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Phoenix’s Reputation Enhanced
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
On Tuesday, January11, almost fifty golfers left the OK
Corral to take on the challenge of medal play tourney at nearby Phoenix Golf
Club, over the Mountain and Lakes nines. Since a change of ownership three
years ago the course has slowly developed into a magnificent test of golf on
lush fairways and fast greens and on this occasion it was to enhance its
reputation as a tough course to beat. Gone are the days when a golfer in
poor form could play there and rediscover his confidence. Now, if you are
not on top of your game, you will suffer disappointment. Just ask the joint
winners of the “B” Flight, Pat Murphy and Dave Lee, whose net 79s were
an embarrassing seven over par. Even Barry Pethig was surprised to find his
net 80 put him on the podium also.
 Winner
Bob Pearce (right) is congratulated by Denis of the OK Corral.
In the top flight three golfers all shared top place with
level par 72s and a word of congratulations must go to John Healy, Jack
Spencer and Barry Winton, fine golfers all, and Barry shot the day’s best
gross of 77. Jack Spencer, Pat Murphy and Don Frances all took a share of
the large Super Sawng pot for the accuracy of their short game, securing the
illustrious birdie twos, whilst Richard Wardell, who so narrowly escaped the
Bananas after the last tournament, found that his card, even with seven
pars, was still to much of an embarrassment to complete and his reward was
the inevitable fruit. Phoenix, you are getting tougher, but so are the
OK’s Bunker Boys! Wait till next time!
Plain Sailing for Bob
Pearce at Plutaluang
On Thursday, January 13, the motley crew from the OK
Corral set a course for the Royal Thai Navy club at Plutaluang, hell-bent on
pillaging the South and East nines in their weekly stableford competition.
The course was tough with hard, dry fairways and, as always, the allotted
combination proved a long task. One day, methinks, we
may be allowed to tackle the North and West, in the absence of
the admiral. In division two, the men from the lower decks were ably led by
Barry Pethig and Paul Houlker, whose shared 31 points raised the standard
for the day, closely followed up the rigging by a press-ganged Daz
Martindale, a new recruit performing well with 30 points.
In the division one wardroom David Lightfoot found himself sitting at the
Captain’s table, by virtue of his 34 points, and rubbing shoulders with
bosun John Healy who navigated the course well for his level par 36 points.
Out ahead, on the bridge, was the old warhorse, Bob Pearce, who had
admirably led his men with a fine fighting 38 points. Admiral Bob also took
a large share of the “pieces of eight” for his two “Parrot” twos,
whilst able German Uwe Schroder and cabin boy, Mr Loy, also enjoyed their
share. Landlubber Mark “Charlie” Gooch tacked his way from rough to
rough on the first nine and was similarly all at sea on the in-run and the
sinking feeling was compounded by the Bananas, his booty for the poorest
score of the day. Back in the haven of the OK Corral the crew reflected on a
difficult voyage but looked forward to calmer waters at Plutaluang next
time.
Preparations underway for
Volvo Women’s Open 2005 in Pattaya
Former world No. 1 Martina Hingis to hit the court for first time in 3 years
Ariyawat
Nuamsawat and Associated Press
The WTA Tour says former No. 1 Martina Hingis still
plans to play in Thailand at the end of January, her first tournament
since 2002.
Hingis, 24, will play the Volvo Women’s Open in
Pattaya beginning Jan. 29 until Feb. 6 to raise money for several Thai
charities that help women and children who have suffered from abuse,
homelessness and illness.
 Martina
Hingis, former World No.1, will play in Volvo Women’s Open in Pattaya to
raise funds for charities.
She was 22 when she retired in 2002 after operations on
both ankles. The five-time Grand Slam singles champion was the youngest
player to reach No. 1 at age 16 years and six months. She won a combined
76 singles and doubles titles during her career.
In a Bangkok press conference last week, Thailand’s
deputy prime minister and Thailand Lawn Tennis Association president Suwat
Liptapanlop said he was happy to see the former world number play in
Pattaya, adding that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) planned to
invite the Swiss tennis sensation to Phuket as part of tourism promotion
plan.
“The Volvo Women’s Open 2005 will be held at the
Dusit Resort, Pattaya from January 29 to February 6. There is now US
170,000 dollars (7 million baht) up for grabs. We can expect a very
exciting event and I am happy that we have a world class player attending
the event,” said Suwat.
The Lawn Tennis Association president added, “At the
end of the tournament the TAT has asked her to be their guest to promote
tourism in Phuket, especially after the recent disaster. Plans include
tours, shopping and reef trips as part of the PR campaign. I’m sure it
will attract attention from tennis fans and media the world over.”
Volvo organizers for Martina Hingis said that she has
the right not to play as a wild card, instead moving straight on to the
main court in Pattaya.
WTA officials said Sunday that Hingis had thus far
entered only the Thailand event. “It could be a case of her testing the
waters,” said the WTA’s Roger Gatchalian. “She’s serious though.
It’s not just a hit and giggle.”
Martina will be joined in Pattaya by former world No 2
and ex-Wimbledon Champion Conchita Martinez of Spain. The two player’s
combined have WTA title haul of 118 titles.
Thailand’s No. 1 Tamarine ‘Tammy’ Tanasugarn will
also partake in the US$170,000 dollar tournament with Natnida Luangnaem
being allocated the wildcard in the qualifying rounds.
Tickets for the tournament are now on sale. Admission
is free for the qualifying rounds, from Monday-Friday. Tickets are priced
at 300 baht and for the Saturday (semi-finals) and Sunday (finals) 500
baht and 1,000 baht. Qualifiers begin at 9 a.m. January 31 through to
February 5.
For more information contact Pentangle Promotions Co.,
Ltd on 02 382 3491-3 or visit: www.volvowomenopen.com
Volvo Car (Thailand) Ltd, Shell Company of Thailand, the Tourism
Authority of Thailand, the Dusit Resort, Pattaya, Konica-Minolta, Wilson,
Reebok, BenQ and Babolat are The Volvo Women’s Open sponsors for 2005.
Roar Berger continues his fine form
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday Jan. 10
Pattaya Country Club
Stableford
1st Roar Berger, pts 39
2nd Doug Hollingsworth, 38 pts
3rd Roy Thornton, 37 pts - c/b 20
4th Tom Parks, 37 pts - c/b 17
Fresh from winning the Division 3 title in the Wayne
Tischburn on Friday, Roar carried on where he left off to narrowly win from
a somewhat depleted yet strong field. Only four players managed to equal or
better their handicap on a day made difficult, not so much by the course,
but by the bus loads of Koreans playing off the tips! Doug, Roy and Tom all
chased hard, whilst nearly half the field failed to reach 30 points. No
doubt those that gave Pattaya Country Club a miss after the shoddy treatment
received on their last outing were well vindicated and were happy to miss a
painfully slow five and half hour round. In the 2s competition, the pool was
shared by Roy Thornton, Barry Traynor, Bob Lindborg, Jonathon Duxbury &
Tom McManus. Prior to the prize giving, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA
professional, welcomed Clive Tolley and Jonathan Duxbury and welcomed back
Doug Mintenko, Doug Armitage, Tom McManus, John O’Neil, Bob Collis and Bob
& Pat Duxbury, before bidding farewell to Andrew Lockhart
Wednesday Jan. 12
Royal Lakeside
Medal
1st Barry Winton, net 68
2nd Karl Holm, net 70 - c/b 33
3rd Doug Hollingsworth, net 70 - c/b 39
4th Glyn Nicholas, net 71
5th Trevor Schirmer, net 72
An unusually large turnout for the long trip up to
Chonburi and everyone was well rewarded with the course in excellent
condition as usual and no mosquitoes!
The day was hot and humid and strangely enough, no wind.
This time, it was Barry’s turn to follow up his fine win in the Wayne
Tischburn with another superb performance which saw him shoot a 73 gross to
comfortably see off Karl & Doug, with Glyn & Trevor left to complete
the podium positions. Jonathan Duxbury was unlucky to miss out on countback
shooting a very nice 79 gross off his 7 handicap and Wendy Hollingsworth
easily won the Ladies division with a very creditable net 70.
Once again we saw a handful of 2s and the pool was shared
by Karl Holm, Mark Gorda, Werner Huefle & Glyn Nicholas. Prior to the
presentation, Richard Livingston welcomed Gary Nicholas and welcomed back
Ole Stamnes.
Friday Jan. 14
Phoenix Lakes/Ocean
Stableford
Division 1
1st Karl Holm, 37 pts - c/b 19 c/b6 13
2nd Bary Winton, 37 pts - c/b 19 c/b6 12
3rd Jonathan Duxbury, 3 pts - c/b 18
Division 2
1st Peter Johansson, 38 pts
2nd Peter Emslie, 35 pts - c/b 19
3rd Roar Berger, 35 pts -c/b 16
A very large turnout indeed and despite the early
torrential rain that deterred a few, we finally tee’d off at around noon
and the field enjoyed a cool and mainly dry round. Congratulations to the
starter and marshall’s for getting everybody off after over an hour’s
wait - and that included other parties and a whole lot of Koreans!
In wet soggy conditions, Karl Holm, dancing along in his
brand new ECCO golf shoes, turned the tables on Barry in Division 1 to win a
really close countback that managed to confuse poor Roy and Richard.
Jonathan Duxbury produced another excellent performance
and again was unlucky to lose out. In Division 2, Peter Johansson easily
beat off his challengers with a super 38 points leaving Peter Emslie and
Roar Berger trailing in the minor places. Wendy Hollingsworth once again
trounced the Ladies, winning with 38 points to complete a hat trick in the
week! In the 2s competition, there was only one and it was fitting that Jens
Nielson, the Danish professional, should scoop the jackpot with a 2 on the
par 4, 6th on Lakes. Jens hit with his driver and lob wedge in his feat!
Prior to the delayed presentation, Richard Livingston,
welcomed back Ole Steen, Nikolaj Larsen, Mashie Kanetta, Tony Dixon and Syd
Harrison before bidding farewell to Glyn & Gary Nicholas.
PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday Jan.10 Pattaya Country Club Stroke
Pattaya Country Club was host for a strokeplay
competition in two Flights, A Flight 0 to 18, and B Flight 19 and above.
The course on the day was in good condition, well watered, and on the day
was quite busy, and play was slow.
 Gery
Wedl
Gary Wedl took the A Flight with a net 68, Tony Scamber
second with a net 70, Unnstein Sigurjonsson third with net 72 and Ebrahim
third with a net 75.
In the B Flight Old Steady Arthur Bailey came to the
fore with a net 69, Bjorn Kristjohnsson second with a net 70, Werner
Hueffle third with a net 70 and Koji Yamada fourth with a net 72.
Near Pins: #5 Mashi Kenata; #7 Thorsteinn Karlson; #12
Werner Hueffle; #16 Koji Yamada.
 Rick
Evans
Long Putts: #9 Unnstein Sigurjonsson; #18 Koji Yamada.
Thursday Jan. 13 Khao
Kheow Stableford
If you do not play golf, just go for a walk around Khao
Kheow, it is a nice walk and if you are not playing you will not spoil
your walk. If you play golf, go and play there and you will realize you
are not as good as you think you are. Play well and you will get your
reward, but hit a bad shot and it will catch you out every time.
So it was that 44 golfers put themselves to the test
here. As usual 43 did not beat the course - one person did by one shot.
This is a course that gradually breaks your game down and finds out your
every fault. So the score since the Monthly Tournament is Khao Kheow 245,
PSC 5. The sad, and inspiring, thing is we keep going back for more. What
a fine course.
 Bob
Benda
So on the day our ‘Hero” was in the A Flight, 0 to
16, where the winner was Rick Evans with 37 points. Didn’t he do well.
For second we had a tie on 36 points, won on countback by Tony Scamber
with Chuck Carrier in third. In fourth was Clive Robinson with 35 points.
In the B Flight, 17 upwards, the winner was Bob Benda
with 35 points, Bob had 4 wipes so maybe he is coming back to form. Then
we had a 4-way countback on 34 points. In second was Dave Richardson, in
third was Graham Buckingham, in fourth was Ebrahim and just losing out was
Koji Yamada.
In the restaurant the Khao Kheow Beef is still as good
as ever, so even those who were battered by the course had a fine day.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: B3 Mike Grasser; B8 Rodney Beckett; C3
Takeshi Hakozaki; C8 Rob Brown
Long Putts: B9 Tony Scamber; C9 Tyrone Bridge
Cafe Kronborg and
Cafe Ole advance
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
200
bowlers - Somrak, Bill and Dang
(Kran not shown)
Captain Kran helped her Cafe Kronborg team
move from fourth place to third with a 596 series which included 232 and 207
games. Dang helped out by bowling a 202 game and 531 series for Kronborg.
Cafe Kronborg split their series with Jack & Tar with each team taking
two points. Mai was best for Jack & Tar with a 507 pin count. Cafe Ole
moved into fourth as they beat first place Brother D three points to one.
Domicil dropped down to fifth place after losing all four points to Mai’s
Thai Restaurant who was led by Somrak who rolled a 215 game and 546 series.
Friends rolled over Shenanigans taking three points in that match. Bill Key
looks to be getting back in form as he rolled a 200 game and 556 series to
lead VFW Post 9876 to a three point win over second place Three Sisters. Q
Cars beat House of the Golden Coin three points to one even though Golden
Coins Mio had a 513 series and Ooy knocked over 517 pins. Antero bowled a
515 series and Jim Montgomery knocked down 509 pins, both bowling as spares
Free Sailing Day
for Thailand’s recovery
A Free Sailing Day will be held on Sunday
January 30 from the Yacht Haven Marina in Phuket. The aim is to raise funds
for the locals devastated by the tsunami and to draw attention to the fact
that Phuket is Operational.
All are welcome and a range of yachts from King’s Cup
Racers to comfortable cruisers will be available with captains on board.
Come and experience the Phuket Lifestyle.
Each sail will last between one and two hours and
proceed down the picturesque channel between Phuket and the mainland.
You can simply come to the Marina or can contact
[email protected] or fax to Charity Sail at + 66 (0) 76 232
961, if you would like to arrange a specific time or confirm your
attendance.
The Haven Restaurant at the Marina is available for
food, drinks and snacks before or after sailing.
We ask that those particpating make a donation to the
account below, the proceeds of which will go wholely to a Royal Charity,
although it is not mandatory.
PARASUB: Yacht Haven Marina is at Baan Kho En, Mai Khao.
Drive along the Airport Road towards Phang Nga. Pass the
airport junction and Blue Canyon Golf Club.
At the big bend where there is a concrete wall along the
road, Keep right and make u-turn. Then follow the lay-by road into the
village (Baan Kho En). Once past the village you will climb the hill
overlooking the Marina. Park on the side of the road and walk to then down
the access road leading to the Marina.
You will find our guest greeters at the entrance to the
car park.
Donations
Acc Name: Yachtpro (Thailand) Co.Ltd. Tsunami Recovery
Acc. No.: 021-2-57154-1
Bank: Bank of Asia
Branch: Phuket Town
Address: 206 Phuket Road, Muang, Phuket, 83000
Swift Code: BKASTHBK
For more information contact
Rob Williams on Tel.+ 66 (0) 76 232 960,Fax: + 66 (0) 76 232 961 or Email:
[email protected]
10th Annual Classroom Charity Classic
Wednesday, February 16
The 10th edition of the Classroom Charity Classic is now set
for Wednesday February16. Owner Pete Stonebridge had to work hard to
overcome some scheduling snafus, but persisted, and is pleased that he will
be able to offer his patrons and area golfers an always popular shotgun
start, as he did last year. In addition, the tournament will be held on the
unique St. Andrews 2000 layout, with one important modification. The
somewhat awkward par 6, 4th hole will be modified. It will be converted to a
par 5, and the tee box will be placed about 150 yards to the right of the
original Blue, Yellow and White tee box. This will eliminate the double
water crossing that has been known to disrupt the tempo of the round and the
golfer.
Entry fees will include green fee, caddy fee, 1/2
cart/buggy fee, presentation buffet, golf cap, trophies and lucky draw
prizes. All profits from the tournament and lucky draw will be handed over
to Woody Underwood and The Jester’s Care for Kids Program at the
evening’s awards presentation, which Peter has graciously guaranteed to be
a minimum of 100,000 baht! As many in Pattaya know, the Care for Kids
Program has consistently assisted Eastern Seaboard children, and more
recently, the children impacted by the tsunami in southern Thailand. Flyers
will be posted soon in many of the area golf venues with particulars.
Royal Varuna Yacht Club
Adults Beginners Sailing Course - Laser 4.7
January 29 and 30, 2005
A Beginners Sailing Courser for Adults (above 18) will be
offered in English through the Royal Varuna Yacht Club (RVYC) in Pattaya,
commencing January 29 and 30, 2005.
During the course the adults will learn basics about
sailing, such as safety on the water, how to rig the boat, terminology on
boat parts, basic knots, capsizing, steering, wind direction, current, how
to set the sail to the wind direction, tacking, jibing and how to stop the
boat. At the end of the course all adults should be confident enough to sail
a course on the water and return to the beach safely.
General information:
This course is meant for new sailors, so participants do
not need to have any sailing experience. However, swimming skill is required
for the course
The course includes 2 full days, starting at 9 a.m. and
finishing at 4:30 p.m. on both days. Adults whom complete the full course
will be awarded a certificate. To qualify for a participant’s certificate,
attendance at all sessions is required. Due to the number of available boats
the course is limited to 10 students.
Conditions for Entry:
1. Students must be RVYC members or sponsor by RVYC
members. Priority will be given to RVYC members. Participation by non-RVYC
members are subjected to conditions laid down by the General Committee.
2. The course fee is 3,400 Baht, payable before Wednesday
January 26, 2005. This fee includes boat rental, 3 Sailing Instructors, 1
Assistant Sailing Instructor, boat-boys’ supports, rental of rescue boat
and course materials. The fee may be paid in cash or cheque payable to
“Royal Varuna Yacht Club.” Once you have entered the course, no refunds
can be given.
3. If a student provides his/her own boat, a 1,500 baht
will be deducted from the course fee. The boat must be a Laser with 4.7 sq.
meter sail rig, and meet safety- and class-requirements. Students with
inadequate equipment will not be accepted. The Club has 4.7 sq. meter rig
and Radial rig for rent at 500 baht per day. We recommend use of a 4.7 rig,
alternatively a Radial rig.
4. Student participants using RVYC boats will be
responsible for care of the boat and all damages occurred during the course.
Contact
If you have any questions about the course, please
contact Khun James at 01 648 2754 or RVYC Office at telephone 038 250 116,
fax : 038 250 115 or preferable Email: rvyc@ ptty.loxinfo.co.th
Sportsbag
Dear Sportsbag,
A few weeks ago you ran a letter in which the writer
expressed disappointment at the “Spirit of Golf” in Pattaya. He listed
“little evidence of fair play”, which I suppose means everybody cheats.
Since he seemed to be tarring us all with the same brush, I
feel he is insulting the integrity of the overwhelming majority of golfers who
play by the book, and wouldn’t dream of improving their lie unfairly or
bothering some self appointed expert for an interpretation of the rules. He
really is upset with the 36 handicap assigned to certain players. Does he really
think anyone aspires to have such a humiliating handicap?
Being arguably the most (in-)famous 36 handicap golfer in the
PSC, I feel called upon to submit an opposing view. In the years that I have had
that handicap I have never won a competition...not against V.J. Singh, Tiger or
even Paul Kraft. He says that any golfer can lower his handicap at any time
through his handicap secretary. Fine! I would like to lower my handicap to 14. I
always lose anyway, so this would serve to justify my failure. Contrary to his
assertion that the purpose of the handicap system is to show you the level at
which you play (like we didn’t know), it has always been represented to me as
a means of levelling the playing field to allow all amateurs a chance to
compete. People with low, or even average handicaps sometimes assign a social
‘eliteness’ to their low numbers, and actually refuse to play with high
handicappers.
If there is such a thing as the spirit of golf it is embodied
in the rules of the game and courtesy on the course, period. This is abundantly
evident among the members of our Monday 3 Sisters group of regulars. I’m sorry
to learn that there are problems with sandbagging and foot-wedges in that
certain group with whom the letter writer plays, but I’m sure he is keeping a
sharp eye out for them.
It has been said that the golf course is the pasture where
old fogies go when they are no good for anything else. That pretty much
describes me, but I appreciate all the great guys in our group who are willing
to let me play with them, 36 handicap and all.
Jim Tully
The road to the Super Bowl
Howie Reed
As late afternoon turned into an early evening on the
banks of the Three Rivers (The Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio) it looked
like the Pittsburgh Steelers hopes of a spot in the AFC finals next Monday
at 6.30 a.m. Pattaya Time were not good. Prior to the game Jets QB Chad
Pennington said, “Obviously I didn’t play well the last time we played
Pittsburgh, so those questions will be asked again. We’ll handle those
things and go up there ready to play.’’ He lied. Although 21 for 33
passes completed isn’t bad it isn’t good either. The woeful Jets
offensive could manage only three points while the “D” and Special teams
got them the 14. The Jets kicker was only 1 of 3 in the field goal category.
Still with Steeler rookie QB Ben Roethlisberger (17-30-182 yards) having a
sub par outing, 2 interceptions, one for a touchdown, and a rare Jerome
Bettis fumble with 6 seconds to play the Jets had a chance to win.
There are times when a team out dumbs themselves. The
Jets did that. Rather than try a 42 yard FG, to win, the Jets elected to run
one more play to run down the clock and move the ball more to the center of
the field. Pennington tried a QB sneak and lost a yard. Jets Kicker Doug
O’Brien came in for a 43 yarder as time expired. He kicked a “Doink”
that hit the cross bar and bounced back. From 42 it would have been “games
over, Jets win their second in a row 20-17 and move on.” The Jets next
game will now be in August while the Steelers get set to welcome New England
into the friendly confines of Heiz Stadium. The Jets had the first chance in
OT. They had a 9 play drive that gained 10 yards which was about par for
their offensive. With 12:21 in OT remaining the Steelers took the ball on
their own 12 to drive 72 yards. The 12 play drive consumed 8:20 with most of
the damage done on the legs of Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis. Jeff Reed’s
33 yard field goal did the trick. What did Rookie of the Year QB Ben
Roethisberger think of his performance? “I did everything I could to lose
the game. I’ve got to play better. That was terrible. The game we played
today is not going to cut it.’’ The “Amen” comes from coach Bill
Cower.
The punters fell in love with Peyton Manning and the
Indianapolis Colts. Their opponent on a cold snowy winter’s eve in Boston
(actually Foxboro) the New England Patriots had started at 3 point
favorites. By the time the ball was kicked to start proceedings it was a
“pick’em” game. Silly punters. Coming into the game the Colts were the
highest scoring offensive in the NFL. They only managed 3 points in a 20-3
loss that was a classic study of how to stop the Colts. The Pat’s used a
swarming defense that picked up 2 Colts fumbles and one errant Manning pass
to dominate. A good offense must score, run time off the clock and not make
mistakes. The Pat’s did this. In the second half of the game the New
England offense had the ball for over 21 of the 30 minutes in the second
half. Prior to the game Peyton Manning was 0-6 when playing in Foxboro. Make
that 0-7. On the other side of the coin Patriot QB Tom Brady is 7-0 in the
postseason with two Super Bowls.
The New England Patriots have been made a 2 point
favorite for the AFC Title game against the Steelers. Some may find that
strange as the last time these two teams met, on Halloween, the Steelers won
34-20. The first meeting had the Steelers ring up 21 unanswered points in an
8 minute stretch of the first quarter. Doubtful that will happen this time
as the Pats that day were without RB Corry Dillon who got 1,635 yards for
the year and 144 from 23 carries in the Colt game. The game will come down
to “which Quarterback will handle the pressure best”. Rookie Ben
Roethisberger or two time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady? Can you say “Pat’s
to the Super Bowl?”
In the National Football League Playoffs there are three
elements in every game. Skill, Luck and Stupidity. The Philadelphia Eagles
used all three in humbling the hapless Minnesota Vikings 27-14 in a game
that was never in doubt. QB Donovan McNabb (21-for-33 for 286)engineered an
Eagles offensive that operated at will while the Eagles defense led by Jevon
Kearse and Jeremiah Trotter hurried Vikse QB Dante Cullpepper (24-46, 316
yds) into some bad decisions that included two interceptions. One whit noted
“They (the Eagles) got plenty of help from the self-destructing Vikings
(9-9), who showed exactly how they lost seven of their last 10
regular-season games to back into the playoffs.” Vikes coach Mike Tice
stated the obvious. “Mistakes, penalties at the wrong time, taking some
points off the board, stopping a drive, having a nice play called back, we
made some mistakes.”
The 8-8 St. Louis Rams were run out of the Georgia Dome
by the division winning Atlanta Falcons 47-17 in a game that had it have
been a boxing match would have been stopped before the restart. The game was
tied at 7 in the first quarter but that’s as close as the Rams got after
the coin flip. The Rams, nee Lambs, were not even good enough to be
terrible, with Warrick Dunn gaining 147 yards and Michael Vick getting 119
the Falcons ran their way into next Sunday night’s 3 a.m. game (Pattaya
Time) with the Philadelphia Eagles. Falcons scored first, last, often and
just about every way possible. They had 2 TD via the air, 3 rushing, a punt
return, a field goal and a safety. Darn near a yatzee. The Eagles have been
made a 4 1/2 point favorite in the NFC championship game. They meet a team,
the Falcons, that a couple of years ago caused the Eagles to make “Tee
time reservations” rather than preparations for the NFC Title game. As is
always the case with cold weather games late in January, which team will
handle adverse conditions is probably the deciding factor.
The Falcons under rookie Head Coach Jim Mora play in a dome. Shouldn’t
make any difference. The Falcons are the best running team in the league.
The Eagles were beaten by the Steelers running attack in November 27-3.
Since then the Eagle defense has improved. Which ever team stops the
other’s quarterback will win the trip to Jacksonville for the Super Bowl.
‘JIGS’ At Jameson’s
Inaugural golf tournament Wednesday 26th January at Plutaluang
Mike Franklin
To avoid a date clash, Jameson’s International Golf
Society, (‘JIGS’)
will now hold its inaugural tournament on Wednesday
January 26 at Plutaluang, playing South & East, teeing of from 9.30 a.m.
The format is a ‘Pairs Scramble’.
All are welcome but, due to the busy season bookings, the
field is limited to 40 players.
Thereafter, fixtures will be on alternate Wednesdays at
selected courses, with a combination of Scramble formats and Better Ball,
and regular handicap qualifying competitions such as Singles and Pairs
Combined Stableford.
A Membership Application Form, for Free Life Membership
of Jameson’s International Golf Society, can be accessed on Jameson’s
website at www. jamesons-pattaya.com. The form can be opened and completed,
saved and printed for handing in with two small (3x 4 cms) photos. Member
Cards will be issued in due course and membership entitles you to 10%
discount on the already attractive food and drink prices.
All the information about JIGS organization, fixture
dates and sign-up sheets can be seen on the notice board on the back wall
between the Pool tables
Jameson’s has a great atmosphere and you are assured of
a very warm welcome.
Wacko Jacko - A Tankard Again
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s
Sunday Jan. 9
Green Valley
Monthly Medal
1st A Flight: Jack Grindvold, net 66 - Medal Winner
2nd A Flight: Simon Philbrook, net 67
3rd A Flight: Jim Wickstrom, net 69
1st B Flight: Simon Kendall, net 66 - Gold Qualifier
2nd B Flight: Paul Walia, net 69
3rd B Flight: John Emmerson, net 70
1st C Flight: Charles Li, net 67
2nd C Flight: Steve Mulberry, net 70
3rd C Flight: Peter Emslie, net 70
1st D Flight: Jez Lees, net 71
2nd D Flight: Jon Lemjan, net 72
3rd D Flight: Alec Hoare, net 72
Near Pins: #4 & #16 Peter Emslie; #8 Ian Ashenden; #13 Rick Sharp
He won the Monthly Medal as recently as October 2004 and now
has come back and done it again in January of 2005. Normally everyone likes to
see the victories spread around, but this was an instance, certainly for those
who knew, when the Society couldn’t have been happier. Certainly condolences
to Simon Kendall who roared back into town to match Jack’s net 66, only to
lose a count back for the Medal. Fortunately, Simon’s loss was assuaged by the
top spot loot for B Flight and an automatic qualification for the 2005 Gold
Medal round. However, if you had seen this month’s Medal winner, this robust
and gregarious Swede, as he continued to play exceptional golf, golf which had
lowered his handicap from 12 to 9 over the past twelve months, you would never
have guessed that Jackie had received some tough news a couple of months ago. As
you read this column Jack is back in Sweden receiving chemotherapy and such
other necessary treatment to beat that diagnosis. Certainly no disease could
have a tougher opponent. It is with great anticipation that the lads and lasses
who know Jack, whether as a golfer, local businessman or friend, await his
healthful return to his adopted home of Pattaya.
Just a stroke off the Medal pace was big Simon Philbrook,
whose gross 72, was second best of nine players in the 70’s off the stick. He
was one behind the low gross on the day of Immu Korvenman. Completing the three
place A Flight podium was Canada’s Jim Wickstrom’s 75/69 effort. Simon
Kendall’s winning gross 79, net 66, was followed by Paul Walia and GM John
Emmerson, thereby completing the B Flight story.
Charles Li, who is now working in the Eastern Seaboard
region, continued to make his presence felt, as he has since his arrival, with
the second net 67 on the day. Chas, who had a close brush with Lewiinski’s
immortality, was followed by his C Flight compatriots, Steve Mulberry and Peter
Emslie. It would be appropriate to highlight, at this time, that the day’s big
field supported four Near Pins on the day and ol’ Peter garnered two of them.
Jez Lees, who appeared in this column last week, continued a
bit of a purple patch by taking D Flight. Jon Lemjan had, what this scribe
believes to be, his first payday at the Society, with Alec Hoare, who always
seems to be around it, in third, beneficiary of a count back over Oddvar “The
Tent Maker” Rykke.
Monday Jan. 10
Phoenix - Mountain & Lakes
Blue or White Tees
Stableford
1st Blue Flight: Sonny Crawford, 35 pts
2nd Blue Flight: Ken Moss, 33 pts
3rd Blue Flight: Bob Patterson, 32 pts
4th Blue Flight: Rick Sharp, 32 pts
1st White A Flight: Eddie Blackwell, 37 pts
2nd White A Flight: Gary Blackburne, 33 pts
3rd White A Flight: Stu McNicol, 32 pts
1st White B Flight: Jan Eriksen, 38 pts
2nd White B Flight: Brian Cooper, 33 pts
3rd White B Flight: Graham Buckingham, 32 pts
Near Pins: # 8 Gary Blackburne; # 16 Pete Chadwick
What’s goin’ on at old, friendly Phoenix. Admittedly the
somewhat friendly Ocean side was not on the day’s agenda, but to have only two
players better their handicap is strong evidence that the enhancements made by
Phoenix management over the past couple of years are bearing fruit. About two
fifths if the field took on the 6,710 yard blue configuration and a couple of
newcomers showed they came to play. Sonny Crawford, a solid 11 handicap, brought
home gold on his first day and rewarded the Society with a ringing of the bell.
Ken Moss’ humble 33 points was one clear of a couple of veterans, Senator
Cheesehead and The Hermit.
The Quiet Man, Jan Eriksen, made a little noise with his best
on the day on the White course 38 points. That was enough to give him a five
point gap on his fellow White B podium mates, Brian Cooper and Graham
Buckingham. The Brothers Black, Eddie B-well and Gary B-burne, took the top two
slots in the premier flight of White with our resident Beau Brummel being the
other who bettered his handicap. Stu McNicol had the same facial expression as
Brian and Graham did when the results when announced and he found his 32 points
earned him a step.
Wednesday Jan. 12
Bangpra - White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st A Flight: Simon Philbrook, net 72
2nd A Flight: Chuck Carriere, net 74
3rd A Flight: Tom McManus, net 75
1st B Flight: Don Lehmer, net 72
2nd B Flight: Phil Page, net 73
3rd B Flight: Joe Mooneyham, net 73
1st C Flight: Colin Davis, net 72
2nd C Flight: Ray Dell, net 74
3rd C Flight: An Kaesavane, net 75
1st D Flight: Fred Theobald, net 71]
2nd D Flight: Jan Eriksen, net 77
3rd D Flight: Brian Cooper, net 78
Uncle Fred Theobald was man of the match, the only competitor
under his handicap and the winner of D Flight, with his net 71 to lead two
podium mates of Monday, Jan Eriksen and Brian Cooper. The three other flights
all had a winner at level to handicap 72. Simon Philbrook, winner of A Flight,
served notice that he has acclimated to Eastern Seaboard golf as he starts to
appear amongst the leaders off his stingy 5 handicap. It would not be surprising
if his handicap returned to at least the 4 handicap he brought several months
ago from the UK. Canada’s Chuck Carriere, a frequent visitor, just had to
overcome jet lag to find his way to the pay station as second in A Flight. Tom
McManus tidied up the last spot in the top crop.
Don Lehmer headed out of town with a victory in B Flight
under his belt. That left second to Phil Page, who snuck by Joe Mooneyham
benefit of a count back.
How about two thorns than a rose? Well they are great guys
but they are thorns in the field’s side and I am speaking of The Donkey and
Ray “The Farmer in the” Dell. (My apologies to my Brit friends who don’t
know that nursery rhyme, but then I didn’t know ‘The Banbury Cross”). The
rose is none other than An Kaesavane who has been regrettably missing from the
podium as of late but may be signaling a return to form.
Friday Jan. 14
Khao Kheow - A & B
Yellow or White Tees
Stableford
1st Yellow A Flight: Bob Patterson, 41 pts
2nd Yellow A Flight: Steve Mascari, 39 pts
3rd Yellow A Flight: Tom McManus, 39 pts
1st Yellow B Flight: Andreas Grunenberg, 34 pts
2nd Yellow B Flight: Ken Moss, 34 pts
3rd Yellow B Flight: John Mabry, 33 pts
1st White Flight: Rick Sharp, 37 pts
2nd White Flight: Ray Dell, 35 pts
Near Pins: # A3 Phil Mitchell; # B8 Julian Clarke.
We try to keep it close to home on Friday’s but this
scribe’s pen wandered and as a result the Society had to as well. It certainly
didn’t upset the good sized field, four-fifths of which chose the longer
Yellow tee configuration. Ironically, the best scores on the day came out of the
Yellows, with Sen. Bob “Cheesehead” Patterson topping the lot and A Flight
with 41 points. The president was knotted in a tie with Tom “Who I am Dying to
Meet” McManus. The Prez pointed out he didn’t need a count back since “He
is the President” and had his Interior Minister pass a rule to that effect.
Andreas Grunenberg on his second to the last comp of this visit put the common
man’s count back on Kenny Moss. Jumping on that last spot of the B Flight of
the Yellow’s was John Mabry who stepped into town and on to the podium.
The Hermit, who hits the ball with anyone, chose to work on
his iron game and stepped forward to the Whites and then onto the victory
podium. It appeared “The Farmer in the” Dell had to go to count back over
Ivan Plunkett. The word “appeared” is employed because Ivan totaled 18 and
17 points for a 34 point total. Was the “34' correct? Were the “17” and
“18” correct? Can Ivan not add? No matter he lost the count back anyway!
Pattaya Bridge Club
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s Beach Bar
Tuesday Jan. 11 Khao Kheow Stableford
A really good turnout gathered at Tropical Bert’s to
enjoy one of his very fine free breakfasts, before travelling to this superb
course.
Technical
Winners
This day out is starting to take off, and Bob has had to
increase the number of tee times week by week, so if you want to play and
take transport, please get your name down early. One other thing is that
once you get back to Bert’s after golf, the atmosphere is so good you tend
to stay too long, so take plenty of beer money.
 (l-r)
Jeff Wylie, Tropical Bert and Andy Evans.
On this day the course played as usual, tough, but the
players had a really good day out, and some good golf was played by many of
the players.
Back at Bert’s, as all tucked into hot food, the
results were tabulated and in the A Flight the winner was Jeff Wylie, whilst
in the B Flight the winner was Andy Evans. Presentation over the night
proceeded as normal. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Jerry Katz, Marcel Brunet, Sonny Crawford,
Mike Anderson Eric Rasmusson, Bob Noble, Henry Cignat, Nigel Cannon, Martin
Bullen Colin Bavington, Bryan Ronat, Adrian Ayres.
Long Putts: Kevin Dunne and Mike Gill.
PSC golf with The Bunker
Crystal Bay
Monday January 10 saw the boys from The Bunker play a
Stableford competition at Crystal Bay Golf Club. The course was in perfect
condition and although this course is a little more expensive compared to
most others everyone agreed it was money well spent.
 David
Johnson, winner at Eastern Star - dressed to kill!
The field was divided into two Divisions A and B and in
Division A the winner with 31 Stableford points was Mark Gooch, second place
went to John Truman who has recently arrived from the UK with 30 points and
third place was claimed by Granville Swanson with 29 points.
In Division B, Mick Ramshaw took the honours also bagging
31 points followed in joint second place by Frank Butler and Jim Payne both
with 28 points, there was only one near pin winner today with John Truman
scooping the pool.
Green Valley
Green Valley Country Club was the venue on Wednesday
January 12 where The Bunker Boys played a Medal competition and on another
course in excellent condition Granville Swanson took first prize with a
super round returning a net 65, second place went to Peter Habgood and third
place going to David Johnson with net 70 and 72 respectively.
Two Near Pin prizes were claimed by Brian Bellis with one
each being won by Brian Maddox and Geoff Parker.
Eastern Star
On Friday January 14, it rained all day long at Eastern
Star Country Club where the boys from The Bunker went to play another
Stableford competition. A dozen hardy players braved the elements and
finished the round with third place going to Curtis Hessler with 33
Stableford points, second place went to John Hughes with 34 points but the
winner on the day was David Johnson coming into the clubhouse with 36 points
to win first prize.
John Hughes also won two Near Pin prizes along with David
Johnson and Mark Gooch (one each).
The Bunker Boys are playing three times a week during the high season
(Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s) so if you would like a round of
golf call into The Bunker Bar on Soi Chaiyapoon (near X-zyte disco) to pick
up a golf schedule or consult the Pattaya Mail every week and, as usual, you
can get the latest information about all other sporting activities at The
Bunker Bar by visiting our website @ www.bunkerboysgolf.com
Top of the Gulf International Regatta is drawing the crowds
Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Jomtien April 30 - May 5
Yachting interests in the Gulf of Thailand have announced
the inaugural Top of the Gulf International Regatta, which is to be held
over the first week in May 2005. The Top of the Gulf International Regatta
is timed to coincide with the prestigious Royal sponsored Platu Fleet
Coronation Cup. Ocean Marina Yacht Club, located near Pattaya, which is
about one and half hours south east of Bangkok, will host the regatta. The
organizers will work to serve all sailing interests in the Gulf of Thailand,
including Keel Boat, Beach Cat, and Dingy classes.
The regatta is also timed to complement the Koh Samui
Regatta, which is held a few weeks later. “Ocean Marina offers the perfect
harbour and great facilities for visiting yachts that are competing in both
events,” said Bill Gasson, chairman of the organizing committee and
founding member of the King’s Cup and Koh Samui Regatta committees.
“It’s just hard to get a better location, good wind,
a great sailing area just out the door of the marina. We will also be
organizing a feeder race across the Gulf of Thailand from Pattaya to Koh
Samui, which should be a 200-mile sprint to the Samui Regatta. Local Pattaya
yachtsmen making this trip over the last two years have found the trip
challenging, at that time of the year it’s not unusual to get winds from
20-35 knots, so it is a sprint, which we hope will be attractive to the
racing keel boats. So far we’ve had strong interest shown by yachtsman
from Hong Kong, Philippines and Singapore. We also have a very strong local
fleet, so at this stage, we’re expecting numbers to the tune of 40 Keel
boats 10 to 15 being international visiting yachts, 30 Beach cats, and 70
dinghies. We also expect quite a strong Ocean Going Multi hull class of 10
or so and like Phuket, we have a good range of charter yachts available so
we should have a strong cruising class too.”
The Organizing committee of Top the Gulf International
Regatta draws from a wealth of experience spanning the entire history of
yacht racing in Thailand. The committee, chaired by Bill Gasson, includes
representation from the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, the Yacht Racing
Association of Thailand (YRAT), Ocean Marina Yacht Club, and the local Keel
Boat Fleet. This coupled with a world-class venue, good timing, the Top of
the Gulf International Regatta, and feeder race to Koh Samui is bound to
draw and please the region’s most competitive yachtsman. For more
information, contact Bill Gasson at email: [email protected]
Twelve communities compete in 4th annual Sriracha games
Suchada Tupchai
Residents from 12 communities flocked to the Sriracha
Education sports hall to take part in the 4th annual Sriracha Community
Games. The event focuses on creating solidarity among communities and
providing an outlet for further exercise.
 Colourful
cheerleading squads, of all ages, vigorously backed their teams.
Chatchai Tinkrajarn, Sriracha municipal mayor opened the
day’s proceedings held in the spirit of good fun. “The municipality
supports this event and I feel happy that so many people are participating
in this fun event. I hope you abide with the game guidelines and show
consideration and encouragement to your fellow athletes,” said Chatchai.
A total of 18 sports in 35 categories filled the day’s event, complete
with a cheerleading competition and a march pass. The colorful day went off
very well with everyone joining the spirit of sports and fun.
PSC golf from the 3 Sisters Bar
Doug Chalkley who won a few weeks ago
again made it to the top. With a field of over thirty golfers, the
competition was stiff, but Doug managed to hold off the rest of the field
coming in with 40 points. I was told that the axe was being sharpened for a
chop in handicap.  Both
winners - top and bottom - Doug Chalkley (right) and holding the bag -
Rollie Weese.
Two strokes back of the leader were our golf chairman and
two others. Chris John, Gordon McKnight and R. McKenna all gave a good chase
but only managed 38 points. Following one stroke back of these golfers were
Joe St. Laurent and Bobbie Clark - both with 37 points each.
Holding the bag this week was Rollie Weese. Rollie, Tully and Paul
Donohue normally have a great fight for the bottom spot. Today, Rollie won
hands down with 15 big points. It was no competition for the cellar as Tully
managed 21 points and John Sinclair came in with a surprising 22. John must
have thought that he was heading for the cellar as he disappeared after the
competition.
Casuals League kicks
back into action
MBMG Casuals League - Week 13
The post Christmas season kicked off with
all matches observing a minutes silence in respect for those who lost so
much in the boxing day tragedy that struck Thailand. While the active
expatriate football community as a whole seems to have escaped with no more
than a few bumps and bruises, we were all saddened to hear of the loss to
the Belgian community of Belgian Team Manager and respected member of the
Bangkok community, Erwin Hellemans and his wife Sabrina. A sad loss for the
entire expatriate community.
On a happier note, the weekend’s football action of was
watched by the sharp professional eye of French international and World Cup
player Jean-Marc Guillou who was out to see if Les Gaulois de Bangkok had
any budding stars in their midst. Jean-Marc is in Thailand to study the
development of a professional youth football academy, something that is
certainly needed
Well it is the start of a New Year and time for a few
resolutions:
1: Les Gaulois de Bangkok need to be beaten - Sounding
like a Gallic Fergie at his most arrogant, Les Gaulios’ coach recently
claimed there were only two types of team in the MGB-GTI Casual’s League;
“Those that the French have beaten, and those that the French will
beat.” Well, at last, a third group can be added; ‘Those that have
beaten the French’. The Dubliner winning this weekend’s keenly
contested, top of the table clash, 4 - 2, with Bookhammer impressing once
again, hammering in 2 goals and not getting booked. It would take a brave
man to bet against The Dubliner taking their 4th title in 4 years in this
form.
2: The British Club deserve a goal fest - Blitz FC gamely
allowing the BC Casuals to bang in six without reply in a gesture of
seasonal goodwill. Actually, Blitz FC need a goal/point fest as much as
anyone team, but they can afford to wait as at least they have youth on
their side - which is more than can be said for most of the other teams.
3: Underachievers should start to pick up a point or two
in lower-middle table clashes. Well done to the Scans & Patana (1-1),
and Bangkok United and The Winking Frog FC (2 -2) for doing that. Early pace
setters AFC Shrewsbury, however, continued their disappointing run,
achieving their third 1-0 defeat of the season, this time away to RC
Pattaya. You must try harder in the New Year boys, or no tuck before
bedtime!
4: British pub teams need to keep flying the flag - The
Londoner continue to impress in their impressive debut season, managing to
defeat a spirited German side 4 - 2, with Danai with two impressively taken
goals. The Robin Hood (a team of financial consultants, nicknamed the
Robbin’ Bastards) started the year well with a 3-1 victory over Seaboard
FC.
5: I must not try to upset so many managers with my
write-ups; I’m finding it hard getting Life Insurance now. Oh well, four
out of five isn’t too bad.
Week 13 Results : Scandinavian Vikings 1 - 1 Patana;
Robin Hood FC 3 - 1 Seaboard FC; German All Stars 2 - 4 Londoner FC; The
Dubliner 4 - 2 Les Gaulois de Bangkok; Racing Club Pattaya 1 - 0 AFC
Shrewsbury; Bangkok United 2 - 2 The Winking Frog FC; Blitz FC 0 - 6 British
Club Casuals.
Sunday Quiz League
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Never claimed to be the brightest candle in the
candelabra. Read in last weeks Pattaya Mail that the government had
allocated 7.5 million Baht for a study of Pattaya’s traffic problems.
Heck I’ll do it for a Baht a word. “Too Many Vehicles” That’s three
Baht please. Big things in store for WBC flyweight Champ Pongsaklek
Wonjongkam (54-2; 29KOs). Jr. WBC Fly king, Jorge Arce (38-3-1) will give
up his belt to challenge Wonjongkam on March 19 in the USA. This will fill
out a proposed pay-per-view show that will headline Erik Morales against
“WGAS”, WGAS? Yep! “Who Gives a ****” is being used this year
instead of TBA cause when a person sees TBA, WGAS. First off though
Wonjongkam has a date with Noriyuki Komatsu (19-1-5) on the 29th of this
month in Japan. Big chance for the man who is considered by many the best
darn Flyweight in the world to get TV exposure in the USA. Bad that’s
it’s a PPV deal. Who will Morales fight? “WGAS”
Arce, like Wonjongkam, was at that point in is career
where he either had to quit or do something different. In this case
different was moving up in weight. Arce can hit with power as his 28 KO’s
from 38 wins indicates. The WBC light fly title has been his since he
Ko’d Yo-Sam Choi in 6 cantos. Only one of his 7 title defenses have gone
the distance. Arce has fought the cream of the light fly crop as he’s
been in against Melchor Cob Castro twice, Lee Sandoval and Juanito
Rubillar. The real question is “Will he take his power up one weight
class?” We will see what we will see.
Whoops! Looks like WGAS against Erik Morles will be
replaced by Manny “The Pac Man” Pacquiao. I know you thought that
Pacquiao was going to fight Juan Manuel Marquez on February 26th. Here’s
the deal - Marquez wanted too much money so in stepped promoter Buffalo Bob
Arum, who promotes Marquiz, with an offer to Pacquiao to fight Morales that
couldn’t be refused. Good by Marquez as he avoids getting his butt
kicked, good by February 26 and hello to Erik Morales on March 19th, which
should be the first weekend of the NCAA College basketball tournament,
which means that Las Vegas will be jammed to the gills with folks. “Gills
in Las Vegas?” The fight? Should be one of the best of the Year. Of
course as it’s only March that’s an easy statement to make.
Got a nice e-mail from Steve who asked some questions in
regard to rules that are greatly misunderstood. Well straight away he was
not happy with the Square Ring and particularly it’s author. “Geeze
Howie, it would be nice if you got your facts straight before writing
articles bagging people. In defense of my friend Danny Green.” I assumed
that “bagging” is the same as “taking the **** out of. “ After an
exchange of e-mail I was exonerated of the “bagging charge” but some
questions remained. These comments came in answer to a column piece that
was done on Danny Green as he prepares for his rematch against Markus
Beyer. In their first meeting Green got the “hometown heist” which is
the MO when fighting a German fighters or those that ply their trade in the
former Third Reich.
Steve wondered how a fighter could get a point deduction
for an “accidental” head butt when everyone but the German ring doctor,
who convinced the referee, saw that the cut came from a clean punch. Under
the WBC rules if there is a accidental clash of heads the fighter Not
getting cut may have a point deducted. With that in mind remember that the
referee’s decision is always final (unless it’s not). In this case the
German ring doctor convinced the referee that the German fighter was
fouled. Now as to the genesis of the rule that would be a different story.
One can assume, always dangerous, that the rule makers in their infantile
wisdom wanted to make things even by deducting a point from the boxer that
wasn’t cut. Or we might conclude that it had been a long night and the
committee had been into the cooking sherry since teatime or a combination
of both. One thing you can bank on, is that when Beyer and Green lace’em
up in March, Green will go through the Champ like a Teelock through baht at
Mikes.
If you wondered what the heck happened to David Tua
(42-3-1), I may have the answer. A week Thursday past, Cedric Kushner
announced that David Tua would have his comeback fight March 31 at the
Waitakere Stadium in Auckland. Tua hasn’t been in the ring since March of
2003 when he got a “gift” draw (116-112, 112-116, 115-114) against
Hashim Rahman. Judge Robert Grasso who had it 116-112 for Tua. He should
have been arrested for crimes against nature. Word is that “ho-hum”
Talmadge Griffins will be the opponent. Griffins one of those guys who is
not nearly as good as his record looks. He’s lost 4 of his last 5
included three TKO’s. Griffins is actually an out of shape light heavy
which will be perfect for Tua’s comeback as he can walked around, land a
punch and get a KO. Tua never did like to train, never was in shape and
wouldn’t listen. That aside he’s probably still in the top 10 of a
suspect group of worlds heavyweights.
There was suppose to be a really good fight card today
in Nonthaburi featuring WBC Veeraphol Sahaprom (46-1-2), former WBC Champ
Saman Sorjaturong (46-5-1) and Napapol Kiattiskckchai (28-2). It was
cancelled due to the Tsunami, which as the worlds knows is nothing but a
tidal wave with publicity. But low and behold, when in trouble in a column
always toss a “low and behold” in, former WBC Fly Champ Medgeon
Singsurat (39-3) Ko’d Filipino Leo Escobido in 6 at the Central Stadium
in Pisanuloke last Friday. Why was this fight not cancelled? This Is
Thailand! You’re probably going to ask, “Who did Singsurat beat to win
the WBC fly title?” Answer. If you think he won the WBC fly title by KO
over Manny Pacquiao in 3 on September 17, 1999, you’d be wrong. He KO’d
the “Pac Man” but Pacquiao failed to make the weight so “lost title
at the scales. How about that?
This under the heading of “You’ve got to be kidding”, Joe Calzaghe
has pulled out of his scheduled title defense on February 11 cause he
doesn’t have enough time to get ready. The fight was scheduled back in
November but in January Welsh Joe doesn’t have time to prepare. He was
scheduled to fight a member of the “WGAS” family. This takes the cake!
Pulling out of a fight with no one cause you don’t have time to get in
shape. Drive a person to the demon rum. Thank you I will!
PH3 - Run 1088
I have to start with that I lost half of
my notes somewhere after The Classroom, maybe they are at the Police
station where I had to stay for one hour and pay 700 baht. Somebody wanted
to help me with the bill? But Mai Pen Rai.
After a good run the GM called the circle and called out
anybody want a free run ticket? And me being a stupid git called out yes,
so here goes. The GM started with blessing the new beer police helmets and
it looks like we need the beer police for the respect of the beer truck.
The pretty girl with the raffle Sun Flower on in and many winners. She
always promises to remember my number, but looks like she have short memory
again. After the raffle somebody made their own circle on the bus, I wonder
what they are doing there? Up The Butt was one of the leavers and someone
call out Oh, Oh I am so happy. Hares Arseholeo and Cl*t Face were iced for
a good run but a lot of garbage, I did not set it and I am sure. Arse
Hopper was iced for one of the biggest sins you can do, he had put beer in
his bag. That gets him hash s**t. He say something like it was only one but
you all know one is one too many, same as one wife is more than enough, but
Mai Pen Rai or maybe he took it for the tsunami in the south. The Monster
was on ice for something together with his baby brother (little). He
promised never to do the thing again, I do not remember what but the
Monster promised to put on some weight or was it his baby brother. A lot
more were given some ice, Retard W*nker, Ratso-eel-sniffer and Rudi
Voeller, something about marriage without permission and being pregnant
without knowing it. Sir Airhead had a problem with the USA map, California
and Oregon are not the same place. Now I start to understand why there was
only one ice block in the circle, that is the way to do it so we do not
have to see the same big arses every Monday, no name will be given but look
around you. Retard W*nker in the bucket for not handing in the run story
when he left 3 months ago. Sir Fester in the bucket for something, maybe it
was the reason he went to the Classroom so early, he had been sitting at
the Classroom for 30 minutes and waiting for the food this night, or has he
been out with tongue again before we get there. Sir Chicken F’r was next
with a new song, why was Chicken Nugget hiding under the beer truck? Maybe
he has not done his homework. It was a good song. Next anniversaries for
Absolutely No F’g Idea, The Pope and Flipper. I wonder how many they have
run? GM circle and he speak a language anybody understand and call a lot of
hasher on the ice cube one was Sun Flower and I think she has fallen in
love with the badman because she emptied the ice bucket when the badman was
told to lick the ice in the bucket. Retard W*nker had to sit in the bucket
again after it was re-filled. Chicken Nugget next in for something his Papa
had done, so here he jumps out from under the beer truck and back again as
soon as he was able to do so. Odd Job on the ice because it was so long
since the last time. Seaman Stains in to talk about the upcoming Outstation
run on Friday 14th.
Next it was the hares song and it was quite good. After
the hash hymn it was on on to great food in the Classroom and Sir Fester
was not the first in the queue there were at least 3 or 4 in front of him.
That’s all and I am glad I will be on the road to Laos when you read
this.
On On
Are You Sure
|
