [email protected].
Scorers:
Pattaya Panthers Tries: Mark Betteridge-3, Steve Turner,
Neil Smith, Raymond Lindsay, Brian Reid, Richard Holt, and Peter Bowden.
Yellowbellies Tries: Frits, Jeff and Peter Maloney.
Helena Gabrielson on Kentucky
narrowly beats Chiang Mai ride
to win The President’s Cup 2004
By Willi Netzer
Helena Gabrielson on Kentucky from Equestrian Paradise
and Chiang Mai’s Phisit Jintanawat on Unique were point even after the
first round, so they had to compete against each other for a final time in a
jump-off. First entry was Phisit on Unique, who probably went a bit too
fast, dropping a wood at three different jumps.
 Some
great action at the President’s Cup and 2004 FEI World Jumping Challenge.
Helena had to keep her nerves, which she did expertly to
win the jump-off and the coveted Presidents Cup and the FEI-PSI World
Jumping Challenge.
Chaikiri Srifuengfung from the Horseshoe Point and
Country Club invited once again and Thailand’s horse riders came from as
far as Chiang Mai to compete for the President’s Cup and for qualifying
points to take part in the finals of the PSI sponsored FEI World Jumping
Challenge in Germany.
 Chaikiri
Srifuengfung (front left), Horseshoe Point Resort and Country Club chairman,
presents the President’s Cup to Helena Gabrielsson and her horse Kentucky
as the winner of 130 cm jumping event.
The activities started with the opening ceremony presided
over by the Thailand Equestrian Federations President, Lt. General Trairong
Indradat in the afternoon of May 6 and the beginning of the FEI-PSI World
Show Jumping Challenge.
Very convincing was Varat Ngawbunpat on his horse
Mitavite Luxor riding for Horseshoe Point taking the honors in category A
over 120 cm.
Category B over 105 cm was won by Nicole Pearson from the
Equestrian Paradise, riding her horse Happy King with a faultless
performance. Various other competitions in dressage and jumping lasted until
Sunday afternoon.
Conditions were not really favorable with daily showers
soaking the ground of the jumping arena.
One of the casualties of a slippery ground was Nicole
Pearson taking quite a heavy fall over a 100 cm jump.
Dressage delighted with tests from Preliminary to Prix
Saint George. The international judge was Allison King from Hong Kong,
highly regarded not only for her fair judgment but also for valuable lessons
and encouragement along the dressage rider’s quest for perfection.
Prix Saint George, Marina Andrukh again won the highest
dressage discipline in Thailand on her horse Rubinson riding for the Horse
Lovers Club.
The competition came to a final on Sunday afternoon with
a show jumping competition over a difficult course with jumps up to 130 cm.
Helena Gabrielson on Kentucky from Equestrian Paradise
won the Presidents Cup followed by Chiang Mai’s Phisit Jintanawat on
Unique and Third place went to Varat Ngawbunpat on Mitavite Luxor from the
Horseshoe Point.
Treasure Hunt Island Race this weekend
The Amara Sailing Center is hosting the 4th annual
windsurfing treasure hunt race in Pattaya.
 Fast
and fun windsurfing action coming to Pattaya this weekend.
This is an open class fun event where sailors of all
ages are invited.
On Saturday competitors will race to two islands where
they have to find mystery items and return with them. The second day is a
slalom event where sailors race around a short course with many turns. This
action is fast and exciting.
Amara says, “You don’t need expensive equipment to
enjoy this event.”
The Treasure Hunt will be held May 22 to 23 at the Amara
Sailing Center on the beach in front of Pattaya Park. For further
information and inquiries visit the website at www.amarasailingcenter.com
Sponsors include Starboard, Singha, Pattaya City, Thai Windsurfing
Association and Gaysorn Plaza.
Pattaya Pool League
Lawn Bowling League
Three Sisters take three from Brother D
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Paul (P.K.) led the Three Sisters to a three-point win over first place
Brother D with games of 163, 209 and 203, for a 574 series. Ooy led Brother
D with a 513-pin count.
 200
bowlers - Paul (P.K.), Kran and Jay.
Q Cars continued their good play as they took three
points from Nam Tip. Lenz was best for Q Cars with a 512 series and Gert
knocked down 501 pins.
Cafe Ole moved up into a tie for fourth after taking all
four points from House of the Golden Coin. Jim tipped over 530 pins and
Somrak added 506 for Cafe Ole as Mio knocked down 564 pins for Golden Coin.
Alt Koelle claimed three points from Jack & Tar with Jay, bowling as
a spare, tipping over 202 pins in game two. Cafe Kronborg won four points
from VFW Post 9876 behind Kran’s great bowling as she rolled games of
192, 198 and 204, for a 594 series. Jon had a 524 pin total for VFW Post
9876.
Standings Week 9
Team Standings Points (May14)
Brother D. 26 - 10 1 - 3
Three Sisters 24 - 12 3 - 1
Q Cars 21 - 15 3 - 1
Jack & Tar 17 - 19 1 - 3
Cafe Ole 17 - 19 4 - 0
VFW Post 9876 16 - 20 0 - 4
Alt Koelle 15.5 - 20.5 3 - 1
House of the Golden Coin 15 - 21 0 - 4
Nam Tip 15 - 21 1 - 3
Cafe Kronborg 13.5 - 22.5 4 - 0
Sunday Quiz League
Wednesday Quiz League
“Hardly a Bogie” Stefan Hoge Takes May Medal
IPGC Golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday May 9
Green Valley -
White Tees
Monthly Medal
1st Place A Flight: Rick Sharp, net 69
2nd Place A Flight: Silvio Bizzotto, net 73
3rd Place A Flight: John Emmerson, net 73
1st Place B Flight: Stefan Hoge, net 67, Monthly Medal Winner
2nd Place B Flight: Joe McArdle, net 70
3rd Place B Flight: Jim Munns, net 71
1st Place C Flight: Willie Turnbull, net 66
2nd Place C Flight: Lampoey “Nut” Meesuk, net 68
3rd Place C Flight: Jeremy Masse, net 71
Near Pin: #13 Silvio Bizzotto
It might have taken a little bet of a technicality but it
also took 18 holes of quality golf as Stefan Hoge walked off the Monthly
Medal winner for May 2004. The technicality involved Willie Turnbell who won
the loot in C Flight with the best on the day net 66, but regrettably was
not eligible for the Monthly Medal tankard, given that he didn’t belong to
the IPGC.
He was an exceedingly good sport about it and the
organizers were most appreciative of that. In any event, Stefan Hoge’s net
67 off a newly raised 17 handicap was a very creditable Winner with his net
67. That B flight winning score was followed in short order by Joe
McArdle’s net 70 and “Capt Foggs” Munns’ net 71.
Trailing Willie in C Flight were “Nut” Meesuk and
Jeremy Masse at net 68 and net 71, respectively.
“The Hermit” Sharp’s 69 led A Flight and a gaggle
of four golfers knotted at 73. Silvio Bizzotto and John Emmerson prevailed
in a countback over Steve Mascari and Brian Holden. In what is fast becoming
a Lewiinski’s Golf Society tradition, one Near Pin was prematurely
collected before the whole field had played the hole and, therefore, the
Italian Chef, Silvio Bizzotto was the sole voucher winner on the day.
Monday May 10
Phoenix - White Tees
2-Person Better Ball
1st Place: Phil Mitchell/Gary Blackburne, net 63
2nd Place: Seamus Brennan/Ben Finton, net 63
3rd Place: Gerhard Schulze/Perry McNeely, net 63
In a continuing effort to mix the competitions up, the
guys and gals signed up in pairs to contest a 2-person better ball. The
accomplished match-up of Phil Mitchell and Gary Blackburne had the best of
the day’s three 63s, on count back, and thereby, relegated Brennan and
Finton to the silver and Schulze and McNeely to the bronze.
Wednesday May 12
Bangpra - White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st Place A Flight: Rick Sharp, net 67
2nd Place A Flight: John Emmerson, net 72
1st Place B Flight: Jeremy Masse, net 65
2nd Place B Flight: Norm Robinson, net 71
Jeremy Masse showed considerable prowess on the course
and on the legendary greens of Bangpra to notch a best in B and best on the
day net 65. Jeremy whom you might recall adjusted the lay of his clubs a few
weeks ago continues to make rapid improvement.
Jeremy’s fine round left Stormin’ Norman Robinson in
second 6 strokes adrift. Rick Sharp continued to shake off the cobwebs that
had raised his handicap to 10 in recent weeks. In his second flight victory
of the week he cleared Golf Manager John Emmerson’s second place score by
five strokes.
It should be noted that John needed a friendly count back
to keep Perry McNeely off the podium.
Friday May 14
Khao Kheow - A & C - Yellow Tees
Stableford
1st Place A Flight: Steve Mascari, 37 points
2nd Place A Flight: Gary Blackburne, 36 points
3rd Place A Flight: Eddie Blackwell, 36 points
1st Place B Flight: Nigel Cannon, 36 points
2nd Place B Flight: Danny Dyke, 34 points
3rd Place B Flight Colin Davis, 33 points
Near Pin: #C8 Phil Groves
On a tough course such as Khao Kheow Yellow one expects
the cream to rise and well it did as Lewiinski’s owner and Pattaya Golf
fixture Steve Mascari was the only player to break his handicap. In so doing
he edged the brothers Black, Gary “*”burne and Eddie “*”well to the
second and third steps.
Nigel Cannon led two of his four ball mates, Danny Dyke
and Colin “The Donkey” Davis to the lower shelves. It must have been a
quiet ride home in Colin’s new van.
Two Personal Bests
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday May 10
Burapha East
Stableford
1st: Dale Drader, 40
2nd: Trevor Schirmer, 38 cb9 20
3rd: David Johnson, 38 cb9 19
4th: Michael Moore, 38 cb9 18 cb6 13
5th: Paul Hartley, 38 cb9 18 cb6 10
6th: Roy Thornton, 38 cb9 16
Dale Drader making one of his infrequent showings easily took
first place with a very good four under after not playing for some time. It
cannot be long before his long and straight hitting results in a reduction of
handicap to somewhere near sensible, or he relieves the handicap committee of
some of their cash to help them sharpen their pencils.
The next five placings all had to be decided by count back
with Trevor Schirmer just getting the nod with a good 20 points from David
Johnson with 19. Michael Moore edged out Paul Hartley with a better back six
leaving Major Roy in sixth with a measly 16 after a strong opening nine.
The only two of the day was achieved by Peter Umbach to sweep
the pool.
Before presenting the day’s prizes Richard Livingston, the
resident PGA Professional, welcomed back Dale Drader and Peter Umbach.
Wednesday May 12
Phoenix Lakes &
Ocean
Stroke play
1st: Trevor Schirmer, 64
2nd: Mo Bertrand, 66
3rd: Jimmy Little, 67
4th: Milton Kirk, 68
5th: Peter Emslie, 69 cb9 34
6th: Michael Moore, 69 cb9 35
Trevor Schirmer put together his career best round of gross
79 to sweep all before him to take the top honour by two shots from Mo Bertrand
who was making one of his, nowadays, rare appearances at The Haven due to
commitments to building a new nest for his family. On almost any other day Mo
would have been in top spot but was unlucky to find Trevor in such great form.
Jimmy Little also put together one of his best rounds to take
third spot with an excellent 67 that ensured him a podium position and a good
day of wagers with his playing partners.
Milton Kirk, Peter Emslie and Michael Moore had to be
satisfied with the lower placings in the day’s pecking order with scores that
would also be good enough to be at the top if not winning.
Amazingly with such low scores there were no twos and the pot
was therefore carried over to the next competition.
Friday May 14
Eastern Star
Stableford
1st: Richard Garland, 42
2nd: Paul Hartley, 40
3rd: Al Rolnik, 36
4th: Peter Emslie, 35 cb9 19
5th: Ken Leadstone, 35 cb9 18
Yet another personal best in Thailand was achieved, this time
by Richard Garland, as he put together 42 points over the testing Eastern Star
layout that included a gross thirty six on the back nine, was good enough to see
off all comers and claim first place. After losing out badly to Jimmy in the
previous outing, he exacted full revenge as Al Rolnik his partner of the day,
scored 21 points on the front and he added 25 on the back to make it a no
contest in their personal match.
Paul Hartley shot another good round below his handicap and
was unfortunate to find Richard in such good form and had to be content with
second place.
Al Rolnik, having excelled on the front nine, faded to only
fifteen on the back but that was still good enough to secure third spot ahead of
Peter Emslie and Ken Leadstone who had to be separated by count back, with Peter
just getting the edge.
Speaking of edges, after a hiatus of a couple of days when
many had to walk several hundred yards to find an alternative source, the mobile
ATM made a welcome reappearance but to the chagrin of all, was found to be not
in working order as all attempts to pay in and pay out were thwarted.
No doubt a technical hitch that will be sorted by the next
time The Haven plays.
The twos pool including the carry over was shared between Al
Rolnik, Barry Traynor, Richard Garland and newcomer Guy Billings, who showed
that, even if he could not quite play to his six handicap after nearly a years
lay off, he could still do a few things right.
Before the prize giving Richard welcomed new member Guy
Billings.
3 Sisters Golf
Monday the 10th was a beautiful day for golf. A few clouds
and blue skies with a slight wind blowing - not a bad day for golfing.  Doug
Powell winner at Three Sisters on May 10.
Doug Powell took full advantage of the conditions as he
hit his drives straight down the middle, putted and chipped well. Coming in
with 39 points, Doug won on countback from, from ...? Somehow I missed that!
I believe it was Danny Dyke but I’m not positive.
Following a stroke back was Erle Kershaw with 38 points.
Erle tried but fell one short of the leaders. Just back of Erle was Carl
Baumann and Herb Ishinaga with 36 points each. Carl started like a house on
fire and shot 23 points on the front. It was like his younger days as he made
5 pars in a row on the front nine. His handicap used to be in the single
figures for a long period of time but as with most of us, age caught up in
the second half.
Holding the bag this week was a new face, Paul Kinner had
a disastrous day as he fell into the cellar position with 25 points. He was
hoping that Tully would be able to save him but Tully had a good day and
managed to stay out of the cellar.
Trying to beat Paul out of the cellar position was Clive Harris with 26
points. Clive also had a bad day which I’m sure will be better next week.
Mickey Mouse
Darts League
The only changes in the league table this week is at the
lower end of the table. Helicopter Bar taking off and hovering above the
Windsor Tavern, as they beat the Windsor Tavern in both game and beer.
Helicopter is also the first team this season to reach
triple figure under 10’s. Well done!
The other change sees Cheers move above the Bunker after
an impressive display at home to 3rd place Rising Sun, Cheers taking both
game and beer, their 5th game on the trot.
Top sides Pleasure Dome and Smugglers fought a battle and
shared the honours. Palmers had a good night by winning the game against
Devonshire, but Devonshire being very thirsty took the beer again.
Guthrie and Warwick by a mile
Mike Franklin
Four clubs were more than enough for Mark Guthrie and Ian
Warwick in Shenanigans ‘Four Clubs’ Pairs Scramble at South & East,
Plutaluang, on Tuesday May 11.
 ‘Mosquito’
Bill Johnstone racked up another near pin prize.
This was the opportunity for creative shot-making and
versatility applied to your carefully chosen four clubs selection. Scoring a
gross 73, Mark and Ian were well clear of the field with a net 67 from their
combined 6 handicap. At the other end of the scale, and with a combined handicap
of 14.4, the net 76.6 returned by Harpic Bryant and eager Bill Johnstone was
just good enough to take the runners-up spot. Bill also was nearest the pin on
East #5 and was heard later enquiring about local trophy cabinetmakers, so due
credit for positive thinking off and on the golf course.
 Judith
Carillo made her debut outing on a golf course. Mike Franklin rewards Judith for
her effort at Shenanigans.
Other near pins were claimed by Len Dingemans and Banjob
Franklin, and the green on South #7 stayed clear, as is often the case. Long
putts on South #9 and East #9 were sunk by Ian Warwick and Terry Curtis.
Playing the Thai Navy course on this occasion, it was
appropriate that six members of the US Navy Shore Patrol Unit joined the
competition. Specifically, Mike, Gerry (Smurf), Rodney, Randy, Scott and Judith
Carillo who was making her debut outing on a golf course.
 Shenanigans
‘Four Clubs’ Pairs Scramble winners Mark Guthrie (left) and Ian Warwick
(right) with Mike Franklin at Shenanigans.
All were duly welcomed at the prize-giving back at
Shenanigans, and Judith rewarded for her effort. Regular visitor Len Dingemans
was also welcomed back.
The choice of just four clubs does require careful thought
and the inclusion of a putter is not always necessary, as was suitably
demonstrated by Philippe Berra who putted through the round using his Callaway
driver - albeit with some success. He commented that a stiffer shaft would have
been preferable on the green, but that might have screwed things up for him on
the tee.
It was a good day and something different.
Shenanigans is back to near normal on May 25 when we return
to Sriracha for another look and a Pairs Better Ball Stableford.
Sign-up for that at on the golf notice board in Shenanigans.
PJ manages the wind to win
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
On Tuesday, May 11 a large group of Bunker Boys turned out at Phoenix
to wish the master of the OK Corral, Denis Smith, a happy birthday, an
occasion on which he, himself, played his first proper round of golf!
The day was hot and humid and a strong breeze blew
throughout the round on the Lakes and Ocean nines, making it difficult
for golfers in both divisions.
In division two Pat Murphy toiled off the tee,
promising himself extra lessons, but still only managed to secure second
place with a net 77, whilst Mr. Loy had a round of such quality that he
had sixteen opportunities for birdies. However, his putting at present is
such a lottery, and today his numbers did not come up. His net 72 was
still good enough for victory.
In division one Steve Nowell took yet another podium
place with his net 74 but PJ Redmond quietly submitted a card bearing the
day’s only sub-par round, a net 71. It was a fine effort on a windy
day. There were three shares of the Super Sawng award with Steve Nowell,
Mark Joshua and Brian Watson all firing birdie two’s on the Ocean
seven.
Denis celebrated his birthday in style by sponsoring
near-pin prizes on the par threes and these were won by Mr. Loy, Bob
Pearce and Brian Watson. How else can one honour the guest of honour’s
score that would equal the highest checkout in darts, on a day when the
marshals escorted his group around the empty course, encouraging them to
finish before the celebratory pig was well and truly barbequed! The
Bunker Boys’ Banana Booby of course! Thank you, boss, for making the
day’s golf so memorable!
Nowell nails nine
- at last!
Thursday, May 13 the Bunker Boys went to Bangpra
International Golf Club to play their weekly stableford event and found
the course, in the words of one of the regulars, in a “scruffy”
condition, with patchy, dusty fairways and slow, yes, slow greens!
Everything conspired to make the course a challenge
and the results reflected this, but it was to be a day to remember for
Steve Nowell. His ambition has always been to have a single-figure
handicap and after his round here this looks to have been realised.
On a good day, his golf can be sumptuous, and he has
more good days than bad ones. Shooting a gross 79, which gave him 39
points, he easily took the victory from Brian Watson, who just edged out
PJ Redmond to take second place with 30 points.
Putting was a struggle and there were no birdie twos
but the Bunker Boys Banana Booby was presented to Brian Bellis after his
consistently shabby round, which netted him a dozen points.
The lasting memory of the day will be the quality of
the winner’s round and the cut to single figures, which will certainly
follow. Nine at last for Steve Nowell.
PSC Golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday May 10
Bangpakong
Riverside
Stableford
The immaculate Bangpakong Riverside Course was host for a
Stableford competition in two Flights, A 0 to 19 and B 20 and above. The
course on the day was in superb condition and particularly good value with
Sports days being on Tuesday and Thursday.
 Dick
Worden, B flight winner on Thursday.
Ted Morris took the A Flight with 38 points ahead of
Brian Noguer in second with 35 points and Bill Plath in third with 34 points
in a countback with Ebrahim.
Tournament Director Dave Richardson took the B Flight
with an amazing 40 points ahead of Pete Henderson in second with 38 points
and Steady Arthur Bailey in third with 35 points.
Thursday May 13
Khao Kheow
Country Club
Stableford
This is a course that can really destroy any golfer and
on the day it did so to many. Play good golf on this course and you will get
a good result, but it penalises the bad shot to such an extent that you
always need spare balls. Every shot you play has to be a good shot. Such is
the quality of this course.
 Jim
Boyd, A flight winner on Thursday.
On the day the weather was fine if a little hot, the
course was in fine condition and we were to play the A & C Courses, both
tough with the A being the original, and the C very tight and punishing.
On the day therefore it was not too surprising that we
had some good scores on the A Course, certainly a 23 and a 24 points were
shot, but not many on the C Course with most falling away.
 Ted
Morris, A flight winner on Monday.
The A Flight, 0 to 17, performed better on the day, maybe
on the basis of when the going gets tough etc, and the winner was Jim Boyd
with a solid 38 points ahead of a countback for second on 37 points won by
Bill Plath with Brian Noguer in third. The rest just fell away.
 Dave
Richardson, B flight winner on Monday.
The B Flight, 20 upwards, were, apart from one, struggling. Dick Worden
won with 38 points ahead of J.C. Lhoste with 32 points and Jimmy Flanagan
with 27 points. As can be seen we had some people who struggled.
PSC Golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar
Friday May 14
Sri Racha Golf Club
Stableford
Sometimes you awake from a bad dream and find you are
still in the middle of the bad dream. This is akin to playing Sri Racha
after a long time and finding the changes are not completed despite a year
of devastation and increased prices. No amount of gilding can cover the fact
that this course is still in a state of repair and it will be a long time
before it is completed. Once completed it will probably be a pretty good if
not outstanding course. Of course as Sod’s Law has it, the Monthly
Tournament is to be played there next week. Still the bunkers are far better
than they used to be.
 Sriracha
Country Club.
On the day, the first thing I noticed was that the nines
had been changed around, and obviously there is a reason for this, but the
second was that our competition teed off immediately behind a five ball and
we were all held up every shot, all the way round. Major repairs were taking
place on many of the holes and for some reason I hit most greens and
finished over the back, I found where the repair items were. The par 4 most
of us remember best, with the green surrounded by a bunker, is now a dog leg
par 4 and to my way of thinking has lost much of it’s character.
 Bobby
presents to the winner Bob Noble and second place holder Joe Albright.
Still in the end we got around and most voted it a very
disappointing day, and this was shown in the scores. In the Clubhouse at
least they had Cold Carlsberg and ‘Tex Mex’ food that is not the best
value in the business.
One day soon the course will be finished and ready for a
visit. I suspect a lot of effort has been put into the repairs, until
completed we will visit courses such as Bangpra and Khao Kheow that are no
costlier and a far better day out.
 Bobby
decided to ring the bell.
Back at the 60’s Bar, Bobby had laid on the best
burgers around and potatoes salad with the normal salad items and then Bobby
completed the presentation before, as usual, the night descended into
thunder and lightning, strong winds and a massive torrent of rain. The rain
flooded down the street. Still the beer was good and so who cared.
Winner: Bob Noble; Second: Joe Albright
Near Pins: Chris Berkers, Frank Pilkinton, Perry McNeely,
Dirk Gressler
Long Putts: Perry McNeely, Tim Holt
Please note:
As of June the 60’s Bar will play on a Tuesday. Yes, a Tuesday, and
hopefully this will allow us to play most of the better courses on a sports
day and also miss the Friday night traffic.
Scans slide as French form comes true
MBMG International Casuals League - Week 22
The French philosopher, Michel Foucault observed: ‘A
truth is only a truth in so far that it is accepted by those it is meant to
control’. Such an observation could well be applied to the MBMG
International league, this season.
At the Christmas break, the accepted viewpoint was The
Scandinavian Vikings, with a seven point lead would be the next champions,
The Mighty Dubliner, after a number of poor performances, were a spent
force, pre-season favorites The French, after four losses in seven games
were underachieving and looking every inch like mid-table coasters and
Bangkok Blitz were forever bound to the word; relegation.
And yet, as the season has moved beyond the ‘truths’
of Christmas and begun to embrace its finale, what was true has become
untrue, what was untrue become true, and there is a heady scent of
championship glory hanging thick in the birthing summer sun.
Now, the erstwhile, far from Mighty, Dubliner have hauled
back the seven point gap once enjoyed by The Scandinavian Vikings and lead
the table, just. The French, once characterised by mid table insipid
greyness, have sparkled like a whirling Catherine Wheel, blinding all with
the beauty and speed of their game, to surge into second. The Vikings,
seemingly intoxicated with the brew of yearned for glory have stumbled to
third, but having played a game less than their rivals. Finally, Bangkok
Blitz have metamorphosed from relegation haunted strugglers to European
challengers with a league leading 53 goals in but 21 games.
After this week’s results, with The French
contemptuously thumping the Vikings 4-1, The Mighty Dubliner nervously
scratching a 0-0 draw in Pattaya and Blitz hammering SCI 9-1, there are four
games remaining and suddenly ‘all that was solid has melted into air’.
Amidst such uncertainty, we turned to respected pundit
and league veteran, William Watts of former champions The Bullshead, for his
insight on the Gordian Knot that is the race for the title, “For me, I
think The Scans will just nick it. If you look at the run ins, they have the
easiest. They have fixtures against public school Hooray Henrys of Pattana
and Shrewsbury, neither of who will have any stomach for a fight. The
Dubliner (I refuse to call them by that ridiculous stage name) have to play
SCI and Pattaya again, both teams have historically strong working class
backgrounds and with the Dubliner symbolizing everything that’s wrong with
the game today: inflated wages, arrogance and a monopoly of money in the
hands of a few, at the expense of the many, I expect SCI and Pattaya to get
something out of those games.”
“With regard for the French, I think we all agree that
they are, by far, the most technically gifted team in the league, but with
the four games lost at the start of the season, I just don’t feel they can
get enough points to win it. As for Blitz, they won’t win it, but what
entertainment they’ve provided! So, it’s The Scans for me but the truth
is, you just can’t be sure.”
Results Week 22
Scandinavian Vikings 1 vs. 4 Les Gaulois de Bangkok
SCI Gecko FC 1 vs. 9 Bangkok Blitz
Racing Club Pattaya 0 vs. 0 The Dubliner;
Bangkok United 7 vs. 2 British Club Casuals
Bulls Head Brazilians P vs. P Patana
German All Stars 2 vs. 5 AFC Shrewsbury
Flying spinnakers and broached hulls in fashion
OMYC Regatta weekend May 8 & 9
In conjunction with the PC Classic, the Ocean Marina
Cruising Yacht Fleet held races on the May 8 and 9. Overall placing for the
weekend in the Keelboat class saw Gary Baguley on Magic Roundabout in 1st,
followed closely by David Pollard on Foreign Exchange and in 3rd place
Richard Ellis on Sea Manda.
 Magic
Roundabout skippered by Gary Baguley broaching in the strong winds during
the OMYC regatta on May 8.
In the Multi-hull class Trevor Whalley on Treasure Trove
hit the jackpot for first place, with Kirati Assakul on Ocean Marina Yacht
Club (OMYC) and Francesco Brancaccio on Vivace for second and third
respectively.
Highlights of the weekend included a dramatic squall
passing through while all boats were entering the downwind gate set off the
Royal Varuna Yacht Club, with spinnakers in full flight.
Alex Skaria on Platu 132 broached severely offering
onlookers at Varuna an insight into the thrills of sports boat racing,
moments later, David Pollard offered onlookers at the Royal Cliff a larger
sale version, adding to it a spectacular spinnaker retrieval lasting several
minutes.
All-in-all a great weekend of yacht racing. The next race weekend will be
held at Ocean Marina Yacht Club on the weekend of June 12 and 13. People
interested in participating can contact Phil@ gulfchartersthailand.com. For
those without a boat, there are several Platu, a very competitive 25ft
sports boat, available for charter for 10,000 baht for the weekend.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Sometimes you shouldn’t get what you wish for. On the
other hand sometimes this rematch deal works very well. Antonio Tarver
(21-1, 17 KOs) scored a one-punch knockout of Roy Jones Jr. Sunday morning
in Las Vegas at 1:41 of round 2. In their first fight, which Tarver thought
he won, Jones claimed that he wasn’t in shape after losing a lot of weight
after he beat Heavyweight Chump John Ruiz. As referee Jay Nady finished
instructions and asked “Are there any questions?” Tarver answered,
“You gonna have any excuses tonight, Roy?” He had none. For fans who
Jones has treated like dirt over the years this has got to be a
“Gotcha”.
Seems that I got into the “attitude adjustment
period” of my week a tad bit early last week. It’s either that or
Gremlins got into the computer and messed up my column. If it was the
“attitude adjustment period” it was so early that there are actually
some errors in the usual error free The Square Ring. Hard to believe that
“amber fluid taken in moderation” could do all that damage. The
following appeared last week. “If Harrison’s win was ugly the draw
between Manny Pacquiao 38-2-2) and Juan Manuel Marquez 42-3 for Marquez
IBF/WBA 126lb title was befuddling. Two judges had the fight 115-113. One
for Pacquiao the other for Marquez. Judge Bert Clements of New Jersey, who
doesn’t understand scoring, has it 113-113.” Here’s the deal. One
judge (John Stewart) had it 115-113 for Pacquiao, one judge (Frog Canadian
Guy Jutras) had it 115-110 for Marquez and Bert Clements had it 113-113. Naw
there’s more. Bert Clements is NOT from New Jersey but from Reno Nevada
which compounds his ridiculous 10-7 scoring of the three knockdown first
round even worse. He’s been to a zillion seminars held by the State of
Nevada on scoring. Bad time to take naps Bert. Via e-mail from Cousin Bruce
came one other ‘error’. “Howie, it was three lefts, not rights, from
Pacquiao to Marquez. Keep off the Phuket lager”. Right and left, excluding
politics, has always been a problem. The Square Ring did have it right in
scoring the fight 115-113 for Pacquiao. Yea I know “even a blind hog finds
an acorn.”
Now before you say, “Well can’t Pacquiao lodge a
claim of foul?”, the answer is “Yes”. But here’s the deal. When
Judge Bert Clements incorrectly scored the first round 10-7 it was a
‘judgment call’. The Nevada State Athletic Commission has no authority
to overturn or change the judgement call of an official. The Pacquiao camp
did protest through an attorney to the Commission. The State Attorney
General in a letter rejected the protest. “While I understand your
client’s disappointment with the outcome of the bout, there is no action
that the Nevada Athletic Commission (the “Commission”) can or will take.
A review of Nevada law will inform you that there is no protest procedure to
challenge or overturn a decision rendered in a boxing match...” Kinda of a
“no money...no honey deals.”
From Brother Hughes: “The scoring you described has me
completely confused. I have no idea how you came up with 10-6. Is it the
fact that the guy lost the round therefore it’s 10-9 And then subtract one
point more for each knockdown? If it’s minus one for each knockdown only
that is in fact 10-7. Que pasa?” Almost. Win the round for 10-9. You get a
point for winning a round then a bonus point for each knockdown. Three
knockdowns and that’s three points deducted from the loser’s total of 9.
9 minus three is 6. Que pasa? “What the F...” Brother Hughes is a
baseball executive with a major league team in the USA. If you think that
boxing scoring is confusing try explaining baseball.
How long has it been since you saw or read a “man bites
dog story”? OK. Let me rephrase that, “how long has it been since you
saw or read a man bites dog story, that didn’t involve a fine dining
experience at a Chinese restaurant ?” Long time? Fight fans in the Land of
Smiles get their fixes from overseas TV fights. Recently CMX Sports, via
internet, telecast live from the Stardust in Las Vegas Master Toddy’s Muay
Thai Day sponsored by Singha Beer. They charge a nominal price, about 75
Baht, for the entire card. They’re now going to try weekly boxing on the
internet at about the same price. A fight fan in Thailand can get on the web
at 10 AM on Saturday, type in www.cmxsports.com and watch live boxing from
the USA.
I think time difference is a lot harder than left and
right. For the “Habla Espanols” the commentary will be handled by former
NFL Kicker Benny “I Keek a Touchdown... I Keek a Touchdown” Ricardo and
the English by Col. Bob Sheridan who just happens to be Vic “OR”
Cross’s favorite boxing announcer.
There was boxing on the Beach at Patong in Phuket last
week probably cheek and jowl with my pal’s Island Lager Bar home of Phuket
Island Lager. WBC#24 flyweight Denburapa Ekarin (18-4-1) got a 12 round
decision over Filipino Jun Eraham. This was Denburapa’s first defence of
the title that he won in March. Being WBC #24 doesn’t sound like much now
but in a short time it may mean a lot less.
Word on the street is that the WBC is about to go belly
up. They have been just about done in by financial troubles mainly caused by
the loss of the 30 million dollar lawsuit in a New York City Court to
Graciano Rocchigianni. One source reported May 12 as a drop dead date to
either go into Chapter 7 stage of bankruptcy (liquidation) or reach a
settlement with Rocchigianni. That date has passed and nothing.
Another option would be for the WBC to terminate the
bankruptcy and continue to do business. This course of action would then
allow Rocchigianni to “attach” sanctioning fees in the USA.
Undefeated Narongrit Pirang 18-0 puts it on the line tonight on national
TV in America. He gets Art Simonyan 13-0-1 who is beatable. Will Pirang be
undefeated when we meet again? Stay tuned. This column was put to bed before
the “amber fluid” started flowing. Honest.
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