|
Bowling teams set to vie for the 2006 Princess Soamsawalee Cup
Naklua-Pattaya Lions Club is working with city hall to stage a
fund-raising bowling competition in which teams will vie for the Princess
Soamsawalee Cup.
The competition will take place on February 26 at Bowling Plus, on Pattaya
Third Road opposite the Shell gasoline station.
 Lions
Club members and city hall officials discuss the preparations for the 2006
Princess Soamsawalee Cup
Mayor Niran Watthanasartsathorn chaired a preparatory meeting on January 9,
which was attended by Lions Club members and city hall department heads.
City hall is providing some of the budget support for the competition.
Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawalee is to preside over the event and
will present the Princess Soamsawalee Cup to the winning team. Funds raised
will go towards the Princess Soamsawalee Foundation. Spectator tickets are
available at 2,500 baht, part of which will be used for the competition lane
expenses.
The meeting was also a preparation for the 40th Lions Club Thailand
Convention 2006, which is scheduled from March 24 to 26 in Pattaya City. The
official opening ceremony will be held on March 25 at Ban Sukhawadee, and
there will be a procession starting from the Welcome Hotel in Jomtien and
ending at Jomtien’s Palm Beach Hotel.
Pattaya gets ready to host the mountain bike MTB Challenge Open 2006
Mountain bikers from around the country and from overseas will gather for
the Pattaya MTB Challenge Open 2006 to be held on February 25 at Khao
Pratamank, and which the organizers believe has the potential to become a
popular yearly sporting fixture.
A preparatory meeting was held December 27 at Pattaya District Office, at
which Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn said Pattaya City Council, is
cooperating with UWC Company (TCA) and the Bike Net Club to organize the
event to help promote Pattaya tourism.
Pattaya MTB Challenge Open 2006 will be an international event and entrance
fees will not be charged. TCA Group (Thailand Cycling Alliance) will pay all
costs and the Bicycle Association of Thailand and Pattaya City council will
sponsor the event.
The competition will be held on a 5-kilometer trail and be divided into nine
classes, namely Men’s Junior, not over 18 years old (and not under 15),
Women’s Junior, not over 18 years old (and not under 15), U23 Men’s, not
over 23 years old, Elite Men and Elite Women both general, Senior Men, over
35, Team Relay, four members (three men, one woman), Amateur male/female not
over 18 and General Amateur male/female.
Mayor Niran said the council is ready to sponsor the event and will allocate
a budget, and officials will help to make the Khao Pratamank course ready.
He also said that if the MTB Challenge is popular among competitors
throughout Thailand, city hall would put it on the tourism calendar
alongside events like the Pattaya Marathon.
Anyone interested in registering in advance may fax their application forms
to 0 2367 3482 or send the application forms to TCA. Application forms and
further details may be obtained from TCA on 0 2367 3470, 01-8333050,
01-8473944 or Racha Bicycle on 038-770097.
Seaboard FC put Vikings to the sword
Seaboard FC completed their first double of
the season in the MBMG Bangkok Football League last Saturday when they
crushed the Scandinavian Vikings 9-0 at Horseshoe Point having previously
beaten them 5-0 in Bangkok on the opening day of the season.
Seaboard manager Rick Bryant was able to come into the game with no major
injury worries with defender Brian Wilkins being declared fit on the morning
of the game.
The match kicked off at a slow pace with the hot weather conditions not
appreciated by either side. It was Seaboard however, who were to create the
first chance of the afternoon in the first minute when a melee in the Scans
penalty area saw the ball run loose to Paul Derbyshire who headed just wide.
Seaboard were enjoying most of the possession but were being limited to a
few long range efforts.
Ernest Romario who had had a very quiet start to the game almost broke the
deadlock on 16 minutes when he latched onto a ball from Lee Homer and after
beating two defenders, he drove the ball just over from 18 yards out.
Seaboard, however were to open their account one minute later when a flowing
move saw John Campbell feed Danny Stevens out wide on the right and his low
cross into the box was met by Derbyshire, who side footed home with ease
from close range.
Christian Elembe almost doubled Seaboard’s lead on 23 minutes when after his
60 yard run he drove the ball just wide. Seaboard were now well on top and
only the goalkeeper’s outstretched foot was to deny Stevens.
It seemed only a matter of time before Seaboard would score again and the
goal eventually came on 31 minutes when Romario picked up a loose ball out
on the left and he cut inside a defender before dispatching the ball past
the keeper into the bottom corner.
Next to trouble the Scans goal was Dave Brown whose shot from 25 yards was
deflected just over for a corner. The last action of the half saw Cliff West
receive the ball to his feet with his back to goal and his neat turn found
him space to shoot, but his effort went just wide of the post. Half time
Seaboard FC 2 Scandinavian Vikings 0.
Seaboard were unchanged for the second half and within 1 minute of the
restart they went further ahead when a shot from Stevens was blocked, with
the ball falling to Mark Brittain. He laid the ball into the path of West.
who drove home past the keeper from 16 yards out.
From the restart the Scans produced their only shot of note of the afternoon
when one of their midfielders lashed a shot from 25 yards but Mark Coombs in
the Seaboard goal was alert to the danger and pushed the ball over for a
corner.
It didn’t take long for Seaboard to get back on top and a long ball from
Brown was neatly chested down by Stevens into the path of Brittain, but he
shot just wide. Brittain who was having a quiet match by his standards was
to get his name on the score sheet 9 minutes into the second period when
Stevens managed to get to the bye line and his accurate cross was dispatched
with ease past the stranded keeper. 1 minute later Seaboard should have gone
even further ahead when Romario had a clear run on goal but he shot wide
when he should have done better.
Continued Seaboard pressure was sure to tell and Brittain doubled his
account for the afternoon when a cross from Romario, out wide on the left
was met by Brittain and his powerful header found the top corner of the net.
Worse was still to come for the Scans 5 minutes later when a powerful shot
from Brittain could only be parried by the goalkeeper and Romario followed
up to slot home for number six.
Manager Bryant now started to make changes and brought on Colin McCubbin and
Jake Baker for the final 15 minutes. This change was to reap almost
immediate rewards when a poor throw out from the Scans keeper hit Baker and
his neat footwork enabled him to find space and slide the ball to Brittain.
He made no mistake from 12 yards to complete his hat trick. 1 minute later
Seaboard were to score the goal of the afternoon when Romario’s cross field
pass found Elembe out on the right and his cross to the far post was headed
back across the face of the goal by Brittain where the unmarked Stevens
gratefully headed home.
Elembe who had been the creator of many chances during the afternoon managed
to get his name on the score sheet with what was to be the final goal of the
afternoon when his speculative low shot from 20 yards was misjudged by the
keeper and ended up in the back of the net. The final whistle was soon to
follow and Seaboard had notched up their sixth consecutive win in some
style. Final score Seaboard FC 9 Scandinavian Vikings 0.
Seaboard manager Rick Bryant was particularly pleased with the way his side
had played and could point to the fact that they had finished the game with
3 sixteen year olds on the pitch having given a league debut to Kirill
Giyasov late on. He also was full of praise again this week for impressive
displays by both Craig Banks and John Campbell in the middle of the park.
Seaboard’s next game is in Bangkok against the German All Stars on Saturday
21st January.
Seaboard’s next home game at Horseshoe Point will be against the Winking
Frog on Saturday 28th January, kick off 4:00pm.
Seaboard FC have been fortunate enough to secure the sponsorship of AGS Four
Winds International Movers and Cranes and Equipment Ltd. Europe-Middle
East-Asia for this season and would like to thank them for their continued
support.
Anybody who could be interested in joining Seaboard FC, whether their stay
in Thailand is for a long or short period is more than welcome to come down
to the football pitch in Naklua every Tuesday evening at 6:30pm, contact us
at [email protected] or call Peter on 01 810 1470.
Paddy rips Emerald again
PSC golf from McAllister Bar & Grill
Friday 13 January
With an incredible back nine Hamilton
(Paddy) Wilson stormed to a decisive victory over the rest of the A flight
(0-17) golfers with 44 Stableford points but was very nearly caught by
newcomer Chaten Patel who finished only one point off the pace. A rare eagle
2 on hole 10 must have got Paddy well into the mood for some excellent golf
which produced 27 points on the back nine.
It was another big day at Emerald with our 40 players closely followed by a
group of talented Thai juniors, a busload of Northeast Asians and a
Lewinski’s outing. Everyone seemed to be accommodated quite well by the golf
course and play proceeded at a very reasonable pace under very good
conditions.
Back at McAllister’s our host Donald was able to come up with some draw
prizes donated by Johnnie Walker, including a bottle of their best which was
won by regular Dene Mundy. This, of course, after the winners of the day
were announced and it was noted that next Friday will be on as usual with a
few less players present due to the PSC Charity Classic 2006 being run on
the same day at Burapha Golf Club.
The day’s winners were:
A flight: 1st Hamilton Wilson 44 points, 2nd Chaten Patel 43 points, 3rd
Donald Hendry 37 points, 4th Nile Sheehan 36 points.
B flight: 1st Joao Jacinto 40 points, 2nd Larry Ball 38 points, 3rd Nigel
Cannon 34 points, 4th Paul Smets 34 points.
Tom & Barry, “almost” master Mountain Shadow
Thursday 12 January saw the
Grapevine golfers head off to Mountain Shadow for what was to be our Monthly
stroke play round for the Grapevine Tankard. The best laid plans of mice and
men they say, well this was one of those times; carts were unavailable and
with several of our regulars unable to walk the course, we decided that a
delay of the Tankard was the only course of action.
 A-Flight
winner,Tom Herrington
So onwards and upwards, we had 30 players tee off for a stableford
competition and many were glad this was the case as most players were unable
to come to grips with the greens and pin placements, (above the hole was a
mortal sin, punishable by a 4 putt).
In the A flight 0 - 17, Tom Herrington continued his recent run of good form
to lead the way with 35 points, closely followed by Frank Pilkington with
34. In the 18 + flight good scores were even thinner on the ground. Barry
Kerr showed how it should be done with 34 points while our visitor from The
Philippines, Mike Blanch returned 30 pts to snare 2nd place.
Technical prizes were spread around with Near Pins picked up by Donald,
Keith A, Russell, Mike (who made birdie) Dave, Rich & Jeff while Long Putts
were won by Fergus, Kuni and Gordon. Lucky Draws were picked up by Paul,
Colin & Ray (again).
A good day was had, despite the rigors of the putting surface, but this was
due more to our golf than the condition of the course. As with any tough day
at golf, there is always next week to redeem oneself. If you would like to
join the crew, come on down to Soi Regent Marina & sign up, or call Malcolm
on 038 361736.
Cheers & Good Golfing.
Al McGrory conquers Noble Place
I.P.G.C. golf with The Caddy Shack
Tuesday 10 January Noble Place
Tuesday, the golfers from the Caddy Shack travelled to the ever-popular
Noble Place golf course, the course is in excellent condition and the
staff and caddies are very pleasant. The format for this day was Medal
and the courses of A & B were selected. The golfers were split into two
divisions with the cut being at 15 and under.
 Al
McGrory,
division one winner.
In division two Angus “The Horse” Macfarlane decided it was time to
start playing golf and managed a net 75 to finish in 3rd place, this was
very special to Angus as this is the first golf prize he has won that is
not yellow and edible. In 2nd place was Stefan Goransson with a net 73
whilst in 1st place was Richard Wardell with a net 70.
Division one was a very hotly contested competition with visiting pro
Shane Ruddle shooting a gross 71, in 2nd place was the very consistent
Mark Joshua with a net 70, but way out ahead was Al McGrory with a very
nice net 67. As the usual winner of the Bananas (Angus) decided to put a
good round together, that left the Banana Booby prize in the capable
hands of Clark Alexander and Danny Green. Between them they shared the
Banana split.
Thursday 12 January Crystal Bay
Thursday, the Caddy Shack had a large field of golfers turn
up for the Stableford competition, the courses of A & B were selected
and the golfers were split into two divisions with the cut being set at
16 and under. Division two saw Clark Alexander score 36 points to finish
in 3rd place whilst joint winners were Keith Fortt and David Lightfoot
with 37 points.
In Division one Paul Smith came 3rd with 36 Stableford points, 2nd place
was Phil Mitchell with a very nice 42 points and usually this would be
enough to secure 1st place, but not on this occasion as the Aussie Bob
Philp shot an amazing 43 points to take the top spot. There were 5
birdie two’s on the day shared by Shane Ruddle, Bob Philp, Paul Smith,
Owen Lloyd and Gary. The Caddy Shack sponsored the par 3’s and the
winners were Phil Mitchell, Steve Collins, Paul Smith and Gary.
The Bananas were awarded to Graham ?... from England who decided to be a
36 handicapper, he normally plays off a 28 handicap in the UK. Today he
managed 7 points in total.
Tuesday 24 January The Caddy Shack will go to Eastern Star and leave at
10.00am and on Thursday 26 Jan. we go to The Emerald and also leave at
10.00am.
PSC golf from the café Kronborg
Monday 9 January -
The Emerald, Stableford
The Emerald Golf & Country Club was host to a Stableford competition in two
flights, A Flight 0 to 16, and B Flight 17 up. The Course on the day was in
good condition, with on going construction in various bunkers, however the
men’s locker rooms modifications are completed.
 Ted
Morris, the only unscathed golfer at Khao Kheow
Back from hiatus, Ebrahim took the A Flight with 42 points, Swiss Walter
Bachli was second with 41 points, Icelander Einar Johansson was third with
39 points and Aussie Callaghan was fourth with 37 points.
Aussie Pete King won the B Flight with 39 points (25 on the back nine),
Elias Magnussen was second with 36 points and Jeff Hackman third with 34
points ahead of Finn Lauri Makavaari in fourth , also 34 points, on count
back.
Near Pins: #5 Walter Bachli, #7 Frank Kelly, #13 Brian Noguer, #15 Don
Robinson
Long Put: #9 & #18 Johann Reynisson
Thursday 12 January
Khao Kheow, Stableford
This is a tough course; last year I kept a running total of rounds played
and the number of players who had beaten their handicap. I gave it up after
several months as it became depressing as player after player was beaten by
the course. So it was with pleasure that we took 40 players on this day out,
to try and improve on last year, but how would they fair?.
The test for the day was to be C & A nines, and starting on the C promised a
tough day. A strong wind did not help, however the course was in it’s normal
fine condition, with well grassed fairways and fast tricky greens.
Back in the fine restaurant and tucking into ‘Kheo Kheow beef’, it was
obvious the scores were going to be as they usually are, pretty average. The
scores in the A Flight, 0 to 16, were the better of the two flights, with
Edwin (Alias Ted) Morris winning with 38 points, the only round of the day
to beat handicap. In second we had Kris Helgason with 36 points, in fact
only the second player not to be beaten by the course. In third was Bill
Plath with 34 points on count back over Einar Johansson in fourth.
In the B Flight, 17 up, the winner was Henk De Bock with 35 points ahead of
Dave Richardson in second with 34 points, with in third Alan Lord, 33 points
and in fourth Werner Strub with 32 points.
So as usual the score was K.K. 38 - P.S.C. 1 with one drawn... nothing much
changes here
T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: A3 Marty Allred, A5 Kris Helgasson, C8 Brian McDonald
Long Put; A9 Dan Heidebo, B9 Alan Sullivan
Geoff Parker sails into heaven
PSC golf with The Bunker
Monday, Bangpra
 Geoff
Parker celebrates his hole in one at Plutaluang.
Monday January 9 The Bunker Boy’s travelled to Bangpra for a Stableford
competition. The field was split into two divisions with the cut at 23 and
under. In the B division Thea Von Spelling and Sean McVitty came second with
32 points and first prize was won by Rod Stevens, finding a bit of form at
last after several visits to the driving range. John Truman won third prize
in the A division with 26 points, second came Eddie Martin with 37 points
and the winner with a fantastic 41 points was John Hughes to claim the
lion’s share of a large pot with over 30 golfer’s playing today.
Near pins were won by Paul Edgar and William Macey with two being claimed by
Geoff Parker.
Wednesday,
Mountain Shadow
Wednesday saw Mountain Shadow host The Bunker Boy’s Medal competition and
with the field again split into two divisions the cut was at 19 and under.
Division B winner was David Johnson with the best round of the day with net
72, second place was won jointly by Brian Rought and Rod Stevens proving
that his win on Monday wasn’t a fluke!
Division A saw last month’s golfer of the month Tony Scambler win again with
a net 76 followed closely by William Macey and Geoff Parker with net 77 and
net 79 respectively.
Near pin prizes were shared by Gordon Melia, Thea Von Spelling and two were
won by Owen Lloyd.
Friday,
Royal Thai Navy Plutaluang
Plutaluang was the venue on Friday 13 for another Stableford competition.
Upon arrival it looked like the day would live up to it’s reputation as
there weren’t enough caddies or carts available however, the Royal Thai Navy
saved the day when what must have been a battleship crew turned up to do the
honours.
The cut was 21 and under and Division B saw a three way tie for second place
between David Johnson and husband and wife Thea and Jan Von Spelling with
first prize being claimed by Sean McVitty, 37 points in his last game before
returning to the UK.
Division A saw a tie for second place between Alan Sullivan and Jerry Hough
with 37 points apiece and the winner coming into the clubhouse with 40
points was Mike Larson.
Near pins were won by Roger Foley, Bernie Stevens, Sunny Khanna and leaving
the best ‘til last, Geoff Parker who shot a magnificent hole-in-one at the
famous Lighthouse 3rd hole on the North course which capped off a great week
for him - well done Geoff!!!
Joker fails in Malaysia,
but joins the
local professional ranks
IPGC golf from The Haven
Mon 9 January
Bangpra, Stableford
Division 1 (0-16)
1st Rasmus Jensen 34 c/b 15
2nd Tom Sathrum 34 c/b 13
3rd Phil Groves 33 c/b 17 c/b6 12
4th Doug Hollingsworth 33 c/b 17 c/b6 11
Division 2 (17plus)
1st Russell Exley 40
2nd Ian Holloway 36
3rd John Draper 34 c/b 17
4th Fred Land 34 c/b 14
Ladies Division
1st Wendy Hollingsworth 31
2nd Suzi Lawton 26
The largest turnout so far this high season, saw 45 golfers depart the Haven
for the ever-popular Bangpra, with it’s lightening fast greens, which once
again ruined many a card! Scores amongst the low handicappers were very
tight with Rasmus just coming out on top over Tom on count back.
In Division 2, Russell shot the round of his life to destroy the higher
handicappers. Russell shot an amazing 43 gross on the front 9, that included
an eagle on the par 5 fourth hole and four natural pars. He nearly kept his
round going but a couple of nasty 8’s on the back meant he drifted out to
finish with 96 gross.
In the “2”s competition, Claus Nilssen & Joe Kirkpatrick shared the Division
1 prize, whilst John Draper scooped the Division 2 pool. Prior to the
presentation, Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional, welcomed
Pete Chadwick, Ian Holloway & Doug Gorrell and welcomed back Al Rolnik,
Kjell Christiansen, Roar Berger, Ole Stamnes, Bob & Pat Duxbury and our old
friend, Joe (Joker) Kirkpatrick, who unfortunately failed to qualify for the
Asian Tour in Malaysia. Joe now joins the Haven list of golf professionals:
European Touring Pro: Phillip Golding
Resident Teaching Pro: Richard Livingston
Touring Teaching Pro: Jens Nielsen
Waiting to go on Tour Pro: Joe Kirkpatrick
Wed 11 January
Emerald Ban Chang, Medal
Division 1 (0-12)
1st Alan Howell 72
2nd Michael Dige 73
3rd John Howard 74 c/b 37 c/b6 24
4th Joe Kirkpatrick 74 c/b 37 c/b6 25
Division 2 (13plus)
1st Vance Millar 72
2nd John Teague 73
3rd Nile Sheehan 74 c/b 37
4th Stephen Lewis 74 c/b 38
Another excellent turnout of 37 golfers for the short drive down to Ban
Chang to play the improving Emerald course. Scores were pretty good
considering the toughness of this short links course and quite amazingly,
results were practically identical in both divisions with Alan & Vance just
nicking the honors by a single shot on level par!. With the greens getter
faster, it was perhaps not surprising that only two “2”s were carded, one in
each division and the lucky winners were Joe Kirkpatrick, who missed his
chances on the four par 3’s but then eagled the16th and Chris Olsson, in
Division 2.
Prior to the prize giving, Richard Livingston, welcomed Peter Le Noury and
welcomed back Vance Millar, Michael Dige, Tony Barritt & Gary Nicholas.
Fri 13 January
Mountain Shadow,
Stableford
Division 1 (0-16)
1st Tom Sathrum 38
2nd Doug Hollingsworth 37
3rd Serge Straeten 36
4th Alan Howel 32
Division 2 (17plus)
1st Victor Barton 35
2nd Gordon Langtry 33
3rd Vance Millar 27
4th Stephen Lewis 26
A slightly smaller group left the Haven to play the difficult Ronald Fream
layout at Mountain Shadow, but nevertheless, there were enough (just) to
make two divisions and the 31 avid golfers brought the week’s total to an
amazing 113... is that a record Stephen? The course was busy, there were no
carts available and the greens were like glass, so all credit to those guys
in Division 1 who played to or beat their handicap, some achievement at
Mountain Shadow!
The man who is always there or thereabouts, Tom Sathrum, beat off strong
challenges from Doug & Serge to take the honors in Division 1, whilst Victor
comfortably won the day in Division 2. With lightening fast undulating
greens, there were never going to be too many “2”s and none were carded in
Division 2, so rollover time at Crystal Bay on Monday. In Division 1, the
prize was shared by Alan Howell, Danny Millar, Peter Le Noury and Graham
Hiskett.
Prior to the prize giving, Richard Livingston welcomed back the Bear (Barry
Winton) from hibernation and bid farewell to Danny Millar.
Sugar Ray scores a medal knock out
IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s
Sunday 8 January
Green Valley - White Tees,
Stroke/Medal
1st A Flight: Hugh Lyons, net 70
2nd A Flight: Pat Regan, net 71
3rd A Flight: Bob Patterson, net 72
1st B Flight: Terry Phur , net 70
2nd B Flight: Nick Payne, net 70 Big E & Glen Perk
3rd B Flight: Claus Birk Thomsen, net 76
1st C Flight: Alec Hoare, net 66, Qualifier
2nd C Flight: Frank Pilkington, net 70
3rd C Flight: Steve Mulberry, net 71
1st D Flight: Sugar Ray Handford, net 66 - Monthly Medal
2nd D Flight: Mike Loewen, net 69
3rd D Flight: Ian Grout, net 69
NP’s: Whites: #2 John Ginnane; #9 Ken Kutzing; #12 Peter Emslie; #16 George
Jackson.
2’s: Hugh Lyons, David Tanner, Robert McCarthy, John Emmerson, Klaus
Schackt, Bob Dibben, Terry Phur, Claus Birk Thomsen, Jim Munns, Barry
Copestake, Peter Henshaw, Barry Chadbourn, Dan Maclean, Emiel Van de Wiele,
Poo Supaporn
Non-2: Kenny Kutzing
It was a big field with a lot of talent, but it was left to the lower half,
C Flight and D Flight, to provide the fireworks for the first Monthly Medal
of 2006. Sugar Ray “I already have a nickname” Handford and Irishman Alec
“No-Ho” Hoare were three clear of the entire lot at net 66. The lad from
Down Under had the better of the count back and took the notoriety and the
hardware but he will be joined in the 2006 Gold Medal Competition by Alec.
(Incidentally the 2005 Gold Medal Competition is slated for Sunday, 5
February, at Green Valley.
Sugar’s D Flight winning score was three clear of the only other players to
break net 70 as Mike Loewen bettered Ian “Tile” Grout on count back. Alec’s
C Flight winning score was four clear of Frankie the Pilk and yet another
ahead of Blackburn Steve.
A couple of fellas from the ol’ Sod topped A Flight as Hugh Lyons edged Pat
Regan. Bob Patterson was the top Protestant in A Flight with net 72,
bettering Flipper and Brian Lee.
Terry Phur and Nick Payne were locked in an all-UK count back for the top
rung in B, with the former having the better of it. A shocked CBT saw his
good-looking-only-at-closing-time 76 withstand the rigors of count back over
the Big E O’Brien and the Perkolator (sic).
It wouldn’t be Sunday if I didn’t mention that K4 had a “2” but wasn’t in
the pool.
Monday 9 January
Treasure Hill -White Tees,
Stableford
1st A Flight: Barry Tregurtha, 36 points
2nd A Flight: Brian Lee, 34 points
3rd A Flight: Bob Patterson, 29 points
1st B Flight: Charles Sheppard, 36 points
2nd B Flight: Emiel Van de Wiele, 35 points
3rd B Flight: Chaten Patel, 35 points
2’s: Brian Lee, Bob Patterson, Dave Tanner, Peter Hynard, Emiel Van de
Wiele, Keith Meehan
Near Pin: #2 - Barry Tregurtha
You might recall that despite a couple of fine scores last week, Barry the B
was ever the bridesmaid. Today’s level to handicap 36, while modest in
comparison, finally brought home the A Flight bacon. Brian Lee, suddenly no
stranger to the podium, found his 34 points good for second place in the
premier flight, thanks to the tough layout at Treasure Hill. The Senator,
showing that his karma is good took some lucre home (not the Jack Abrahamoff
kind) despite a marvelously modest 29 points and a count back over Dave
Tanner.
Charles Sheppard , whose betting prowess had previously been likened to
Denis Curtain’s, came good with a sizzling 21 points on the inward nine to
take the junior Flight. Emiel “‘i’ before ‘e’” Van de Wiele bettered the
Raja on count back.
Wednesday 11 January
Burapah A & B - Blue or
White Tees, Stroke/Medal
1st A Blue Flight: Bob Patterson, 38 points
2nd A Blue Flight: Robert McCarthy, 38 points gross 68
3rd A Blue Flight: Rick Sharp, 37 points
1st B Blue Flight: Chris Fox, 40 points
2nd B Blue Flight: Nick Payne, 37 points
3rd B Blue Flight: Barry Copestake, 36 points
1st C Blue Flight: Thierry Bibinet, 42 points
2nd C Blue Flight: Charles Sheppard, 41 points
3rd C Blue Flight: Emiel Van de Wiele, 40 points
1st White Flight: Jim Munns, 41 points
2nd White Flight: Jon Hillier, 39 points
3rd White Flight: Ray Dell, 37 points
2’s: Blues: Bob Patterson, Robert McCarthy (2), Bob Dibben, Paraig McManus
(2), Timo Maki, John Emmerson, Gary Blackburne, Colin Davis, David Thomas,
Keith Meehan, Terry Price. Whites: Jim Munns, Sugar Ray Handford, Kirsi
Ahlfors
It was another big high season crowd and another four flights. While he
didn’t win, it seems appropriate to acknowledge a lad who has been playing
around Pattaya for about a month and who is rounding up this stay to return
to his native Ireland. Robert McCarthy shot a gross 68, 38 points off his
plus 2 handicap, good for second place in A Blue Flight, and it can simply
be added to the list of thrills he provided his partners and the Society
during his stay. He left stories of eagles and strings of birdies, of
Russian girls and more, but most of all he left behind a lot of friends who
appreciated his pleasant manner every much as his golf.
Now I hope that my little filibuster didn’t diminish the glow on The
Senator’s count back victory in A Flight, nor the bronze effort by The
Hermit.
Monsieur Thierry Bibinet (no relation to Serge Straeten) was Man of the
Match with an impressive 42 points and he needed every one of them to edge
the surging Dr. Charles “don’t call me Sam” Sheppard (didn’t he get the
chair) and “‘i’ before ‘e’” for the top shot in Blue C.
The old Foxy walked down the gangplank and went directly up the podium to
take Blue B. His 40 points was three clear of Nick Payne and yet another
over Barry Copestake to whom we bid a fond farewell until his next visit.
The good Capt. Fogg took a holiday on the White tees and he paid for his day
with a Flight winning 41 points. Two other members of his four ball filled
out the victory dais as Johnny Hillier had 39 and “The Farmer in The” had
37.
Friday 13 January
The Emerald - White Tees,
4-Person Scramble - Stroke/Medal
1st Steve Mascari, Keith Meehan, Dave Porter, Rick Sharp, net
54.1
2nd Tom McManus, Robert Collis, John O’Neill, Paraig McManus, net 55.6
3rd David Snell, David Tanner, Peter Hynard, Colm Mullen, net 57.3
2’s: Too Numerous (20)
The Koreans are coming! The Koreans are coming! No they’re not!!!! They’re
here!!!!!!! Bang, straight into the face of them charged the intrepid
Society but their golf carts were no match for the Korean-carrying buses.
It wasn’t what one would call a fast day, but, as the gang always does on
these “team” comps, a good time was had by all. A returning-to-action
President led Meehan, Porter and The Hermit as they rode roughshod across
this collaborative, albeit unintended so, creation of Faldo and Muirhead as
though they were the famed Four Horseman of the Apocalypse (points off if
you said “the Acropolis”). Rumors abounded that this may be a Society record
for net score in a four man scramble. Elias Sports has been queried to
confirm this, but the winners are spreading it like gospel.
The Irish Rebels were right behind them as brothers McManus and Messrs.
Collis (Robert) and O’Neill were a shot and a half adrift. Society regulars
Dave2, Colm and Hynard claimed the last slot.
The road to Super Bowl XL (Part 3)
by Howie Reed
This was the week that thinned the herd. The steers were sent one way and
the bulls moved on. You either got ready for another game or fished out the
golf clubs. Those left standing all had a legitimate chance at not only
advancing to the Super Bowl but also winning and in style. In each case the
games were more than bare statistics. Each game was a contest of will, of
heart, of guts and the determination to succeed. Injuries abounded yet the
winners carried on. There was a game for the ages with Pittsburgh-Indy.
There were surprises such as the offensive display shown by the Bears and
Panthers. In each case the teams gave everything they had and in some cases
a little bit more.
Anything less than 100% wasn’t acceptable. This is the time when it’s
discovered that Cinderella wears a size 15 shoe that was hidden by her ball
gown and which also hid a few other flaws. This is the time when one of the
ugly sisters becomes a number one draft choice, when it’s discovered that
she has 10 million dollars in gold stashed in a coffee can next to the
swimming pool, which is right off the dock where her 250 foot yacht is
moored. Reality becomes beauty as fantasy disappears in the cold light of
day.
Washington at Seattle
A brief explanation for those that
aren’t familiar with Seattle. It may have been written that the weather
would not be a factor as it was “spring like.” Now you saw the wind and
rain. Seattle had 28 straight days of rain. That is spring weather in
Seattle. Fearless wrote, “Look for the Seahawks to move on.” What a joke...
the Seahawks won the game 20-10 without the NFL’s most valuable offensive
player Shaun Alexander. He went out with a concussion early in the first
quarter but it didn’t matter. The Washington Redskins offense was
“wretched”. The Seattle defense and QB Matt Hasselbeck were top notch.
One wishes that the late John McKay were still alive. He’s gone but his
words live on. McKay was the coach the first years of the Tampa Bay
franchise. Their offense was equally as bad as the Skins displayed in the
playoffs. When asked at a post game press conference, “Coach McKay what do
you think about the execution of your offense?” His reply was “I’m all for
it.”
Seattle did everything in their power to keep Washington in the game. The
three turnovers and numerous dropped passes won’t work next Monday against
an opportunistic Carolina Panthers. Regardless the Seahawks prevailed moving
towards the first Super Bowl in the history of the team..
New England at Denver
The Pat’s turned the ball over 5 times on
their way to a 27-13 loss to the Denver Bronco’s. 14 of the Denver points
came with a total of two yards of offensive. Towards the end of the first
half Denver got a gift on a “phantom” pass interference call in the Pat’s
end zone. The official that made the call reportedly has also seen Elvis a
number of times at trailer parks and talks to Houdini every Halloween. On
the ensuing kick off the Pat’s Ellis Hobbs fumbled, Denver recovered. It
took the Bronco’s four plays that ended in a 50-yard field goal. In the
space of less than a minute Denver went from 0-3 down to a 10-3 lead.
In the 3rd period New England had narrowed the score to 10-6 when they got
the ball on their own 22. Pat’s QB Tom Brady connected on three straight
passes that yielded 68 yards. With 3rd and 5 at the Denver 5 Brady rolled to
his right looking for Brown in the end zone. His pass was intercepted by
Champ Bailey who returned it 100 yards before being knocked over on the
Pat’s one-yard line. There was another dodgy call here when the referee
judged Bailey to be ‘down’ even though the ball traveled through the end
zone and out of bounds. As Bailey didn’t have control of the ball as it went
out of the end zone, it could have been a touchback and New England’s
ball... It wasn’t, Mike Anderson then ran it in for a 17-6 Denver lead.
Early in the 4th quarter New England drove to the Denver 25 when they
stalled. They turned to Mr. ‘reliable’, Adam Vinatieri for an easy 43-yard
field goal. He inexplicable missed. After 5 plays Denver was forced to punt
but when the Pat’s all purpose player Troy Brown fumbled, the Bronco’s
recovered the ball. Three plays and 15 yards later it was a 24 to 6 game.
Denver had scored 21 points by gaining a total of 17 yards. Game over. Drive
home safely!
Pittsburgh
at Indianapolis
“Take Indy to win easy.”
That’s what Fearless Forecast wrote just a week ago. What happened? Very
simple... It was a game for the ages. The Steelers built a 14-0 lead that
but for some debatable referring calls, should probably have been 21-0.
“After last night maybe they’re just not going to call pass interference”,
said CBS’s Dan Dierdorf. As things would play out, the officials didn’t get
a lot better. In the 4th, the referee negated an interception by the
Steelers’ Troy Polamalu, which would have ended the game.
The Colts up until the 10-minute mark of the second quarter ran a ballet
offense. “Ballet offense?” Yep. That would be ‘1,2,3, kick’. The 54.900
Colts fans in attendance were ‘church collection plate’ quiet. They rejoined
the living when Indy finally kicked into gear and reduced the deficit to
21-18.
With Indy in possession at its’ own 20 with plenty of time left, things
looked hopeful for the home fans. Whoops. Two sacks by Joey Porter gave
Pittsburgh the ball at the Colts 1 yard line.
Pittsburgh ran Jermone “The Bus’ Bettis but when he fumbled, Indy DB Nick
Harper picked up the pigskin toting it to the 35 yard mark. The Colt
faithful that moments before had been heading to the nearest “adult beverage
lounge” came streaming and screaming back. Manning hit Reggie Wayne for 22,
then Marvin Harrison for 8 to set up a 46-yard field goal attempt by Mike
Vanderiagt.
During the regular season Vanderiagt had been perfect at home with field
goals. This should have been just another day at the office. It wasn’t even
close, “Wide right...really wide right”. Game over. In the local papers
Vanderiagt said, “Sure it’s easy being a kicker until the game’s on the
line.” Colts lose again in the playoffs.
Carolina at Chicago
“Carolina is the type of team that won’t give up. Panthers for an outright
win.”
Of course I was spot on with this one as Carolina won 29-21 in a game that
had a surprising amount of scoring for teams ranked 2nd (Bears) and 3rd
(Panthers) in defense.
As was the case all weekend, the officials played a part by missing a call.
Late in the 4th quarter, with Carolina up by 8, Chicago got the ball driving
to the Panthers 37. At 2nd and 10 Bears’ QB Rex Grossman tossed a pass that
was intercepted by Panthers’ DB Kenny Lucas. Except as replays showed the
25-second game clock had expired. The officials should have thrown a flag,
which would have negated the interception and given the Bears another shot.
Did that cost Chicago the game? Of course not.
The Chicago defense never did figure out how to stop Carolina’s Steve Smith.
Consider the fact he caught 12 passes for 218 yards and 2 TD’s. He ran the
ball three times for an additional 26 yards. Together he gained 244 yards,
which was just 38 yards less than the entire Chicago offense. Carolina QB
Jake Delhomme was no slouch either, completing 24 of 33 for 319 yards and
one interception. From the Bears’ point of view, one can only wonder where
the hell this Chicago offense was during the regular season. The other
option is that Carolina’s defense isn’t as good as many think.
Fearless Forecast -
the Championship round
Pittsburgh at Denver
Denver is truly a good football team.
Pittsburgh dodged a lot of bullets to get to this AFC Championship game. No
team seeded 6th has even made it to the Super Bowl. For Pittsburgh it will
be there third game on the road. Can Pittsburgh be the first to make the
Super Bowl? No.
Carolina at Seattle
This is probably the match up that the Seahawks didn’t want. Carolina has a
great offensive line and a QB Jake Delhomme who is only predictable because
he is unpredictable. The Seahawks will also have to contain Panthers’ all
round yard gaining machine Steve Smith. It would be a mission impossible to
stop Smith so just slowing him down would be a plus. Fearless is going with
Carolina here.
NB. Check the TV guide on page 54 for details of live coverage on the above
games.
New league starts
January 20 with 14 teams
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
200 Bowlers - Rich, Nok, Morn & Ow.
For the first time the Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League will have
fourteen teams playing at the PS Bowl each week. Teams are made up of three
bowlers per team. As a run up to the new season, January 13 we had 45
bowlers bowling for fun and participating in the blind draw to make up the
fourteen teams. Winners of the fun week which is high game and series with
handicap for men and women were: Rich - High series men - 683, Sven - High
game men - 227, Udom - High series women - 625, Ow - High game women - 258
Cunningham cruises to big win
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral
Tuesday January 10, the Pattaya Golf Society chose Eastern
Star as the venue for their weekly medal event and a large field turned out
to enjoy a day’s golf at one of the friendliest courses in the area. The
field was cut at seventeen and under and the day was to be a toil for many
as the fairways were very hard and dry, offering plenty of run but very
tight lies. In division two scores were understandably undistinguished with
Rob Dolan struggling to make his mark with net 79, which was surprisingly
good enough for third. Faring better was second placed Les Hall whose net 76
was many a shot behind the score of the ultimate divisional winner, rookie
Mattias Brandl. His net 71 once again belied his status as the “new kid on
the block”, in golfing terms.
Division one saw better scores and Eastern Star member Arthur Hancock used
all his local knowledge to post a creditable net 74 to take third place. Don
Nellis started his round with memories of his golf-free Baku base in his
mind and when he eventually found his rhythm he played very well to record a
one-over net 73 for second place. Lording it over the whole field was the
ever-consistent John Cunningham and his gross 37 for the first nine was a
credit to his application on the course. He eventually finished with super
figures of gross 77, net 68, to take the day’s plaudits in style.
The only birdie two of the day was recorded by Arthur Hancock and his reward
was to accomplish this on a day when such a large field was present, thereby
substantially enhancing the two’s pot! The recently returned Keith Hector
must have been expecting the Booby Bevy after his first round this trip and
he was not to be disappointed; his net 91 attracting little challenge. It
had all helped to make a fine day’s golf with the PGS at
Eastern Star.
Latham and Wilson bully Bangpra
Thursday January 12, a huge field turned out under the Pattaya
Golf Society banner to play the society’s weekly stableford event at
beautiful Bangpra. The course was well dressed and the greens were back to
their notorious best, giving the two divisions, cut at nineteen and under, a
stern test of golf.
From the start it was essentially a “fun day” with an all-ladies group
heading the field out from the tenth tee, setting the tone with high fives,
cheers and claps. Really, grown ladies acting like schoolgirls on an
out-of-class trip!
More seriously the lads were getting down to it and after nine holes Denis
Smith had already set a blistering pace with his twenty points and had the
whole of the second flight desperately hanging on to his bag straps. He was
to falter over the closing holes, however, and this gave Paul Scully the
opportunity to overtake him with his 32 points to grab third place. Barry
Pethig had established a respectable second place with his consistent 35
points whilst Texan Jim Wilson was in full control of the flight, his 39
points totally blowing away his rivals.
In the top flight Stuart Thompson and Sunny Khanna had grafted all day for
35 points and they shared the runner-up place, Stuart’s short game in
particular letting him down badly. Wilf Latham, the long-hitting Lancashire
lad, powered his way to the top with a splendid 39 points to take the day’s
main honours. This included an astounding 22 points on the back nine, his
best for a long time.
Bob Lindborg and Jim Wilson shared the large two’s pot whilst Rob Dolan,
fearing a backlash from his mates for the colourful shirt he was wearing,
received the perfect “accoutrement” in the form of the Booby Bevy. The
garish garment was later donated to the group, to be ceremonially worn by
the Booby Bevy winners at future presentations! It was the perfect ending to
a thoroughly enjoyable day out with the Pattaya Golf Society from the OK
Corral.
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
There are “sure” things in life and then there are
“really” sure things. Sunday morning’s fight (live 9am channel SS6) from
the Thomas & Mack Arena in Las Vegas between Erik Morales (48-3) against
Manny Pacquiao (40-3-2) will be a candidate for fight of the year.
Granted any fight with Pacquiao involved is a candidate for fight of the
year. Some may remember that the two met back in March of 2005. It was a
heck of a battle with Morales appearing to be much stronger than
Pacquiao especially at 130. At 126, which Morales probably couldn’t
make, many would give the nod to Pacquiao. Since then, both have had
‘tune up’ fights: funny but when boxers have ‘tune up’ fights they still
charge the public ‘real prices’ to attend.
In September Pacquaio dominated Hector Velazquez knocking him out in 6.
The fight proved that maybe Pacquiao could take his power with him in
the move up to 130. Velazquez had a darn good beard, as he hadn’t been
knocked out since 1997 when he went through a period of three KO’s on
the trot.
That same evening Zahir Raheem (26-1) laid a beating on Morales, winning
a lopsided unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113,118-110). For his part
Morales has said, “ I know I let a lot of people down with my last
performance. I know I can do better than what I showed last September in
Los Angeles and I will prove it on January 21 in Las Vegas.”
Morales was a little heavy in September at 134 so maybe the loss can be
ignored as “just one of those things”. There is also the possibility
that after 51 fights, many of them all out wars, the engine of Morales
may be starting to run down. For this week’s fight, the boxers get one
of the very best referees in Kenny Bayless. Two of the three judges,
Dave Moretti and Paul Smith, also judged the first meeting. They had
Morales the winner 115-113. Knowing both gentlemen this will not be a
case of them filling in their scorecards before they leave home. It’s
going to be a barnburner!
Some that don’t understand boxing think that the emphasis on weight is
an overblown subject that is meaningless. Nay, nay... two of the better
fights of the last year were between Diego Corrales (40-3) and Jose Luis
Castillo (53-7-1). The first, held in May, was probably the best of the
year. Corrales was down and out but he landed a ‘desperation punch’
knocking out Castillo at 2:06 of the 10th. When the rematch occurred in
October, Castillo made no attempt to make the 135-pound limit.
During the weigh-in a member of the Castillo camp, Dr. Armando Barak,
tried to stick his toe under the scale to affect Castillo’s weight. He
weighed in over the 135-pound limit. When Castillo failed to make the
weight, he paid a fine and fought at 138lbs. By fight time the actual
weight was probably 148 or 150. Not only was he well above the listed
weight but he also didn’t have to train for the fight and attempt to
loose weight.
For the third meeting a 135-pound limit has been imposed with Castillo’s
weight monitored on a regular basis. At the 30-day weigh-in Castillo
weighed 148lbs. Whoops. Fortunately for Castillo, his opponent was
injured in training only last week and the fight has now been put on
hold. Should give Diego plenty of time to consume a few more chocolate
bars.
One “big fight” that won’t take place this year is Jermine Taylor
against Winky Wright. Of course both regular readers knew that was
coming as the Square Ring was on the side of “not going to happen” from
the get go. The problem? Winky Wright and his promoter can’t get it
through their heads that they bring nothing to the bargaining table.
They can’t sell tickets and Wright’s fights are boring.
“They asked for 50% of the money and 50% of the control. That is not
happening, I made them an incredibly fair deal, which is better than
they would get in a purse bid with the WBC. HBO offered $5 million total
and wouldn’t come up a dollar. I offered Winky $3 million. I’m taking
the risk on the site, too. I am not giving them 50% control... There’s
no further room to negotiate because we know what the numbers are. We
both have our positions.” Those were the words of Taylor promoter Lou
DiBella.
Writing about David Tua (44-3-1), as I wasn’t, he gets the third fight
in his most recent comeback on February 24. This time he gets a guy that
has a little pop and will mix it up. Javier Mora is only 19-2 but 17 of
his big wins have come by way of knockout. The Tuaman has got to get it
going as time ‘she is a wastin’.
Meanwhile the two leaders in the heavyweight division get ready for
their March 18 face off. For Rahman “it was always about the belt. I’m
the only champion and once I knock out James Toney there will be only
one champion.” Huh? Then he adds “This win will catapult me to the
stratosphere”. Kinda think he might already be there.
James Toney? Well James Toney is James Toney. “This fight means the
undisputed heavyweight championship. I’ve been trying to fix this mess
for years. Hasim is the best fight for me because he is the WBC
champion. I’m like the devil; I like the fire. If there’s fire in the
kitchen I want to be there. I’ve been in training.” Hummm, maybe if he
loses he can get a job at McDonalds if he likes the kitchen so much. Old
“Lights Out” is a one off.
Yep, tomorrow afternoon in the USA Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym (50-3) gets his
title shot against Vladimir Pereira (22-0) at Foxwood Casino in the USA.
The Square Ring did a brilliant analysis last week which is par for the
course. It appears that Rakkiatgym has been taken over by the devil.
“I am glad to work with Murad Muhammad, M&M Sport Promotion, and take
this opportunity to become the world champion. I will beat Pereira for
making a new year’s celebration to our 60 million Thai fans.”
Jimmy Chaichotchuang, his manager stated, “Thai people want to cheer and
support Rakkiatgym. I would like to thank M&M Sport, Banner Promotion
and ESPN for making this telecast happen to Thailand.” Funny but just a
few years ago Manny Pacquiao’s manager was mouthing the same drivel. The
good news is the fight can be seen in Thailand on BBT Channel 7. If
shown live that should be 9am tomorrow. If not live? “Is up to you.”
A tip of the old chapeau to WBO Featherweight Champ Scott Harrison
(25-2-2) for answering the call and giving a title shot to undefeated
(24-0) Joan Guzman of the Dominican Republic. Oh sure, Guzman won a
title eliminator when he beat undefeated Terdsak Jandaeng in August but
sometimes those title eliminators don’t amount to a hill of beans.
Guzman’s been out of the ring since then, which is never a good sign. By
the time they square off on March 25 at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow it
will be one day shy of 7 months. Harrison dispatched Nedal Hussein
(39-2) in imperious fashion last November 116-111,116-11,117-111 so
should be in tiptop shape for this 11th world title defense. Just
thinking about it makes me thirsty. Thanks old chap I will... but just
one or two!
The Beautiful Game?: From Russia with cash
Riz Taylor
If 2005 was the year when Newcastle United would dominate these pages, it’s
starting to look as though Portsmouth might replace them in 2006 as
football’s most talked about club. Yes, Portsmouth. If you’ve become tired
of yet another melodrama up in Geordie land and bored with Chelsea’s
unstoppable march to glory, perhaps Pompey taking over as the Premiership’s
unofficial soap opera will be just the tonic for you. And maybe you should
be supporting them as well... more on that later.
Portsmouth, by Premiership standards a small club punching well above their
weight, look likely to become a bigger outfit in 2006. Russian ‘businessman’
Andre Gaydamak’s 15 million pound purchase of 50% of the club from Croatian
Milan Mandaric could be about to turn plucky Pompey into the south coast’s
Chelsea-on-Sea, or “Pompski” if you prefer. Supporters of the club will have
been dancing in the streets after learning of the rivers of cash about to
flow into Fratton Park, and well they might, but is this latest trend good
for football?
For that’s exactly what it is - a trend. It seems you’re a nobody at the
Billionaire’s Ball these days unless you’re the owner of a major football
club. Although Gaydamak’s father is the man with the real cash, Andre is
apparently wealthy enough to fund this little adventure and he joins Roman
Abramovic at Chelsea and Vladimir Romanov of Hearts as Russian businessmen
with British football teams in their portfolio.
Even by the shady standards of his two more famous compatriots, the
financial dealings of Gaydamak are shrouded in mystery. He is listed as a
director of seven companies that are no longer trading, and danced around
the financial questions at the press conference heralding his arrival with
all the nimbleness of a motorcycle taxi driver on Second Road.
Mandaric told everyone willing to listen that he’s satisfied that Gaydamak
is a suitable investor in the club, but no serious vetting by the football
authorities appears to be in place and Britain remains the easiest place for
wealthy businessmen to buy their way into football. Whilst it’s all smiles
for the Fratton Park faithful now, what happens when these super-rich types
become bored and find a new plaything? Who will pick up the pieces if it
ends in disaster? And does anyone care?
Pompey manager Harry Redknapp certainly won’t be experiencing sleepless
nights worrying about the background of his club’s new co-owner as long as
there’s cash to fund his famous wheeling and dealing in the transfer market.
And why should he? Already Portsmouth dominate activity in January’s
transfer window. Five new players have arrived, including Benjani Mwaruwari
from Auxerre for four million pounds and the Tottenham trio of Noe Paramot,
Sean Davis and Pedro Mendes for another seven. More are to come.
So what next for Pompey? Silverware? European football? A brand new
out-of-town stadium and an audacious bid for Thierry Henry? Perhaps, but
while the long-term future is looking rosy for the club, for the time being
it’s down to the serious business of avoiding a disastrous relegation to the
‘Championship’.
Good luck to them, I say, and consider this: Portsmouth Football Club is a)
situated on the coast about two hours drive from the capital, b) might be a
success story about to happen, and is c) now funded largely by dodgy foreign
money - allegedly. The similarities with a certain town in Thailand don’t
end there, and that’s why Portsmouth should become your new second team for
2006. I’m off to throw all my money into a poorly-planned Pompey theme bar
before anyone else beats me to it.
Mourinho: “Football in England is clean”
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has offered a fascinating insight
into the differences between English and continental football in a recent
interview. Speaking to a newspaper in his home country of Portugal, the
‘Special One’ discussed the influences fans have on teams’ styles of play,
the honesty of players and even the peculiarities of the English media.
“It’s very different to elsewhere,” he said. “We had a Champions League
press conference and the first question Eidur Gudjohnsen was asked was how
much he had paid at auction for Mick Jagger’s guitar. The first question at
a Champions League conference! Anywhere else in the world the question would
have been about football.”
Mourinho went on to suggest that English sides alter their style of play
according to the mood of the supporters. “The concept of sport in England is
lovely, and it’s reflected in the way the fans behave,” he explains. “For
the crowd, a corner is like a goal, and that sort of reaction pushes teams
to respond in an emotional way. I like that, but I can give you an example
of how it can have a negative effect, and why I want to achieve a different
mentality in my team.
“Last year at home to Bolton we were playing beautifully. We went 2-0 up
with a lovely goal and my team started to play as the crowd wanted them to.
They lost control of their instincts, stopped thinking tactically and played
in the spirit of euphoria that the crowd transmitted to them. I said to my
assistant: this will either finish 4-0 or 2-2. It finished 2-2. I understand
the fans want euphoria, but what I want is thoughtful football, tactical
football.”
Mourinho also revealed his admiration for the British mentality. “What I
have discovered since working in England is that there are still two
different sporting cultures. A player who dives and wins a penalty in
Portugal, or Spain or Italy is considered clever, experienced, cunning -
someone who understands the game. In England a player who wins a penalty
like that is a cheat. A cheat. And he won’t find it easy to survive.
Football in England is clean. There is a culture of honesty, of playing the
game. In this respect the British are world champions - and by a long
distance.”
No experience?
No problem!
In a shameless attempt to keep the attentions of any Irish
readers who’ve stumbled across this column, a story from Dublin now where
the Football Association of Ireland have appointed 36-year-old Steve
Staunton as their new coach.
The former defender of Liverpool, Aston Villa and a load of other clubs I
can’t be bothered to look up has no managerial experience other than a spell
as assistant to legendary tactician Paul Merson at Walsall, and so the
former Ireland captain will be hand held by Sir Bobby Robson while he learns
the ropes. Bless him.
And how long
before he
joins this lot?
For anyone considering applying for Staunton’s job after he’s
sacked, or indeed taking the reins of any football club, be warned - the
odds of becoming a successful boss continue to shorten. A study by Warwick
Business School has revealed that the average length of tenure for a manager
in England is just 20 short months.
The inquiry looked at the 678 managerial changes in the top four divisions
between 1992 and 2005, and showed that almost half of first-time bosses
haven’t managed to return to football at the same level.
Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie should also be making New Year resolutions
to make friends and influence people in the football world - the study
showed that Palace has had the highest turnover of bosses with twelve
changes in as many years. Dowie has just passed his second anniversary at
Selhurst Park, which surely must qualify him for a long service award.
Sports Quiz
Congratulations to Bernard Leach who was the first to
answer last week’s questions correctly. Thank you to all who tried and
better luck next time. In case you were wondering about the answers, here
they are:
1) Who won the Men’s 100m at the Olympics in Paris in 1924?
Answer: Harold Abrahams
2) What was the original nationality of Alfredo di Stefano?
Answer: Argentinian
3) Who was the first reigning monarch to attend an FA Cup Final?
Answer: King George V
This weeks Questions are:
1) Which team does Michael Schumacher drive for?
2) When did Aston Villa last win the FA Cup?
3) Who was the World Professional Snooker Champion from 1927 - 1946?
Pete and Derek savor victory in the final outing from the ‘old’ Tropical Bert’s
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday 10 January Burapha, Stableford
Well this really is the last competition from the ‘old’ Tropical Bert’s,
honest! Next week we will be leaving from the new bar on the corner of Soi
6/1 and 2nd Road.
However on this occasion, after the normal fine breakfast, off we went to
one of my favourite courses, Burapha, and as luck would have it, we got to
play the A & B Layouts. As I may have previously said, this being the older
course it is, in my opinion, the better of the two and well worth a visit.
On this day the wind was blowing quite hard but otherwise the weather was
fine. The course was also relatively quiet and we were able to get around
quickly.
 Pete
King (left) and Derek Brook (right) flank the lovely Pu from Bert’s Beach
Bar.
Back at Bert’s the players tucked into the patron’s special whilst the final
results were worked out, and on this last night in the bar, players whiled
away the time with some cold beers.
When the results were declared, there was one outstanding score in A Div,
when Derek Brook stormed in and broke 80 gross for the first time this year.
In the B Div we had that regular winner Pete King. It is expected both will
be buying beer for the handicap secretary before the next review.
See you in the new bar. T.T.F.N.
Results:
A Div Winner: Derek Brook, Second: Donald Hendry, Third: Stu Thompson
B Div Winner: Pete King, Second: Dick Warburg, Third: Mark Brenton
Near Pin: Jerry Kurtz, Dave Arrowsmith, Russel Whyte, Derek Brook, Danny
Dyke, Peter Ring, Colin Cronin, Mark Brenton, Colin Bavington, Andy Evans
Long Put: Dave Millar, Bob Noble, Kevin Dunne
New weight class comes as welcome news to Thai windsurfers
by Tetlom Pudmak
The Fleet fanned out across the start-line, sinuous bodies absorbing the
ocean swells and gusts of wind. Tensions are high, and then suddenly one of
the leaders breaks away. Muscles bunch and flex as he pull the huge sail
towards himself and pushes the board away, thrusting hips forward and
throwing shoulders back.
A Thai windsurfer relishes the conditions off Jomtien Beach.
Down the line this same rhythm is repeated as sailors begin “pumping” their
craft onto the plane. Surging ahead like nervous stallions the leaders shoot
forward. Four, three, two, one... The Starting horn blares a split second
before the first group of Formula Windsurfers explodes crosses the start
line.
For Thailand’s Ek Boonsawad and Ruamsap Phnutaat it has been a busy time
gathering victories in foreign waters. In the Australian Formula Windsurfing
Open Class, they took 2nd and 3rd place respectively. In the Junior Class,
Ek Boonsawad took 1st place and attained 2nd place in the World Junior
rankings.
Ruamsap Phanutaat recently brought home a gold medal after winning the 33rd
Sea Games Formula event in the Philippines. Again in the Singapore Open he
has just taken 1st place in the Formula Class. The Thai National team will
continue its world class training this year on new equipment from Starboard
and Severne.
Thailand has always produced excellent sailors. 2006 will see a new class
for sailors weighing under 75kg. This is fantastic news. In strong wind
victory has traditionally gone to heavier European sailors who can hold down
the lightweight boards when they start to fly. Asian sailors who are
generally lighter than their European counterparts will now have an even
better shot at the top rankings.
Behind the scenes, former champions continue to battle for the youth of the
country. Under the guidance and tireless work of WATH Secretary Pattana
Boonsawad, the Thai Team continues to grow strong. Coaches Kia Wichithong
and Dang Rangabpis, both gold medalists of the SEA Games continue to train
kids in the sport. Teaching them about the attitude of winning. About
understanding the elements, mastering oneself and working alone and as a
team to overcome the competition.
Every weekend on Jomtien Beach, adults and youth are learning to windsurf.
If you would like to learn or introduce your children to the sport, contact
Amara Windsurfing am@amarawindsurfing-thailand. com or phone: 01862 9958
A Hawaiian ‘sandwich’
at Pattaya C.C.
PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar
Monday 9 January was a lucky day for most of the golfers
that participated. Scores were great and the paymaster, Herb I., was out
donating money to the group as usual.
As the group gets used to the course at Pattaya C.C., scores are dropping to
match. We had 4 golfers in the 40 range and two others in the high 30’s.
Winning the day with 43 points was non other than “Sus” Ige. The “Bandit”
from Hawaii was two shots ahead of the field. Dave Miller was again near the
top of the heap. Dave was in at 41 points, two shots back of the leader. A
point further back but still shooting good golf were Bob Benda and Paul
Kinner; both came in with 40 points chasing the leaders home.
 ‘Sus’ Ige (left) was the winner with 43 points whilst Herbert (right) was
mistakenly left in the cellar.
Jacques Thibault had a good score for the day. He came in with 39 points.
Jacques thought that his handicap might be higher but after checking the
latest handicap sheet, it showed that he was at 20. One other person with a
good score for the day was Dale Murphy who came in with 38 points.
Holding the bag for the week was a new comer to the spot. The Hawaiian’s
squeezed the group as “Sus” sat on the top and Herb Ishinaga fell into the
cellar flat on his backside holding the group up. Anyway, this is what the
picture says. Herb kept looking around to see if anyone else would take him
off the spot. It was not until almost everyone left and the picture taken
that Dennis Edmunds walked in with a carded 13 points!! Too late to get his
mug in the picture - maybe next week.”
|
