Emiel takes the salute at Plutaluang

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

“Scrambled Eggs” was on the menu at Plutaluang on Tuesday, October 10, hence the closure of the North and West nines, relegating the Pattaya Golf Society to the crowded alternative nines for their weekly medal event. However the players coped manfully with the countless six-balls and came through unscathed after a five hour competition.
On a compacted leaderboard Stuart Thompson, Ben Findon and Joop Medze contrived to share third place with their net 73’s only one shot behind the ever-consistent John Cunningham and his level-par 72. The best gross figures of the day had been recorded by both Stuart Thompson and Mikael Andersson at 79.
Once again however, the accuracy of Belgian golfer Emiel van der Wiele held sway and he took the event with a gritty net 70 despite the damp fairways and slow greens. He also had the honour of firing one of the day’s brace of birdie “twos”, the other going to Stuart Thompson.
At the other end of the scale, winners from the previous week were all at sea and suffered a reaction by firing dismal rounds, whilst novice Bill Fenton took thirty shots off his previous PB, yet still captured the Booby Bevy for his high scoring card.
Sam’s win “Fitz”
the bill
On Thursday, the Pattaya Golf Society took off to Sri Racha International Golf Club to play a Stableford event on a very hot day. The course remains in reasonable condition and represents excellent value for money but on this day the absence of golf-carts made the day a long one indeed.
The field was cut at 18 and under and in the second flight a dismal rack of scores saw Rob Dolan and Roman Tomasini share third place with 26 points each. Tony Kitchen finished the day as runner-up with 30 points and Emiel van der Wiele once again completed a weekly double taking the flight with his score of 32 points.
The best golf was restricted to the top flight with all the principals breaking par. Mike Allidi fired the day’s best gross with his 72 giving him 37 points for third place. He was pipped by Joop Medze on 38 and the eventual winner, Sam Fitzsimmons, whose dash from Immigration in Jomtien to Sri Racha (via Pattana!) was the perfect warm-up for his excellent 39 points. His card was helped by a birdie on the third hole for a share of the “twos” pot with Mark Allen and Mike Allidi.
Amongst the many candidates for the Booby Bevy a seriously mis-handicapped Margaret Wilkinson toiled honestly all day and her paltry points total was rewarded with a cooling beer, if only for her spirit.

Tewin the Tigress at it again

PSC golf from Bowling Green

Saturday, October 7,
Sri Racha, Stableford
A Flight
1st Fergus Brennan (14), 39 pts
2nd Derek Eastham (13), 37 pts
3rd Tony Oats (12), 36 pts
4th Marcus Mattsson (18), 35 pts - c/b J O’Driscoll
B Flight
1st David Swaine (36), 42 pts
2nd Peter Harris (23), 39 pts
3rd Joel Flor (22), 38 pts
4th Graham Ramsey (23), 38 pts
Nearest Pins: Reg Rawding, Les Burns, Steve Hamstead (2)
2’s: None - Steve Hamstead again scored one but decided not to enter the competition
David Swaine and Fergus Brennan ruled the day at Sri Racha as both golfers were clear winners of their flights. Dave Swaine came in with a very nice 42 pts to cruise to an easy win in his flight. Always nice to see a new face in the winner’s circle. The course played well, the greens and fairways were in good condition and it gave everyone an equal chance. The yellow hat was passed onto Steve Holtrop, may he wear it with pride.
Tuesday, October 10,
Noble Place, Stabledford
Competition cancelled due to heavy rain halfway through the round
Thursday, October 12,
Treasure Hill, Stableford
A Flight
Donald Hendry (8), 34 pts
Fergus Brennan (14), 33 pts
Derek Eastman(13), 33 pts
B Flight
Tewin Lamthong (27), 36 pts
Ian Covil (20), 33 pts
Joel Flor (22), 30 pts
Nearest Pins: Fergus Brennan, Mike Wardman, Carl Lovatt
2’s: Tewin Lamthong.
The day’s weather was great and made up for Tuesday’s disappointment. Treasure Hills played long for the golfers this week and this was reflected in the scores. Only one player managed to have a net par for the day and it was none other than the Thai Tigress herself, Tewin Lamthong.
Tewin had a great day and we were all in envy of her score. She was also hot on the greens with the putter and managed to win the 2’s contest all by herself. To celebrate her success, Tewin generously bought all the other players a drink.
The soon to be departing Rod Sutherland won the draw for the unclaimed ‘Nearest Pin’ prize - we all wish him a safe and happy return to his work in Norway, come back soon Rod. Meanwhile the yellow hat was passed onto Phil Dwyer.
To show how tough the course was on the day there was a count back for 2nd, 3rd and 4th places in the A Flight. Stewart Thompson was the unlucky golfer to miss out.
The golfers would again like to thank Reg and his staff for all the great breakfasts and dinners we enjoyed this past week. We always look forward to our return after a day’s golf.
If any one is interested in golfing with the Bowling Green we play every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We meet at Bowling Green at 7:45am for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always made to feel welcome. You can phone Reg to put your name on the list, his number is 087-136-5681.. Just give us a CALL and join us for a great day of golf and food and beverage.

VFW Post 9876 still in front with no change at the top

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

200 Bowlers - Tui, Barry, Ooy, Kran & Konrad (Lance not shown)

VFW Post 9876 won all four points from Brother D with Ooy rolling a 217 game, 598 series and Tui a 212 game, 504 series for VFW. Konrad knocked down 569 for Brother D. Café Kronborg got a two-two split with Three Sisters as Kran had a 218 game, 599 series for Kronborg and La rolled a 534 series for Three Sisters. Third place Montana split their match with Mai’s Thai Restaurant and fourth place Domicil split theirs with Jack & Tar. Barry rolled a 247 game, 547 series for Mai’s Thai Restaurant. Teuvo had a 522 series for Domicil, Mai a 521 and Jim a 520 series for Jack & Tar. House of the Golden Coin won all four points from Shenanigans with Mio and Su both rolling 500 plus series. Somrak had a 553 series for Shenanigans and Nok knocked down 547 pins bowling as a pacer. Diamond Shop got a 513 series from their Captain Nual to move out of last place as they won three from Café Ole. Udom led Café Ole with a 511 pin count.

Thunder and lightning - it’s that man again!

PSC golf from the Oohsa Bar

Winners on the podium - Barry, Tong & Mike (all center) pose for a photo with 2 Oohsa Bar staff members.

Tuesday, October 10, Treasure Hill, Stableford
Last Tuesday saw 17 happy and well fed golfers leave the Oohsa Bar anticipating a good game and a fight for the prizes. It certainly started out that way as the weather was fine and the course at Treasure Hill was in good nick and playing there was a pleasure.
This course in my opinion is one of the reasons so many people love golf. Beautiful scenery and some gorgeous birds to look at as we enjoyed the day in good weather.
All this was to change however as by the time our group reached the 7th hole, a combination of thunder, lightning and torrential rain was doing its level best to ruin our day. But were we going to let it? No way. Soldering on, our group of intrepid golfers took all mother nature could throw at us and still finished with smiles (and mud) on our faces.
Back at Oohsa Bar our winners were announced and for the second week running, Barry Quirk the man from down-under was our winner, playing off a 16 handicap and finishing with a creditable 37 points. Second place went to Mike Warner on a count back from our first lady winner Tong Paktiwam; both on 35 with another lady, Su Muangmatch taking 4th place. N.T.P’s and the longest put awards were shared by Barry and Jeff and the killer pool was won by Fred Terone.
Finishing the day off with a very good chicken curry was great and we look forward to our next trip which will be to Noble Place on the 24th of this month. We start the day at 8 a.m. at the Oohsa Bar and if you would like to join us or require more information please call Keith Hodges on 087 916 7171. You will be made most welcome.

Laem Chabang tee shot claims more victims

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Tuesday, October 10, Laem Chabang, Stableford
This is the time of year when the ‘Low Season’ offers start to come to an end, and the ‘High Season’ pocket drainers come into sight. On that basis the choice of Laem Chabang, with only days at the low rate to go, was an obvious one, and it was well supported by our normal players. Not only well supported, but all who put their names down turned up, making my life easier.

Tuesday winners, Joel Flor (Left) with Gareth Weeks

This course is ‘Premium Golf’, with a great clubhouse and the best manicured fairways and greens in the area. On this day the test was to be A & B nines, with that heart stopping shot on A1. Yes, three out of four in the first group smacked their shots into the hazard, but such is life, I was that man.
The more holes we played however, the more we realised that the course was not in it’s usual pristine condition; indeed most who played it for the first time were rather disappointed. Perhaps with the rains of late, and the ‘High Season’ on the horizon, it is overdue for a little rest.
Back at Bert’s the boys were tucking in to the grub, thanks Pu for a fine breakfast and food on return. As for me? I was busy sorting out the results.
The winner of A Div was Gareth Weeks on count back from Anders Pederson, and in the B Div the winner was Joel Flor from Nigel Perry.
T.T.F.N.]
Near Pin: Richard Kubicki, Gareth Weeks (2), Bruce McDonald, Dick Warberg (2), Alan Sullivan, Dick Kerr
Long Put: Thomas Johansson, Brian McDonald

Brian at home in the winner’s enclosure

IPGC golf with the Caddy Shack

Brian Jacks, Don Francis and Phil Smith in party mood.

Tuesday, October 10, Eastern Star, Medal
On a very overcast day, but perfect for golf, a deserted Eastern Star was the venue for a Medal competition. Despite all the rain lately, the course was in excellent condition but good scores were still hard to come by. Dave Smith and Don Francis both returned net 75’s but the winner was Brian Jacks with a net one under par 71. Nobody managed a “two” today so the pot rolls over to Friday.
Friday, October 13, The Emerald, Stableford
This was Friday the 13th and a visit to The Emerald did indeed turn into a nightmare for some of the players.
Paul Davies, Unto & Emmet White tied for 3rd place, with Paul coming out on top by virtue of the count back over the back nine. In second place came Mark Joshua with 33 points but today’s winner with 37 points was Paul Smith.
The huge rollover in the “twos” pot was shared between Paul Davies and Josh, the latter scoring an unlikely eagle on the par 4 seventeenth. Meanwhile, Derek Teeling had his own personal ‘nightmare’, carding a less than sprightly 13 points but he did say it was still one of the best days he can remember.
After the presentations were completed, all stayed for the customary quiz, which now has a new start time of 8pm and remember - everyone is welcome.

Bengt conquers the Mountain

The PSC 63rd Monthly Tournament

The flight winners collect their trophies from the Golf Chairman, Mike Gerrard

Friday, October 13, Mountain Shadow.
I wonder how many players awoke early on this morning, with that feeling in the pit of their stomach that they had maybe bitten off more than they could chew? This is a beast of a course that usually destroys all but those at the top of their game. From the very opening shot on the first tee, the player is under pressure - how will our 108 intrepid participants rise to the challenge?
Many golf societies in Pattaya avoid this course because in the main, players here like to play the game for fun and this course is just difficult. But for the serious golfer it is a real challenge. Just think, if this was your home Club and your handicap was based on playing golf here, you would be a real handful.
Early in the morning the Golf Committee were on site, and a decision was made not to play ‘winter rules’ as the sky was clear and the weather baking hot. Not a bad decision as it turned out as the wet fairways soon dried out and only the last 3 groups on either side suffered a little. More on that later.
Starting out from the 1st and 10th Tees, the golfers battled the difficult greens, and the palm trees that seemed to swallow the balls up wholesale, and gradually they began to troop, drained and beaten back into the clubhouse for a cold shower,
Out on the course, as the last few groups neared the clubhouse and the organisers began congratulating themselves for not playing ‘winter rules’, it started to rain and then it poured down. Oh well, the best laid plans of mice and men etc.
Before moving on, special mention should be made here of Bob Benda. Bob is recovering from hip surgery but still turned up to book people in, and then to volunteered to be Course Marshal, part of which entailed picking up the pins. Of course not playing he did not need to bring a change of clothes, and needless to say he got soaked to the skin.
I am told that the cost of a new shirt and shorts is only 1,000 Baht at Mountain Shadow, and the quality is quite good. No reduction for volunteers. Good old Bob.
In the clubhouse, in addition to the normal sponsors PSC, Tropical Bert’s, Shenanigans, Harley Bar, Bowling Green, Diana Group, we had a special presentation by Numchai Electrical Contractors and their 3 ‘Pretties’, led by Khun Pla. They laid on a 42'’ Plasma Screen Television with a special discount of 20,000 off, also 10 lucky draw prizes. Also all the players were given special discount cards for the shops. All in all, they really brightened the day up.
Back to the presentation by the Golf Chairman who thanked all the sponsors, the club and his helpers, Ron Bridge who sorted out the Technical Prizes, Herb Schwieterman, Tony Oakes and Vincent Smyth helped by a ‘volunteer’ Dave Arrowsmith. Of course he did not forget a very clean and smart Bob Benda.
Emcee, Nigel Cannon, then took over and in his very own inimitable style announced the winners. He’s really a bit of a smoothie, must be the mustache.
The winner, of the A Flight with what I consider by far the best round of the day was Bengt Borg, 11 Hcp, with a net 68. Second, also with a sub handicap round was Takeshi Hakozaki with a net 71 and third with a net 73 was Thomas Johansson, not bad for a Hcp 5 and a Gross 78.
The B Flight was more in line with what I expected, with the first three all separated on count back with net 74. The winner was Alan Hughes with Peter Davis in second and Derek Eastham in third. Here I think it only fair to say that the spirit of fairness in golf still exists, as the lowest score in this flight was by Kale Kalberg, but on being declared the winner he announced he was not eligible to play for the Low Net as he had not had enough rounds with the PSC. The round of applause was well deserved.
Onto the C Flight and the Stableford scores and the results as per expectations: The winner with 33 points was Nikolas Reiter, with Herb Schwieterman second on 32 points and Joel Flor third with 31 points.
In the D Flight we had only the third man to beat, or equal his handicap when Peter Harris won with 37 points; in second was Graham Ramsay with 33 points and third was Olan Baarli with 30 points.
And so last but by no means least we come to the fairer sex, The Ladies, and here we had as many players level or beating their handicap as in the whole of the men’s section. We even had one outstanding score of 45 points by the winner Pakporn Pornphan that made all the men thankful there was a separate Ladies section. A great round but I suspect she will not be playing off 31 Handicap next month. Such are the fruits of greatness. In second, way back was Mam Trayling with 37 points and in third was Ning Morris with 36 points. I think the men want to eat some of the things the women do!
The presentation was over by 5pm and all departed happy for the long drive back, with thanks to all the efforts made by the organisers and the management of the course.
T.T.F.N.
Long Drive: Stefan Anderson B Peter Davies C Gary Strickleton D Russ Bakewell, L Pornphan Pakporn.
Near Pin: Martin Parfect (2), Peter Davies (2), Mike Poustils, Per-0olan Baarli, Ploy Thongpen (3), Clive Bruce, Simon Dutton, Rod Sutherland, Andy Spence, Pornphan Pakporn, Jean-Paul Michels, Jay Perrin, Parmjit Baji, Ron Bridge, Chris Knapp, Graham Lemmon
Long Put: Norm Martin, Terry Hopkins, Toy Theobald, Ploy Thongpen

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

“Same-same”, is an expression that is heard almost everywhere in the Land of Smiles. This will be the first time that I’ve been able to use the term in ‘The Square Ring’.
As boxing fans know, the Corrales-Casamayor jr. WBC lightweight title fight never happened. Corrales failed to make the weight so lost the title on the scales. “Same-same” with now former WBC interim 108 pound champ Wandee Singwangchai. The difference was that after losing on the scales, Wandee went out and gave challenger Munetsugu Kayo a thorough whipping over 12 stanza’s.
A tip of the rather large pint mug filled with the “fluid of life” to the World Boxing Council. Back in June, after the Castillio-Corrales fight went bye-bye when Castillo couldn’t make weight, the WBC “said” it was going to institute a number of plans to see that losing the title on the scales wouldn’t or couldn’t happen again. The Square Ring last week asked, “Well what happened to all those WBC programs?”
There’s an old saying that if you don’t ask the question you’ll never get the answer. The Square Ring contacted the WBC asking about their “plan” and was it in place in regard to Corrales-Casamayor. The WBC answered back in a timely manner: “Diego Corrales did not comply with the 30-day weigh-in, and the WBC sent a representative, Rudy Tellez, to weigh him only 10 days before the bout, where Diego was found to weigh 144 pounds.”
Ok, The Square Ring then asked, “Did the WBC and or Mr. Tellez tell anyone about this situation where Corrales was 9 pounds over the 135 limit only 10 days out.”
The WBC responded, “Mr Tellez sent us his report, which was transmitted to Gary Shaw (promoter) and the Nevada Commission. Our rules are clear, the promoter of the bout is 100% responsible to comply with these administrative requirements.”
There is no reason to believe that what the WBC says is not 100% true. With that accepted then, at least in this case, promoter “Gas Bag” Gary Shaw and the Nevada State Athletic Commission knew about the weight problem but did nothing to protect the integrity of the sport. A fraud was perpetrated on the fans as they bought tickets thinking they were going to see a title fight when in fact they weren’t. They like to say, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”. “They” might have a point but not when it comes to fraud.
In the case of Wandee it would appear that someone in his camp did not tell the truth or the truth was ignored? I know its hard to believe that a Thai might not tell the whole truth to a “farang” but sometimes these things do happen. When contacted, the WBC answered promptly, “We did receive the 30 and 7 day weigh in reports from Wandee’s camp. The weight was well within the parameters.”
The WBC suggested that The Square Ring contact Damrong Simakajornboon, Secretary of ABCO Ranking Committee, which we did. At press time Mr. Damrong has not answered. We do know that 30 days prior to the fight, Wandee weighed 117lbs to defend his 108 pound title. How do we know? Cause we have a copy of the e-mail informing the WBC.
“I would like to inform you that today I observed the 30 day-weight for the WBC interim light-flyweight champion Wandee Singwangcha, who will fight with WBC#8 Munetsuku Kayo for the WBC interim light-fly title on October 9 in Japan. His weight was read as 117 pounds. If you have more questions, do not hesitate to ask me.”
Could we type that “a nefarious character named Damong did the dirty on the WBC”? No, but The Square Ring did anyway because The Square Ring has always wanted to use the term nefarious.
The Dapper One, that would be Dave Stewart (18-1), is a 6-foot lightweight and unlike Diego Corrales he makes the weight. The King of Second Road though seems to have problems with nagging injuries. He took some time off after his first professional loss to pal Lee Meager back in May. Now his return to the ring has been delayed until maybe November 24 in Nottingham. Dave got a stress fracture of his foot while sparring. “Freak injury?” I guess.
You kind of have to feel sorry for heavyweight Samuel Peter. He beats James Toney like a 6-year old does a tin pot in what is supposed to be a “WBC heavyweight title eliminator”. Then the WBC decided that because “media and fans” wanted a rematch, the fight billed as a “title eliminator” actually wasn’t and they now engage in a “do-over”.
Meanwhile the WBC Champ Oleg Maskaev takes his road show to the Olympiysky Sports Arena in Moscow to defend against Peter Okhello. Peter Okhello is who? Well he beat Ryosuke Takahashi, Mosese Kavika, Joelo Cagi, Auckland Auimatagi and the ever-popular Roger Izonritei. He lost to Imamu Mayfield, Sinan Samil Sam, Kali Meehan and Toakopa Tasefa. Hard to tell the winners from the losers. In fact impossible in the heavyweight division as they sometimes are one and the same.
“Yes Jeeves, what is it?”
“Your lordship I want you to include in this week’s reporting that Filipino Randy Susico fought against Pongpetch Chuwatana last Saturday night in Cebu for the OPBF lightweight belt. You should also note that your pal, Cousin Bruce McTavish was the third man in the ring as he was the night before when Juanito Rubillar seized the vacant OPBF 108-pound belt by stopping Indonesian Ifran Ogah in 7 because of a bad gash. Susico was beaten last out, TKO 9, going for the WBA title in Las Vegas by Juan Diaz.”
“Don’t forget the results, Jeeves”
“Yes, sorry your Lordship, Susico KO’d Chuwatana (9-14) in 4.”
Undefeated super middleweights took center stage in at the MEN Arena in Manchester and at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen last week. With Man U winning away 3-1 at Wigan, IBF/WBO Champ Joe Calzaghe (42-0) had the Manchester spotlight to himself defending against Sakio Bika. The fight turned into “a unanimous decision in a twelve round brawl.” A cut in the 4th stanza meant that Calzaghe had to work very hard for a unanimous (117-110, 117-110, 116-111) verdict.
Meanwhile in Copenhagen, WBA Champ Mikkel Kessler (38-0) had a lot less trouble when he annexed the WBC crown with a spectacular third round KO of Markus Beyer: “I expected a tougher fight ... My right hit at the right time. However, he also hit my liver, there I had to swallow quite a lot.”
How about Calzaghe-Kessler? Works for me.
There’s that damn phone again. “Hello? Jeeves? No he’s indisposed right now. Seems last week he was out soaring with the eagles. Did very well. He forgot that soaring is just part of being the life of the party. He was soaring but his landing left something to be desired. He’s taken to his room with an ice pack and a couple of romance novels. Yes Toy, I’ll tell him that he needs to call you. Of course I’ll remind him that he promised to buy your father a cow, pay your bothers tuition to school and obtain eye surgery for your Mom. Yes, Toy.”
I’m starting to worry about our Jeeves. But first a cold lager or 20 and a nice cigar.

The Beautiful Game?: International football in the balance

by Riz Taylor
The future of international football could be at stake during the coming weeks if a landmark court case seeking compensation for player injuries suffered on national team duty turns out to be successful. This follows the decision of tiny Belgian side Charleroi’s to sue FIFA after their player Abdelmajid Oulmers was injured playing for Morocco in 2004. Should Charleroi win the case, allowing clubs to claim compensation whilst their players are away on international duty, there are fears that many nations would be unable to fund their teams.
Charleroi claim that the loss of Oulmers damaged their chances of winning the Belgian league during 2004/2005, and want compensation for the player’s wages they had to pay during his spell on the sidelines.
It’s hard to argue against their case, but the ramifications of any decision are likely to rock international football to its core by opening the floodgates for clubs to sue national federations. Whilst the bigger and better funded nations might be able to cover the injuries of key players, a result in favour of Charleroi could have serious consequences for the smaller countries.
“It would be the end of the national team game,” said UEFA spokesman William Gaillard last week, before adding that the international game is “in the end what people like the most.”
“If you ask the English fans if they would like to see one English club win the Champions League or England win a championship, then I think you know the answer,” he said.
The case has been moved from a tribunal in Charleroi to the European Court of Justice, where it is waiting to be heard. The Belgians are being backed by the powerful G14 group of elite European clubs, who are unimpressed with FIFA rules that players must be released for international football without entitlement to financial compensation.
“I was talking to Brazilian, Scandinavian and Eastern European football experts, and they all said we would never see our stars playing for the national team again,” said Gaillard. “A World Cup would take place with only Spain, Germany, Italy, France and England and that would be the end.”
Newcastle United are said to be closing in on a negotiated settlement for the loss of Michael Owen during England’s World Cup campaign. The striker’s knee injury against Sweden should see him miss much or all of this season, and Newcastle are demanding significant repayment. England have an insurance policy that covers much of the cost of Owen’s loss of wages for up to two years, but this doesn’t take other factors into account, such as the 10 million pound purchase of Obafemi Martins as a replacement. Or indeed HIS wages.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who celebrated his tenth anniversary at the club last weekend, has cast doubt on how difficult it could be to prove how an injury really came about. “I’m not certain that the English federation is responsible for this injury”, said the Frenchman. “Perhaps he would have been injured in the same way if he had stayed at Newcastle. A player can have a knee problem one day, then go elsewhere and nothing happens for years, before his knee finally gives way. Injuries are part of the risks of the job, we have to accept that.”
It’s a hard one to call. Whilst you can feel for Charleroi and their title aspirations, would you be equally happy to see Barcelona chase Cameroon for compensation for an injury to Samuel Eto’o, or indeed Chelsea demand payments from the Ivory Coast for Didier Drogba? Not me, for one - I’m sick of the ever-increasing greed of football clubs. The head says that yes, the clubs are in the right here, but the heart is hoping that those fun-loving chaps at the European Court of Justice see sense and make a decision that secures the future of international football as we know it.
And here’s 12 million reasons why.
Here’s a story for you. UK bookmakers William Hill have revealed that the results involving teams from Britain and Ireland two weeks ago were so unlikely that anyone predicting them could have made a more than considerable return on their investment.
Wales’ 5-1 home defeat to Slovakia was a 100/1 shot, England’s draw result against Macedonia was 11/1, Ireland’s 5-2 loss in Cyprus was listed prior to the match at 100/1, while Scotland’s win over France and Northern Ireland’s draw in Denmark were both 9/1 shots.
Anyone sticking a pound on the results alone would have picked up 3,176 pounds (223,000 baht), whilst predicting the correct scoreline for each game would have netted 12,241,200 pounds. That’s an awful lot of baht.
Bilic piles pressure on McClaren
Meanwhile Croatian manager and former West Ham and Everton defender Slaven Bilic has suggested that his side were simply too good for England in last week’s match in Split.
“I love England in every way,” he said. “I like that they go, ‘Here we come and we’re going to beat you.’ But they must realise we have a good team. You can’t just expect to come here from England and beat us. No, no. You can’t say they [England’s players] weren’t trying. They don’t have that chip in their heads. They are always trying hard, but we were better.
“In my view you still have five or six players who are in the top five in their positions in the world. Rio [Ferdinand], Frank [Lampard], JT [John Terry], Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney, [Steven] Gerrard - you can’t find better players. But I think sometimes for a team of such quality you depend too much on the way that your opponents are playing. You shouldn’t be waiting. You should be more aggressive - but not on paper. On the pitch.”
If England boss Steve McClaren’s honeymoon period hadn’t ended before the last round of fixtures it certainly has now. He was asked about his possible resignation after the Croatian debacle and now finds himself on the managerial ropes only months into his reign.
“I’m not even contemplating resigning,” he said. “I’ve every confidence in us qualifying, so I’m not thinking about walking away. And it’s too early to talk of me being sacked.”
Czech Out
Petr Cech’s father has estimated his son and Chelsea keeper will be out of action for a year following surgery on a depressed fracture of his skull as a result of a knock during Saturday’s 1-0 Premiership victory at Reading.
The 24-year-old was involved in a collision with Royals midfielder Stephen Hunt and has been ruled out for a lengthy spell. His father Vaclav told the Times: “My son will be out of football for a year. At first, I didn’t realise how bad it was. When I heard the diagnosis, my knees trembled. I couldn’t believe my ears.”
Keane’s clearout
Roy Keane, the Sunderland manager, has vowed to shake things up at the Stadium of Light after admitting that his initial doubts over some of his playing squad have been confirmed. “The party is over now for some of them,” he said. “You see performances and some of it is confirming what I thought about certain players. It has just confirmed in my mind who I want to take with me and who I don’t.”
Meanwhile Tottenham have confirmed they are no longer interested in a switch to the 2012 Olympic Stadium because of plans to retain a running track at the venue. “There is no way we are looking to move there,” sporting director Damien Comolli said. “All grounds with a track have a poor atmosphere, attendances are down and clubs say moving there was a mistake.”

Pattaya Country Club Tournament

Pattaya Country Club announces their annual PCA Tournament to be played on Saturday October 28th. It will be an 11.00 am Shotgun start followed by the Reception party, prize-giving and lucky draw. Scoring will be by the ’36 System.’
In addition to the many performance trophies, the draw prizes include return air tickets BKK to Chiangmai and Koh Samui and accommodation packages to Kanchanaburi and Kao Yai. The entry fee is 1800 baht and includes green fee, caddy fee, reception party, trophies and draw prizes. Plus, One Year PCA Membership giving 50% discount on green fees.
For more information please contact 038-423718-9; 01-6545654; fax. 038-263447
E-mail: [email protected]