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Pattaya City stay top with convincing win in Bangkok
MBMG International League 2006/07
The Pattaya City team line-up
prior to last Saturday’ match in Bangkok. City scored a fine away victory to
maintain their position at the top of the league.
With results having gone their way in matches played
earlier in the afternoon Pattaya City FC knew that a win against the
Bullshead Brazilians in Bangkok last Saturday would open up a four point gap
at the top of the MBMG Bangkok Football League. The Bullshead were sure to
offer stiff opposition however and Pattaya knew that they would have to work
hard to secure all three points.
Pattaya City kicked off in bright sunshine and as early as the first minute
created an opening when a ball down the right hand side was collected by
Paul Derbyshire who managed to shake off the attentions of his marker before
delivering a tempting cross into the box which eluded all of the inrushing
Pattaya players.
The Bullshead responded two minutes later when Pattaya lost possession in
the middle of the park and the Bullshead forward ran on to shoot over from
20 yards out.
Pattaya almost broke the deadlock on 5 mins when some neat interplay between
Alastair Paterson and Danny Stevens down the right resulted in a cross field
pass to Mark Brittain and his excellent first touch enabled him to find
space to shoot but his shot was well saved by the Bullshead keeper and
cleared to safety before Derbyshire could pounce on the rebound.
Two minutes later it was Derbyshire again who latched onto a ball from
Paterson with the Bullshead keeper again saving well.
Pattaya were now starting to take control of the game and even defender
Terry Wilcox was able to get forward and fire in a shot that the Bullshead
keeper did well to hold.
It seemed only a matter of time before Pattaya would score and the opening
goal of the game eventually came on 11 mins when an excellent ball over the
Bullshead defence from Stevens found the hardworking Derbyshire who managed
to nip in between the defender and keeper to bundle the ball home for 1-0.
Pattaya continued to dominate and went further ahead on 20 mins when
Derbyshire superbly held off the attentions of the Bullshead defence to run
on and round the keeper before taping into the empty net.
One minute later Stevens was to make it 3-0 to Pattaya as he ghosted in at
the far post to meet a cross from Derbyshire on the volley giving the keeper
no chance.
It was now time for Mulberry to ring the changes that saw the introduction
of Lee Homer in the centre of midfield. And it was Homer who nearly added a
fourth on 25 mins when Brittain laid the ball into his path but his shot
narrowly cleared the crossbar.
With Brian Wilkins and Chris Robertson outstanding in the centre of defence,
chances were few and far between for the Bullshead but on 26 mins they
nearly pulled a goal back with a shot from 20 yards that Torn in the Pattaya
goal saved well. From the resulting corner the Bullshead were very unlucky
to see a speculative strike come back off the inside of the post.
Further efforts from Brittain reaffirmed Pattaya’s dominance and Pattaya
were controversially denied a fourth goal eight minutes before the break
when Derbyshire’s shot appeared to have crossed the line with the referee
waving play on. This was to be the last incident of note of the half and the
Bullshead were happy to hear the half time whistle.
Half Time - Bullshead Brazilians 0 Pattaya City 3
Pattaya returned to the field early for the second half eager to build on
what had been an impressive first half performance. The first real chance of
the second period was to fall to Craig Banks but his shot from distance was
well saved by the Bullshead keeper.
Pattaya, with the luxury of a three-goal cushion were brimming with
confidence and enjoying long periods of possession. They should have gone
further ahead 15 minutes into the half when following a wonderful flowing
move, the ball was laid into the path of Brittain but his poor shot was
easily blocked when he should have done better.
Pattaya finally got the fourth goal they deserved 3 minutes later when Peter
Springle picked himself up after a poor challenge to deliver a free kick
into the box that saw the Bullshead keeper punch clear, only to see Banks
head the ball back past him into the empty net.
This was to signal the introduction of new signing Daniel Parjol on the left
side of midfield. However 12 minutes into his debut a petulant kick at one
of the Bullshead defenders following a strong challenge left the referee
with no option but to produce the red card.
With a man advantage the Bullshead were expected to make some impression on
the game but it wasn’t to be with Pattaya still dominating possession and
creating numerous chances with Paterson, Derbyshire and Brittain all going
close.
The referee finally blew for time with Pattaya running out worthy winners.
Final Score - Bullshead Brazilians 0 Pattaya City 4
Manager Mulberry was very pleased with the way that his side had performed
on the afternoon and must be hoping that his side can continue with this run
of fine form this Saturday, December 9th against one of the title favorites
Woodstock FC. The game takes place at Horseshoe point and kick-off is at
4pm.
Pattaya City FC have been fortunate enough to secure the sponsorship of AGS
Four Winds International Movers and Fire and Gas Pattaya Limited for this
season and would like to thank them for their continued support.
Anybody who could be interested in joining Pattaya City FC, whether there
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 or call
Terry on 01 701 1315
The ‘Noel Thomas’ 2006 Jaidee Classic
Navy 9-hole course - December 19th
What in the past was known as the Drunkatholon due to its
heavy accent on the social side has this year been re named the Jaidee
Classic to be more in keeping with the appeals foundations as well as recent
changes in advertising laws.
Many of you will be aware that Noel Thomas, the appeal founder, recently
lost his fight against cancer, a very sad day indeed. The team at
www.Bahtbus.com are committed to continuing the exemplary work that Noel has
done over the past five years although it will be difficult to match his
dogged determination and flair for getting things done.
This year’s competition has a slightly changed format in that it will be
teams of four as opposed to individual entrants, far more fun. This also
allows the golf to be changed to 4-ball better ball, or Texas scramble as
it’s often referred to. Individuals are still welcome to enter and they can
be teamed up on the day.
Prizes are also up for grabs for nearest the pin, longest putt etc.
Lunch break at the nearby Bang Saray Club follows the 9 holes of golf, a
favoured venue of many expats.
The second event, ten pin bowling, will consist of each team member playing
2 games and submitting his/her best score, these will then be totaled for
the team score.
The final event pool will take place at the Caddy Shack in Soi 17, only 2
team members are required to compete in doubles giving the other 2 chance to
relax or panic, dependent on current standings or how social the players
have been during the day!
Father Giovanni Contarin, who runs the Camillian Center, hopes to be
available to present the worthy winners with their trophies and accept the
proceeds for those innocent children.
Transport will be available for a very modest fee of 100 baht and is
advisable, this preference must be indicated in the registration forms.
The golf begins at 10am and the whole event is expected to come to a
conclusion around 8pm.
To register call Alan on 086 152 2271 or on the net at
www.bahtbus.com/forum/
‘Big’ Ron sponsors his winnings
IPGC golf with The Caddy Shack
Tuesday, November 28, Noble Place, Medal
Noble Place was the chosen venue on Tuesday for a Medal competition over the
well-presented and manicured A & C layouts. With the 331 Road gradually
improving and the inexpensive green, caddie and cart fees, Noble Place
really does provide great value for money.
Bill Hewitt and Basil Foley tied for third place with net 74’s apiece but
Bill triumphed on the count back. Emmet White, with his new driver, fired a
net 70 for second place, but on top of the leader board was inform Damian
Trant on net 69.
There was only one ‘2’ recorded, the winner being Keith Smithson on the
par-3 third on the C nine.
Friday, December 1, Burapha, Stableford
A trip to Burapha for a Stableford competition over the A & B
courses was the format for the day and even a thunderstorm during the round
could not spoil the fun.
Jens Gunnerson and Damian Trant tied for second place with 37 points each,
but going two better was Keith Smithson who fired a gross 71 and 39 points
for first.
Near pins were sponsored by Ronnie Millward and the winners were Keith
Smithson (A3), Phil Mitchell (A6), Roy Mitchell (B8) and ‘Big’ Ron himself
(B3). This was the first time ‘Big’ Ron had won anything that was not edible
in all the years he has been playing golf. Meanwhile, the 2’s were shared
between Phil Mitchell and Keith Smithson
Navin seals home victory at Northpoint
Patrik Pollak & Navin Singsart - Overall champions in King Power Raceboard and
AOT Kona Windsurfing World Championships
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
& Race Media
Anyone wandering over to Northpoint, Wong Amat Beach over the past couple of
weeks would have been fortunate enough to witness some world class
windsurfing action in the form of the King Power Raceboard World
Championships and the AOT Kona Windsurfing World Championships 2006.
 Overall
Kona Champion, Navin Singsart (center) is congratulated by Heavyweight
category winner Riccardo Giordano and runner up in the Overall category,
Prapart Sang-ngern
The Eastern Windsurf Association and the Windsurf Association of Thailand
were delighted ro be granted permission by the International Windsurfing
Association to organise these two world class events in honour of His
Majesty the King’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The Associations received
the support of government and private sector organizations including
property developer Raimon Land who hosted the events at their new Northpoint
project.
The opening night of the 2006 King Power Raceboard World Championship,
November 18, was a spectacular occasion with more than 800 people attending,
including an appearance by the 2005 Miss Universe, Natlie Glebova.
 Patrik
Pollak (center) from Slovakia the Over All Champ in the King Power Raceboard
Championships
Once the racing proper got underway, it was Slovakia’s Patrik Pollak who
quickly built a lead over his nearest rivals and his victory in Race 9 on
the final day was enough to secure the championship and the world title.
Meanwhile, a real battle was going on for second place between Italy’s
Riccardo Giordano and Sam Wong from Hong Kong. There was nothing to choose
between the two going into the final races but Giordano just managed to edge
it at the post and emerge the victor.
 The
championships attracted the some of the best local and international
windsurfers
Thailand’s Navin Singsart finished the regatta strongly with two fifth
places. He was second in he lightweight division and first youth in the
championship.
Napalai Tansai finished first in the woman’s class despite not being able to
race on the final day due to her commitments at the Asian Games.
Following a short 2-day break, the AOT Kona Windsurfing World Championships
got underway at the same venue. The first day of competition saw some very
competitive racing in light shifty winds from 4 to 6 knots. Indeed, the lack
of wind would make the racing an extremely tactical affair over the next few
days, especially in combination with the ‘No pumping’ rule which was
enforced for these championships.
Unfortunately for the spectators and race organisers, the winds completely
died on the last day and although the Kona class allows racing in all wind
conditions, it proved impossible for the race management to set a proper
course. This meant that the results from Day 3 would count as the final
standings and those who came looking for a home victory were delighted when
Thailand’s Navin Singsart was named as the Overall Champion.
 Italy’s
Marco Andreucetti (foreground) and Prapart Sang-ngern of Thailand, (left)
return from doing battle.
“This was a great event for me”, said Navin afterwards. “I did not start off
that good, but as soon as tuned in, I improved a lot - and managed to finish
off with a 2nd. and 1st. All the races were close and very exciting. This
class is great - as it is easy and fair for all - but still challenging.
Without pumping, everybody has a chance to win, and for the first time I was
really enjoying light wind sailing.”
All in all, the 2 weeks of windsurfing were a great success and attracted
competitors from Italy, France, Argentina, Norway, Canada, the United
States, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore Malaysia and Thailand. Everyone who
took part will be hoping to come back and do it all again next year.
Asian gold medallist hope Arun
Homraruen gets up to speed.
The Beautiful Game?
by Riz Taylor
‘Big Spenders’ are taking over
Sooner or later someone at this newspaper will suggest
moving “The Beautiful Game?” into the Business section, and I can’t see me
putting up much of an argument against it. More takeovers are on the menu
this week, and for that I am truly sorry. But bear with me.
It’s all the rage at the moment. Are you super rich? Are you sat in your
mansion twiddling your immaculately manicured thumbs looking for something
to do? If this is you, why not head down to your nearest Premiership
football club, where for a small investment by your standards you can grant
yourself instant hero status at the club of your choosing. You can assemble
your own dream team, meddle with team tactics and then, when it all goes
horribly wrong, blame the manager and slip off into the darkness never to be
seen again.
It sounds like fun to me, and who amongst us wouldn’t be doing exactly the
same thing if we had the money? I know I would. It would be the world’s most
exuberant visa run - hopping between Pattaya and the UK (on a private jet,
of course) to visit the two loves of my life - football and Thailand. You
can keep your minibuses, your packed lunches and your obligatory nutcase
driver hurtling you towards Cambodia in a tiny metal box three feet behind
the vehicle in front - this would be how to get that visa stamp in style.
For the moment that’ll have to remain a dream, unless any investors out
there are looking for a partner. Getting back to this week’s business, and
business is surely what it is, the word on the street is that Liverpool
chairman and chief executive David Moores has given the green light to the
‘Dubai International Capital’ group to take the reigns of the club for an
estimated 450 million pounds.
I’ve never heard of them either, but it quickly became clear that behind the
move is Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai, vice-President of the United
Arab Emirates and of course the very same Sheikh Mohammed that funds
Godolphin, the biggest horse racing operation on the planet. He’s also the
world’s fifth richest man.
Which is splendid news for all you ‘scousers’ out there, one would think.
Finally someone has emerged to take on Roman Abramovic at his own game of
buying everyone you fancy and even some you don’t, purely to annoy the
opposition.
Except that’s not the case, or not according to one business type with close
connections to the DIC, who outlined the Sheikh’s motive behind the move.
“This is not a case of the club being his personal plaything. DIC’s role is
to look for interesting and exciting opportunities for business growth in
different parts of the world,” he droned. “Sameer Al Ansari, DIC’s chief
executive, is a Liverpool fan and has been to various matches. Ultimately,
though, it will be a business deal.”
Such a romantic story, don’t you think? No need to make up stories of a
lifelong love for all things Liverpool, this will simply be another piece of
business in the Sheikh’s already bulging portfolio. Marvellous, isn’t it.
Liverpool aren’t alone of course. A number of other clubs have been taken
over in the last year or two, and looking set to join this bunch are
Newcastle United. They’ll be snapped up by faceless Jersey-based ‘Belgravia
Group’ for 250 million pounds in the coming weeks, if the reports are
anything to go by.
Half the price of Liverpool seems a reasonable amount for Newcastle, but
when you compare this to Aston Villa at just 63 million it looks as though
American Randy Lerner got himself a bargain. How Villa can be worth only a
quarter of Newcastle United is anybody’s guess. Newcastle are located in the
“EPL” equivalent of Isaan, and quite frankly for a club that haven’t tasted
success in around seven hundred years you’d think 250 million BAHT should be
closer to the mark. But if the same amount in pounds is what people are
willing to pay then I suppose that’s what these clubs are worth.
Now I’m guessing you’ll be expecting the usual rant about money taking over
the game and how all the dodgy foreigners should bugger off back to where
they came from, but the more I think about it, the more I come around to the
conclusion that this influx of billionaires might actually be a good thing
for the division.
How? Well a couple of eagle-eyed reporters have been slaving over hot
statistics this week and have come to the conclusion that the Premiership
is, and I hope you’re sat down here, getting BORING.
A number of major newspapers ran stories at the weekend comparing the
Premiership with other major leagues across Europe and for the Premiership,
which we all know to be the most exciting league on earth, blah blah blah,
this wasn’t the best of news.
With an average of 2.14 goals per game this season the Premiership conjurs
up a goal a game less than the Dutch league, and even half a goal less than
the Bundesliga. Whereas 130 Serie A games have produced 328 goals and 120 La
Liga matches have witnessed 295, the Premiership had given us a record low
of 279 until last weekend.
Everyone and their dog has offered theories on why this might be. Many, for
example, feel that the lack of natural goalscorers is the simple reason
behind the drought. Manchester United flogged off the most natural predator
the league has seen in Ruud van Nistelrooy during the summer, whilst the
great Alan Shearer finally hung up his boots. Michael Owen is once again
spending his days in the nearest available treatment room, whilst fellow
sharpshooters Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank, Teddy Sheringham, Andy Cole and Robbie
Fowler are all approaching the end of their illustrious careers.
It’s a valid point of course, and there’s no doubt that the league needs a
few forwards to replace these rather big shooting boots. Yet I suspect the
real reason is the teams’ attitudes to attacking that is the real culprit
here.
It seems that simply staying in the Premiership is all that matters these
days. Seventeenth place on the final day of the season is greeted with all
the celebration of a cup final win, often more so because it guarantees
another year on the gravy train. And the rich have become so wealthy that
just getting a point against one of the big four is also a cue to open the
champagne. Playing one striker and packing the midfield with battlers that
can’t shoot to save their lives is deemed to be the way forward in the
modern game. Hooray!
So whilst we sift through yet more business news over the coming weeks,
consider the idea that whilst the recent abundance of takeovers isn’t
necessarily something we want in the game it seems unlikely to go out of
fashion anytime soon. With that in mind, the silver lining could be that
we’ll see teams having pressure put on them from their billionaire owners to
go and win matches by scoring more goals than the opposition. It’s just an
idea.
In the meantime, if anyone knows which channel shows that fast-paced,
swashbuckling Italian football I’m craving, do drop me a line. See you next
week.
Sellick has a gem at The Emerald
IPGC Golf From Lewiinski’s
Sunday, November 26,
Green Valley - White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Chas Li (12) 40 pts
2nd Joe Mooneyham (12) 38 pts
3rd Phil Mitchell (6) 37 pts
B Flight
1st Ian Grout (14) 41 pts
2nd Joe McArdle (13) 40 pts
3rd Peter Henshaw (14) 38 pts
C Flight
1st Frank Pilkington (16) 40 pts
2nd Charles Sheppard (19) 38 pts
3rd Alec Hoare (19) 37 pts
D Flight
1st Lou Szigligetti (20) 38 pts
2nd Peter Ring (22) 37 pts
3rd Keith Dyson (20) 35 pts
Ladies Flight
1st Poo Supaporn (21) 34 pts
NP’s: #2 Mike Gors; #9 Rick Brand; #12 Colm Mullen; #16 Terry
Phur
2’s: Jan Eriksen, Jim Munns, Troy Misiak, Joe McArdle, Peter
Henshaw, Mike Shrosbree, Terry Phur, Colm Mullen, Sean Murphy, Emiel Van
de Wiele, Peter Ring, Keith Dyson, Stephen Gould, Sugar Ray Handford,
Poo Supaporn, Nat Meesuk
It seemed like there were more 40’s this week than you find in an
Augmentation Clinic. And, of course, it is this Scribe’s job to keep you
abreast of such observations. But enough of the quips, as one senses
that The Scribe is only humoring himself.
B Flight provided the day’s MoM in the person of Ian “Tile” Grout. Ian’s
best on the day 41 points left Joe McArdle down a step, despite his own,
fine 40 point effort. Joe had a fellow ‘Mick’ on the B Flight podium as
Peter Henshaw took third with 38.
Chas Li’s 40 points topped The Groom by two digits in A Flight, with a
triumvirate of Flipper, Wacko and Volkscomputer yet another back.
Instead of a count back, the GM suggested a “weigh back” to sort out
third, which Flipper won with a couple of stones to spare.
Frankie the Pilk’s two-score points topped off C Flight, with Charles
wandering two arrears. Alec Hoare continued making a little pocket money
each Sunday with a very adequate 37 total.
Lou “Bolognaise” Szigligetti was the only player on the day who saw his
38 points garner the top step. His D Flight compatriots were that
erstwhile septuagenarian, Peter Ring, and the count back winning Aussie,
Keith Dyson. Irishman Stephen Gould bore the brunt of Keith’s good
fortune.
The First Lady topped a field of eight gals for all the loot in the
Ladies Flight.
Monday, November 27,
Burapha C & D - White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Colm Mullen (15) 39 pts
2nd Gary Blackburne (6) 38 pts
3rd Norm Robinson (15) 37 pts
B Flight
1st Geoff Kubas (22) 42 pts
2nd Pierre Bietry (22) 38 pts
3rd Dave McFeely (16) 37 pts
2’s: Colm Mullen, Don Lehmer
Just four day prior most of the Society supported the Misty’s Fourth
Annual Charity. Now on this Monday the commute was the same but this
time they took on the C and D sides and the format was individual
Stableford as opposed to Texas Scramble. Geogg Kubas was the top man
with 42 points. His B Flight winning score was four better than Monsieur
Pierre and a handful better than Irish David McFeely.
In the Premier lot, it was Colm Mullen bettering Nice Guy Gary by a slim
one. Gary in turn was a single count in front of third place NormShore.
Wednesday, November 29,
The Emerald - White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Rick Brand (13) 39 pts
2nd Chas Li (12) 37 pts
3rd Mark “Woody” Sherwood (4) 36 pts
4th Jack Spencer (10) 35 pts
B Flight
1st Robert Sellick (17) 42 pts
2nd Pierre Bietry (22) 40 pts
3rd Peter Barathy (15) 33 pts
4th Kurt-Erik Persson (26) 33 pts
NP’s: #5 - Adam Schoenfeld; #13 - Dene Airey
2’s: Troy Misiak, Jim Munns, John Emmerson, Peter Barathy
Robert “Tom” Sellick was the top man in the 40’s as his 42 held the off
Monsieur Pierre, who, himself, had a hard luck 40 points. Peter Barathy
showed no deference to age as he happily took the count back from one of
the nicest fellows you’ll meet, Kurt-Erik. No complaints from K-E, he
was happy to snag anything with 33 points.
It was a battle of Sugar Shackers in A Flight, as another Caddy to the
Stars. Rick Brand, fell one short of the week’s standard but was still
two better than mate Chas Li. Freddie Jacobsen’s right hand man, Woody
Sherwood, saw his 36 points hold on to third spot, one ahead of Gen.
Black Jack Spencer.
Friday, December 1,
Crystal Bay C & A - White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Jim Munns (12) 42 pts
2nd Paul West (9) 40 pts
3rd Rick Zanoni (10) 40 pts
4th Kevin O’Kelly (13) 37 pts
B Flight
1st Sugar Ray Handford (21) 40 pts
2nd Rand Reynolds (14) 36 pts
3rd Bruce Milner (16) 36 pts
4th Sean Murphy (18) 34 pts
NP’s: #A5 - Simon Philbrook
2’s: Mark Wood, Mossy Quaid, Sugar Ray Handford
Fittingly, Friday capped the week off with four of the eight steps
occupied by golfers who had 40 or more points. Capt. Fogg was the best
of A Flight and of the entire field with his 42-point outburst. That was
a couple more than 9-handicapper Paul West and Rick “Zamboni” Zanoni.
The Yank yielded second to the Aussie on count back.
Another melee shaped up in the battle for the fourth slot as Irishman
Kevin O’Kelly, Richard “The” Chia “Pet” and the Pride of Aberdeen locked
up with 37 apiece. Ah!, but the Luck was there as Kevin swept up the
remaining loot.
Sugar Ray punched his 40 points out to take B Flight by 4 over newcomer
Rand Reynolds and the Pied Piper of Oz, Burce Milner. Rand showed he
knew how this game is played as he took the count back from Bruce. Sean
Murphy made it two fourth placed Irishman on the day.
That ‘Whippersnapper’ again
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, November 27,
Green Valley, Stableford
A Division
1st Peter Skinner, 37pts
2nd John Horwath, 35pts
3rd Al Rolnik, 34pts
B Division
1st Peter Ingham, 38pts
2nd Jens Gunnarsson, 36pts
3rd Russell Exley, 35pts
With ‘’The Doc’’ undergoing an operation in Bangkok, it was up to Dave
Lee to organise the day, and a very good job he did too. With two
divisions to handle after the word got out that he was I/C for the day,
he managed to get everyone off promptly, carried out the scoring at the
finish and liaised with Richard to ensure an unusually smooth prize
giving back at The Haven.
Peter Skinner ensured that his last game in Thailand for a while was
successful as he strolled round in an outstanding 1-under par after ten
previous rounds in the range of mediocre. He at last got to grips with
the differing conditions from Wentworth, The Berkshire, and Sunningdale
courses that he usually is to be found at with his chums.
John Horwath having been cut 3 shots to a 7 handicap, continued to
confound the handicappers by again playing well below his old level, and
once again slipped onto the podium in second place just ahead of Al
Rolnik.
The second division was headed by Peter Ingham, having a second round in
succession of record proportions. This proved to be enough to see off
Russell Exley, who was making his usual appearance at the pay window.
There were no “twos” in the second division but Bob Heath made the only
one in the first division to sweep the pool.
Prior to the prize giving, with a tear in his eye, it was time for
Richard to bid the Tour of Tours group from South Herts farewell until
the next one, which is due in February.
Wednesday, November 29, Pattaya C.C., Stableford
1st Al Rolnik, 40pts
2nd Tony Barritt, 38pts
3rd Tony Quaid, 36pts
After a long lay off from Pattaya Country Club, the return visit was
quite poorly attended, either due to the course or the re-emergence of
the old guard on check-in, and scoring duty could not be ascertained at
the time of going to press. Certainly the Tour of Tours group was missed
with nobody looking anything like a hole-in-one as they struggled with
the unaccustomed greens.
In the event Al Rolnik, showing a very welcome return to form, easily
took first place with an excellent four-under, going away, ahead of Tony
Barritt. The latter has shown a remarkable improvement in scoring since
he moved to his new house in Jomtien and puts it all down to the better
ozone level when practicing his putting technique in the new garden.
Tony Quaid also showed a return to the old form, putting together a
solid level-par round that was peppered with beautiful shots to the
greens, which all augers well for the future of his trophy cabinet.
There were no “twos” in either division so the pots were carried
forward.
Back at The Haven, Richard welcomed back ‘’The Doc’’ happily suffering
no ill effects and very little damage to his bank balance, having been
smart enough to travel a bit further for his latest treatment and paying
the same price as the rest of the patients in the hospital, which was a
very nice change.
Friday, December 1,
Phoenix, Stableford
1st Russell Exley, 40pts
2nd Barry Winton, 38pts
3rd Peter Tucker, 36pts
4th Ole Stamnes, 34 c/b
5th Alan Griffiths, 34 c/b
6th Dave Spendley, 34 c/b
7th Tony Quaid, 34 c/b
With the numbers almost back to normal for the time of year, all the
talk in the bar late into the night (and most of the weekend) was about
a proposed reduction in handicap for all entrants under 30 years of age
following the latest success of Russell Exley.
Russell, having only taken up golf some twelve months ago, has seen his
handicap tumble from a solid and unpromising 28 to a very competitive
16, and still he manages to figure regularly on the podium,
notwithstanding some recent disappointing team events, where he claims
his team mates have not been ‘’quite up to snuff’’.
This has left, what are mostly the old codgers, somewhat awestruck when
watching a lithe and extremely fit athlete teeing off in front of them
and many have asked that his group be placed at the rear of the field in
future events to avoid intimidating the following groups. Another
suggestion was making some additional handicap allowance based on waist
measurements. The management is watching developments closely.
On the day Russell returned another fine card of four-under to keep the
returning Barry Winton in second place after the latter had turned in a
very good gross 74.
Peter Tucker was a further two shots back in third ahead of a log-jam of
players led by Ole Stamnes who swept all aside in the ensuing count back
that had to go to the last six.
Peter Tucker slipped in the only “two” in the first division, whilst
Tony Quaid capitalized on his recent form to get the only one in the
second division, to sweep their respective pots including all the
carry-overs.
Before presenting the prizes Richard welcomed back Mike Herridge and
Brian Cole.
Bev leaves the field
trailing in his wake
IPGC Jomtien Golf
Monday, November 27, Pattaya C.C., Stableford
On a very hot and sticky day our field of 28 players left Paweenas for a
Stableford competition at the Pattaya Country Club with the two
divisions split at handicap eighteen and under
The ever-improving Miss Nom’s 36 points only earned her a third place,
and with some exceptional high scoring Mark Brenton came in second with
41 points, but easily the winner with 44 points was Bev Ewens.
Back to normality with the division 1 scores as Andy Redmond and Ben
Findon’s 32 points tied them for third place, with Andy having the
greater back 9 count back of 16/15. Dave Richards, two points better
took second place and 38 points won it today for Danny Whelan.
There were no “twos” today so a good rollover for Wednesday’s game.
Newcomer Tage was nearest the pin on the 5th while Bev Ewens picked up
two bottles at the 7th and 12th holes whilst Danny took one on the 16th.
Wednesday,
November 29,
Phoenix, Stableford
Another full house again for the ever-popular Phoenix course
and today it was the Lakes and Ocean nines, and of course the “twos”
rollover.
A warm welcome was given to Eddie Blackwell and Miss Apple on their
first outing with us and Eddie responded with a nearest the pin bottle.
Emmet White, John McCloone and Per were also worthy winners.
Miss Am’s 37 points earned her third place in Division 2, while the old
man, Ken Foster, was beaten into second place by his other half, Miss
Nom, whose 38 points gave her top spot and bragging rights for the day.
Eddie’s 36 points placed him in third place in Division 1, while Chris
Holmes playing off of 8 scored a remarkable 23 points on the back nine
for a total of 38, putting him in second. Emmet White’s 40 won the
division and he also shared the “twos” rollover kitty with Per.
Jomtien golf meets every Monday and Wednesday at Paweenas in Soi 5
Jomtien Beach Road at 9am for a 10.30 tee off time. Please sign up in
the bar or contact Glyn on 086 837 5464, transport and club hire are
also available.
Dick doubles-up on monthly award
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday, November 28, Green Valley, Stableford
A belated start at Tropical Bert’s, due to the tee-off time being later than
normal, meant a leisurely breakfast before leaving for the 11am start. This
actually is quite civilised for those of us who would rather spend and extra
hour in bed in the morning.
 Alan
Bolton, (center) presents the ‘golfer of the month’ award to Dick Warberg,
(right) while Bert looks on.
Expecting the road to be quiet at 10am we started at a dawdle, until we hit
Sukhumvit and found it jam packed full. There is always a roadworks
somewhere, so soon we had to speed up to make up for lost time.
Surprisingly once we arrived at Green Valley, we found booking in no
problem, and caddies available for the bag. Then onto the first tee, where
once again there was no problem and we could actually tee off early. Surely
this was too good to be true at this time of the year? Well the answer was
no, and although we caught up with the groups ahead, it was pretty much a
clear run.
The course was in very good condition and when Green Valley is in good
condition it is a super course to play. The weather also co-operated and a
light breeze made the day one to be appreciated.
Round over, and back to Bert’s where the ‘Boys’ were tucking into burger and
chips, compliments of Pu and Bert. Food consumed, it was time to get onto
the presentations, as not only did we have the days winners, but also the
winner of the monthly title.
On the day, the winner of the A Div was Rainer Helling with Mike Wing in
second, whilst in the B Div the winner was Andy Evans with Bill Knight in
second.
And so finally to the ‘Alan Bolton Golfer of The Month’ award and the run
away winner, as last month, was Dick Warberg. Dick now leads the race for
the ‘Golfer of the Year’ title.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Rick Holmes (2), Rainer Helling, Ian Colvill, Dick Kerr,
Joel Flor, Wayne Muras
Long Put: Mark Brenton, Ian Colvill
Kevin & ‘Slammin’ John send the rest packing at Plutaluang
PSC golf from The Café Kronborg
Monday, November 27, Plutaluang,
Stableford
The Plutaluang S & E layouts were host for a Stableford competition in two
flights; A Flight 0 to 19 and B Flight 20 up. The course was in fine
condition and the weather was again unseasonably hot with a threat of rain.
Kevin Callaghan won the A Flight with 40 points, Brian Blackford was in
second on 36 points with Marty Allred in third on a count back from Ted
Morris, both with 34 points.
‘Slammin’ John Swanson took the B Flight with a fine 41 points, Dorsey
Richardson was second with 38 points and Bent Moeller came third with 37
points with Graham Mitchell fourth on a count back from Carole Kubicki, both
36 points.
Near Pins: Johan Reynisson, Annie Barril (2) Mike Winfield
Long Put: Rolf Hofman, Bent Moeller
Thursday,
November 30,
Greenwood,
Stableford
If you want to play this course, you go straight up the 331 until
you see a big sign on your right hand side that says Nobel Place. Mind, once
you get inside, the reception and all the clubhouse has been refurbished,
even to the extent of the windows having Greenwood stenciled on them.
So, on a hot humid day a large field assembled on the first tee to play the
A & B nines, and we were allowed to tee-off a little early, with no sight of
players in front of us.
The course, these days, is in fine condition, but it was noticed that the
greens on the A nine were faster than on the B nine. Still this is still a
fine venue considering the ‘green fee’, and it remains one of the best deals
around.
With such a large group it was essential we got around as fast as possible,
and we did, with only minor hold ups from the groups ahead. So hot and
sticky we were able to test the newly up-dated club house facilities before
going around to the new restaurant.
The scores were not too bad either; in the A Flight, 0 to 19, the winner was
Johann Reynisson with 38 points ahead of Ebrahim with 37 points in second.
We then had a big count back on 35 points which saw Marty Allred in third,
Rick Evans in fourth and Derek Brook, Eric Ravn and Bill Plath losing out.
In the B Flight Michael Winfield took the honours with 37 points ahead of a
count back on 36 points that saw Daryl Evans in second, Bjorn Kristianson in
third and Graham Mitchell in fourth, all with 35 points.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Don Richardson, Bill Plath, Dave Richardson, Derek Brook
Long Put: Bent Moeller, Johann Reinerson
Regent’s hosts FOBISSEA Games
David Williams
The last weekend in November saw a major international schools sports
tournament hosted by Regent’s at their park-like Pattaya campus. This is the
second important FOBISSEA (Federation of British International Schools,
South East Asia) event hosted by Eastern Seaboard International Schools this
year, with the enormously successful Regent’s sports tournament following on
from the recent music festival organised by Garden International School.
 Star
athlete Jessica Pisters on the podium after one of her gold medal efforts.
Over 200 boys and girls aged twelve and thirteen, from eight different
countries, accompanied by their teachers, coaches and parents, gathered at
Regent’s to play in the three day tournament. Each school team consisted of
about 12 boys and 12 girls and they competed in a swimming gala, an
athletics meeting and both basketball and football tournaments.
The swimming gala, basketball and football were all played at Regent’s
making the most of the school’s excellent facilities. A special treat
however, for all the young athletes was the chance to run on the state of
the art indoor track at Pattaya’s Indoor Stadium in Soi Chaiyapruek 2.
Everyone was excited by the opportunity to compete in air conditioned
comfort and this, along with the very close racing was undoubtedly a factor
in the number of fast times that were recorded.
 The
boys relay team, Tshinlek Dorji, David Wilcox, Harry Webb and Justin
Arundamrongroj.
During the lunch break everyone was spellbound by a spectacular Muay Thai
demonstration given by fighters from Pattaya’s new Fairtex Sports complex.
The Regent’s team made full use of the home advantage to record excellent
results in both the team games and the swimming and athletics. The boys
played exceptionally well to win both the football and the basketball
competitions, and the girls finished second in both of their competitions.
The standard of play from all the visiting schools was very close indeed
with little separating the teams. Regent’s teams showed great spirit and had
to play with teamwork and commitment to achieve the results they did.
Players of the tournament were: boys’ basketball, Tshinlek Dorji, boys’
football, David Wilcox, girls’ basketball, Marsha Fortune and girls’
football, Stephany Auernig.
In the athletics Regent’s did very well with boys Harry Webb, David Wilcox,
Kevin Aamlid, and girls Jessica Pisters, Joo Yeon Jeong and Stephany Auernig
in particular achieving excellent results. In the swimming Sun Tangiwiroon
and Lisa Pookokwai, and were the top performers.
Overall the tournament was an outstanding success and Regent’s school would
like to acknowledge the work done by their sponsors, “Four Winds
International Movers” and “Cool Zone mist cooling systems” in making the
Games so memorable for all the children who participated.
A perfect baton change for the winning relay team.
The Regent’s gold medal winning boys football team.
The Emerald finds its teeth
PSC golf from The Peacock Place
Monday, November 27,
The Emerald, Stableford
Monday’s outing saw 24 golfers head for the Emerald golf course for a
Stableford round, and what a day it was. The management at the Emerald are
setting the course up for the Asian qualifying rounds and if you think this
layout was hard before, try to play it now - what a challenge. So, just to
make things a bit more interesting we played the red white and blue, six
shots from each tee - a lot of fun.
Anyway, to the scoring and the A Division was won by Bob Drumm with a fine
35 points and the runner up was Bob Wighton with 33 points on a count back
from Terry Phur and Don Frances. They were great scores on the day believe
me. B Division was won by Phil Smith with the best score of the day 37
points, runner up was my old mate Ken Little with 32.
So you can see that even playing off the ladies tees for 6 holes the course
still played hard. There was only one 2 on the day going to Phil Smith. The
free beer was won by Jim Walton with 18 points. Well done Jim.
Wednesday, November 29,
Century Chonburi, Stableford
After breakfast on Wednesday we took off for Century Chonburi
with a depleted team. This may have been because of the venue but the ones
that did go had a great time as the course was in great condition and the
greens as always were quite slippery.
We didn’t have enough players to form 2 divisions so the winner of the only
flight was Brian Webb with 42 points, closely followed in second by Paul
Crossland on 40 points. Congratulations chaps your new handicaps are on the
board. Third place on the day went to Curtis Hessler with 37 points.
There was only one 2 today and the captain took that. One of the players was
heard to remark that with there being only 13 players, he had a chance of
winning a prize. As it turned out, he was right, he took the booby prize of
a free beer for coming last - well-done Les.
If you are looking for a game with some friendly folks come to the Peacock
Place or call Bob on 087 941 2474.
No change at the top
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
200 Bowlers – La, Rich, Dang, Pao, Teuvo, Kran,
Antero, Maliny & Konrad
There is no change at the top of the standings with VFW Post 9876
maintaining a one-oint lead over Café Kronborg. Both teams split their
matches at 2-2. VFW was led by Ooy with a 530 series and Three Sisters by La
who rolled a 525 series. Café Kronborg was led by Kran who had a 215 game,
570 series and Pao with a 231 game, 516 series.
Antero led Café Ole with a 553 series and Rich had a 225 game, 553 series,
bowling as a pacer. House of the Golden Coin remained in fourth place but
gained a point of the leaders as they took three points from Mai’s Thai
Restaurant. Mio rolled a 511 series for Golden Coin and Barry had a 544
series for Mai’s Thai Restaurant.
Jim bowled a 548 series to lead Jack & Tar to a three-oint win over Montana.
Sven was best for Shenanigans, bowling a 557 series, as they took three
points from Domicil. iamond Shop was the only team to win all four points as
they defeated Brother D and moved up the standings. Leo bowled a 517 series
for Brother D.
Geoff wins November award then takes a day off
PSC golf from The Bunker
Monday, November 27,
The Emerald, Stableford
The first Stableford comp of the week was held at The Emerald Golf Course
with Geoff Parker by far the favourite to win the Golfer of the Month title.
Geoff Parker - November ‘Golfer of the Month’ with
The Bunker Boy’s.
The cut was made at handicap 18 and Geoff duly obliged by tying for first
place in the A Flight with Rab McDonald, both finishing with 40 points.
There was also a tie for runner-up spot between Mashi Kaneta and John Reed,
both players on 38 points.
In the B Flight Brian Maddox won the day, scoring 34 points ahead of Brian
Walker and Jim Payne who shared second place with 32 points. The ‘near pin’
prizes were shared between Charlie Gooch, Mick Ramshaw, John Reed and Brian
Walker.
Wednesday, November 29, Noble Place, Medal
Playing Medal format at Noble Place is never easy and it proved
to be the case this time, although a few golfers did manage to break par.
The cut was at handicap 17, which put Geoff Parker in the B Flight or the
Diadora League as it has been dubbed and he won again with a fine round of
two under par net 70. This result sealed the ‘Golfer of the Month’ title
once again for Geoff. Tied for second place were Mick Ramshaw and Rod
Stevens who both shot a one under par net 71.
In the A Flight there was a three-way tie for first place between Paul Smith
(H/c 5), Gerry Cooney (H/c 11) and Keith Smithson (H/c 2). All shot a
one-under par net 71 for a share of the spoils.
‘Near pins’ went to Rod Stevens, John Reed, Bryan Rought and also to Chris
Olley, who, with his wife, is visiting Thailand for the first time.
Friday, December 1,
Crystal Bay, Stableford
The start of the new month was notable for the absence of Geoff
Parker from the winner’s podium. He says he was just relaxing to let someone
else have a chance of glory!
Playing a Stableford format and with the cut at handicap 18, John King stole
the show with a magnificent 42 Stableford points to walk away with first
place in the A Flight. Paul Smith and Roger Privett shared second place some
distance back on 35 points apiece.
In the B Flight the scores were a little more modest, Richard Baldotto
winning with 33 points ahead of Rod Stevens 32 points and third placed Brian
Maddox 31 points.
‘Near pin prizes’ were shared between Trevor Sharman, PJ Redmond, Rab
McDonald and Brian Maddox.
Duncan and Hodges rule
at Noble Place
PSC golf from The Oohsa Bar
Tuesday, November 28, a large contingent of golfers
left the Oohsa Bar to test their skill (and luck) at the excellent Noble
Place Golf Club. Because of the large numbers, two divisions were in
operation with Div A 0-20 and Div B 21 up.
A real dogfight took place in the A division with three players all
finishing on 35 points. The winner on count back was Neil Duncan who
played very well off his 15 H/c. Second was Colin Cronin off 19 followed
by Jeff Wiley playing off 7.
The B division was well won by Keith Hodges (38 points) playing off 24,
followed by Yves Philert also playing off 24 who was second on count
back over Keith Avery (30)
Near pins were won by Su Murphy, Rod Sutherland and Jeff Wiley and the
long putt award went to Rich Murphy.
Back at the Oohsa Bar was another delicious meal, ice-cold beer and lots
more fun as we recounted the days events. Our next trip out will be to
Eastern Star on Tues the Dec. 12 and if you wish to join with us please
call Keith Hodges on 087 916 7171 or call into the Oohsa Bar on Soi Kao
Talo where you will be made most welcome.
The Square Ring:
by Howie Reed
“Jeeves, before your always informative report let’s
start with a quote from the late General Douglas MacArthur: “Old solders
never die they just fade away.”
“Excuse me your lordship but what does that have to do with boxing? And
would that be the same General MacArthur that returned to liberate the
San Miguel Brewery in the Philippines?”
“Yes, one and the same my good man. In boxing the saying is ‘old
fighters never retire, they just quit for a while then come back again
and again’. This comes on the back of news that Bernard Hopkins has now
officially ‘un-retired’.”
Saying that he’s still got the fire. Here’s what he had to say about his
return to the ring: “I’m out of retirement. Bernard Hopkins is out of
retirement. Bernard Hopkins is going to fight until he can’t fight no
more. I have a good three to four years of boxing to give the world what
they need. Boxing right now needs Bernard Hopkins. Boxing needs the
personality of Bernard Hopkins, boxing don’t need me per say as an
athlete but they need my personality. No one in the world does an
interview like Bernard Hopkins. No one holds it down like Bernard
Hopkins. Love me or hate me, you will get a sound byte whether you agree
or disagree with me and at the end of the day when you sit ringside, you
know Bernard Hopkins will give a ‘Bernard Hopkins’ performance.”
He’s still as modest and humble as ever.
One fighter that is retiring again this time hopefully for good is
German heavyweight Axel Schulz. His first comeback fight saw him get
KO’d by Brian Minto in 6. Schultz was off for seven years and fought as
though he’d never been away. That explains the KO loss. “This was
definitely the end for me,” said Schulz. “I won’t be doing anymore
boxing or training. This is enough ... I boxed sh**ty. As a boxer, I
wasn’t so far [along]. I overestimated myself.”
His loss also might end the comeback talk concerning Dariusz
Michalczewski. Mr. Alphabet had told the German newspaper BILD that he
was thinking about coming back to fight Axel Schulz. “If he wins, I’ll
take him on,” Michalczewski said. Axel didn’t so end of story. And now
... Here’s JEEEEEves!
“Thank you your lordship. When Bernard Hopkins announced he was no
longer retied he also said that when Oscar De La Hoya fights Mayweather
jr. next year, Oscar wins. He takes Mayweather jr. to school first and
then gets rid of him.
“Your Pal, the ‘Lord of Pattaya’ ought to be happy as professional
boxing is returning to Sweden on January 27th. The last professional
boxing match there was in 1969 between Floyd Patterson and Jimmy Ellis.
Ellis won and Sweden dropped the sport. The bouts this time will be
limited to a maximum of only six 2-minute rounds with ten-ounce gloves
being used. Nikolai Valuev, the WBA heavyweight champion, had his
promoter check out a possible fight in Sweden next January. They were
turned down though as authorities didn’t feel that the WBA rules were
safe enough. End of report your lordship.”
Thank you Jeeves. A brief note from the WBC arrived informing ‘The
Square Ring’ that it was wrong. The Pattaya Boxing Bible reported that
Eric Morales was going to engage in one more fight for the WBC
lightweight title. That was right. It was wrong however, that Morales
had “as if by WBC magic” been rated #1 challenger for the lightweights
even though he’s lost 4 of his last 5 fights. The ratings were taken off
a boxing web site that had it wrong so therefore The Square Ring was
wrong. How could this happen? Sloppy reporting? Brain dead?
Morales lost early in the month of November so the current ratings don’t
take that into consideration. Stupid old goat from ‘The Square Ring’ got
it wrong. The new ratings came out last week after press time. The same
old goat will bet a bar fine at either Tim’s or the TQ that Morales is
ranked either #1 or #2 in the lightweight division. If not? Wrong again.
Last Sunday there were a couple of box fights from America. Jeff Lacy
(21-1) was in the ring against Vitali Tsypko (17-1) in an attempt to
shake off his loss to Joe Calzaghe. They fought last March in Greater
Manchester, not to be confused with either lesser Manchester or just
common old Manchester. Not only did Lacy get wiped out on the night,
119’s for Calzaghe all the way around, but it would have been the Snyder
but for a point deducted in the 11th.
Was he redeemed last weekend? Not really. Those not involved in boxing
won’t understand what the loss to Calzaghe did to Lacy. He understated
Calzaghe and over estimated his own abilities. The first time that
Tsypko and Lacy met it ended in a ‘no decision’ due to a head butt.
Fighting last Sunday before his hometown fans Lacy got the win by
majority decision (96-94 twice and 95-95). It wasn’t a very good
decision as both ‘The Square Ring’ and boxing expert Larry Merchant had
Tsypko winning 96-95. You can scratch Lacy as an “elite boxer”.
The other half of that card featured Winky Wright (50-3-1), who many
think of as a fraud of the highest order. He got a very old Ike Quartey
(37-3-1). Wonder never ceases. Wright actually tossed punches in
bunches. In fact had he fought like this 10 years ago some of the press
would have been in his corner.
Wright constantly cries that he wants a rematch with Jermain Taylor.
Then comes the “butt monkey” ... but only if the money is split 50-50.
No way Jose. That aside Wright actually looked pretty good against old
man Quartey, winning a unanimous decision (117-110 twice & 117-109). The
record will show that Wright scored two knockdowns but in fact one was a
bad call by the referee. Naughty-naughty.
In Atlantic City, Miguel Cotto (28-0) punched his ticket as the WBA
welterweight champion with a 5 round demolition of previously unbeaten
Carlos Quintana, now 23-1.
It was fairly even early on until Cotto’s power took over. The tide
turned and left the beach for good in the 5th when Cotto landed a shot
to the liver which would have pleased Hannibal Lector, “Yes Clarice,
with Fava beans and a nice Chianti.” Quintana barely beat the count only
to get dropped again while struggling to reach his corner when the bell
sounded. He couldn’t answer the bell for the 6th.
As expected WBO welterweight champion Antonio Margarito (33-4, 24 KOs)
had little trouble in defending his title, although in the early rounds
Margarito looked like he could be had. Previously unbeaten Joshua
Clottey (30-1) was beating Margarito to the punch early and might have
made the fight closer but for a broken hand in round 4. From then on
Margarito took over for a 118-109, 116-112, 116-112 win. Three boxing
writers scoring at ringside had it very close with one giving the fight
to Clottey. Shows what boxing writers know.
Fights on the world stage this Sunday come from Little Rock Arkansas and
the ExCel Arena in London.
Jermain Taylor (25-0-1) may be one of the best fighters in boxing today.
He probably needs a ‘name’ opponent to capture the attention of fans.
That’s a problem as fighting at 160lbs it’s almost a wasteland. At 154
there’s Oscar De La Hoya and at 168 Joe Calzaghe. As it is, Taylor ends
up defending against Kassim Ouma who at 25-2-1 has a nice record but
should pose no serious problems for the champ.
The fight card from ExCell in London has more scenarios than a season of
Dynasty. First off there’s “just out of the Grey Bar Inn (Espana
Branch)” Scott Harrison (25-2-2) defending against Nicky Cook (26-0).
Cook is the typical “home bred Brit” that does the right thing and has
the right promoter to get a world title shot. He has a chance, as what
kind of shape can Harrison be in having just got out of a Spanish jail?
In a secondary role on the same card there’s the “Battle for Britain”
between Audley ‘Fraudly’ Harrison (20-2) and Matt Skelton (10-2). Both
heavyweights had visions of world championships in their heads but
neither has enough talent to reach that goal, even in the depleted field
of today’s heavyweights.
The real star of the night might be the appearance of “British
‘Wunderkind’ Amir Khan. December 9 will be Khan’s 20th birthday and to
celebrate he tackles ‘Frog’ Rachid Drilzane. Drilzane is 10-3 but way
below Khan’s talent level. Expect another win for the next great Brit
hope.
“What’s that Jeeves? Yes, of course we’ll celebrate. You know what they
say? No time like the present. And now is the perfect time for a lager
or 2, a nice cigar and maybe a little Barry White on the sound machine.”
An adventure
from start to finish
The North Face Bangkok Adventure Challenge
By Patricia Weismantel
The 60 teams of two lining up to start the North Face Bangkok Adventure
Challenge, Sunday, November 12, had a rough idea what was in store for
them, but the fun and the challenge of an adventure race is not knowing
exactly what you will be asked to do or for how long.
 Competitors
had to traverse a 300-metre long wooden bridge, requiring racers to
carefully balance on two 6-centimetre wide planks.
Known were the disciplines of mountain biking, running, swimming and
kayaking, and just minutes before the start a warning that it could be a
7-hour race from director Serge Henkens. But, it was a surprise to all
the weekend warriors that there could be 70 kilometers of rough terrain
just a 45-minute drive from central Bangkok at Minsiri Resort in Nong
Chok.
The first leg of the already sweltering 33-degree day consisted of
biking through mud so thick that it sucked the shoes off those forced to
dismount and traversing a 300-metre long wooden bridge, requiring racers
to carefully balance on the two 6-centimetre wide planks as they carried
their bikes. Relieved to be sitting on their bikes again the racers
pushed on to the first checkpoint, 26 kilometers from the start.
Following orange ribbons strategically placed to mark the course proved
another challenge to the competitors, some of whom managed to miss a
turn or two, losing time and adding distance to the 8-kilometre run on
dirt tracks alongside rice paddies.
The run ended at a pile of life jackets and sit-on kayaks, a clue as to
what was the next segment of the race. The 2.7-kilometre kayak segment
down a khlong was a rest for weary legs, but a workout for the arms.
More wooden bridges proved to be an obstacle, but this time kayakers had
to limbo underneath them, sometimes leaning into the water to avoid long
rusty nails ready to puncture an eye.
Though the race had other organic obstacles to avoid - fishing lines in
the khlong, chickens and cows suddenly and randomly crossing the road, a
freshly killed snake (perhaps run over by another competitor?) - it also
offered many beautiful scenes on the way. A just-harvested field full of
white herons, a woman wearing a traditional sarong bathing in the
khlong, kids playing drums to cheer on the crazy people running in the
heat of the day.
After a 6-kilometre run back to the bikes, a 25-kilometre ride back to
the starting point, there was still another challenge in store, a
230-meter swim across a lake. Though hampered by the wearing of a life
jacket and shoes, the swim proved to be a welcome relief from the heat
and made the last 1.6-kilometer run back to the finish line almost
tolerable.
For the top finishers the race took 4 hours and 50 minutes, and the last
team staggered in 4 hours later, but for all competitors it was a chance
to challenge themselves through the many adventures Thailand has to
offer.
Top Finishers:
Open Males: Simon Thomas and Surachai Kaewlone 4hr 50min
Masters: Jongksak Kaewin and Kraetisak Premanan 4hr 55min
Mixed: Lynda Sharp and Neil Biggadike 5hr 31min
The next event organized by Serge Henkens (Active Management Asia) is
The North Face River Kwai Trophy that will take place in Sayoke,
Kanchanaburi on March 10, 2007.
For more information: www.active-asia.com or call 02 676 38 69
Overall class winners
celebrate at the end of a tough race that took them through some of the
beautiful countryside around Bangkok.
Wylacker, Covill & Sodok take November/December Diana Seniors Open
Mike Franklin
Some good leading scores were posted in the men’s field, topped by 42
Stableford points from Pim Wylacker to win the Super Seniors with John
Hurst coming a close runner-up on 41 points.
 John
Hirst (runner-up), Orowan Sodok & Pim Wylacker enjoyed a successful day
in the year ending Diana Seniors Open.
The best performers in the Seniors’ division, Ian Covill and John King,
both tied on 41 points with Ian narrowly winning on a back six
count-back. A scorer’s error put John on the podium to begin with but
the mistake was quickly noted and amiably rectified.
Orowan Sodok’s 36 points was enough to win the Ladies division, with Pid
Ovegren runner-up on 33 points.
In the technical awards, Ian Edwards claimed two of the near pin prizes
with George Meigh and Bill Hewitt taking the others. Pid Ovegren sank
the longest putt on the ninth and Alan Pearce on the eighteenth.
It was a fine day at Pattaya Country Club, and a good field of 55
players enjoyed the course. Returning faces were recognized as the busy
season gets under way, and we look forward to 2007 and the January
Seniors & Ladies Open on Thursday January 25th. It’s Christmas and New
Year in the meantime, so best wishes for a good one.
Freddy Braun’s the toast!
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral
The Pattaya Golf Society travelled to Eastern Star on
Tuesday, November 29 to play their usual monthly ‘Order of Merit’ medal
event. The day was hot and the endless breeze made some of the holes,
notably the par-fives, very long indeed. This had an effect on the
scores and both flights, cut at twenty and under, struggled to return
good scores.
In the premier flight, a resurgent Les Hall joined Mikael Andersson at
the top of the leaderboard with a splendid level-par score of net 72, a
reflection of the time he has spent on the practice range honing his
short game. For Mikael, of course, it was another best gross as he
posted an unusual ten bogeys and five birdies in his round. In third
place was Ben Findon with a return of net 76.
In the second flight Len Jones managed a third placed finish with an
embarrassingly high net score and Tom Hunsicker took second with his net
80! The winner by a country mile was Switzerland’s Freddy Braun and his
accomplished golf led to a score of one-under, net 71.
Tom Hunsicker took sole possession of the day’s “twos” pot for his
accuracy on the 13th hole to give him a very satisfactory day, in
contrast to playing partner Paul Quodomine. Paul already holds the high
score record for a single hole with the PGS and was hell-bent on beating
it as he shot 15 on the watery eighth. But a beaming smile told us that
his old record was still intact! Of course he also savoured the ‘Booby
Bevy’ back at the OK Corral.
‘Down Under’ on top at Green Valley
A Stableford event at Green Valley on Thursday, November 30,
drew the curtains on the Pattaya Golf Society’s monthly competitions and
fittingly there were new faces on the leaderboard and a new face as the
society’s ‘Player of the Month’.
Green Valley was in fine condition and as usual at this time of year,
was crowded. The group was divided into two flights with the cut at 20
and under.
In the second division, Aussie newcomer Wayne Muras made his mark
immediately by sharing the flight win with Paul Quodomine, both players
posting moderate scores of 30 points. One point behind was Carl Lovatt.
In the top flight scores were better, with Mike Allidi and Erik Anttonen
recording 33’s for a share of third place, both one behind Joop Medze’s
34 points in second. The winner was the popular Aussie golfer Stuart
Thompson and his score was a reward for some accurate play and dropping
shots to par on only two holes throughout his round.
Mikael Andersson’s otherwise disastrous day was improved by his sole win
in the “twos” competition, his fine birdie coming on the short par-three
12th hole.
The November “Player of the Month” was Ben Findon and runner-up was
Freddy Braun who had been catapulted into the frame on the back of a
fine victory earlier in the week. Both golfers are new to the podium in
the monthly challenge. It had indeed been a tough day on a full golf
course but the PGS had survived and will fight many more such days
during the impending high season.
Frank Kelly wins first Medal competition
PSC golf from Bowling Green
(Main picture): Saturday winners
Mab, Phil, Mam & Frank, (Inserts L-R): Tuesday winners Mab, Bob, Wanna,
Tom & Gordon; Mashi ringing the bell; Thursday winners Frank, Takashi,
Man & Tewin
Gordon Everingham and Barry Hooper
Thursday,
November 23,
Khao Kheow,
Stableford
A Flight:
1st Takashi Hakozaki (11) 34pts
2nd Frank Kelly (17) 34pts
3rd Derek Eastman (10) 32pts
4th Jimmy Chalk (12) 32pts
5th Fergus Brennan (09) 32pts
B Flight:
1st Tewin Lamthong (25) 37 pts
2nd Somkid (Mam) Bonseim (39) 34 pts
3rd Bob Short (23) 33 pts
4th Tony Burnett (31) 32 pts
5th Colin Cronin (21) 30 pts
Near Pins: Bob Richardson, Leo Spratt, Tewin Lamthong, Petter Andersson.
2s: Takeshi Hakozaki, Leo Spratt
Japan and Thailand carried the day with victories in both the A & B
Flights. Takashi Hakozaki from the ‘Land of The Rising Sun’ scored a
respectable 34 pts on this tough course from the yellow tees: Takashi
won on a count back from Frank Kelly. The A flight was a tightly fought
affair as all the minor places were also settled on count backs.
The B Flight was once again won by the Tewin Lamthong with a brilliant
37 pts - the only player to break par on the day. The course was in
fantastic condition and we all enjoyed our day of golf even if the
scores were not up to “par”. Looking forward to our next trip to Khao
Kheow.
Saturday,
November 25,
Eastern Star, Medal
A Flight:
1st Frank Kelly (17) net 72
2nd Mab Jiwa (15) net 75
3rd Mashi Kaneta (14) net 75
4th Fergus Brennan (13) net 77
B Flight
1st Phil Dwyer (40) 40 pts
2nd Somkid (Mam) Bonseim (39) 39 pts
3rd Tony Geeland (22) 34 pts
4th Tewin Lamthong (25) 31 pts
Near Pins: Frank Kelly (2), Bob Dearnley, Mashi Kaneta.
2s: Mashi Kaneta
Today was our first time to have an A Flight Medal competition and Frank
Kelly was the man for the task, posting an even par net 72. The course
at Eastern Star was in really great condition and scoring showed it.
Phil Dwyer the senior member of our group decided to show the younger
members a trick or two and came in with a very nice 40 pts to win the B
Flight. Not to be outdone, Mashi Kaneta decided to show his skill in the
2s contest and was our lone winner. To show his appreciation he rang the
bell and bought everyone a drink. Thanks Mashi.
Thursday,
November 28,
Noble Place,
Stableford
A Flight:
Tom Herrington (18) 39 pts
Mab Jiwa (15) 37 pts
Bob Dearnley (13) 34 pts
Dave Askew (10) 32 pts
B Flight:
Bob Short (23) 38 pts
Gordon Everingham (26) 36 pts
Somkid (Mam) Bonseim (37) 35 pts
William Chang (36) 34 pts
Near Pins: Bob Richardson
2' s: Bob Richardson
Well today the course played its deceptive self and Tom Herrington and
Bob Short battled hard to win their respective Flights. Tom scored a
fine 39 pts to take the A Flight whilst Bob, despite some ups and downs
was able to emerge victorious in B Flight.
Meanwhile Bob Richardson was the only man to win a nearest pin award and
decided to drain his putt to also win the 2s contest. Well done Bob.
The golfers would like to thank Tony, Jean and the staff at the Bowling
Green for the wonderful meals served both before and after the golf. If
any one is interested in golfing with us, we play every Tuesday,
Thursday and Saturday and meet at the Bowling Green, Pattaya at 7:45am
for breakfast and transportation. All new players are always made to
feel welcome. Call Fergus 086 056 7019 or Bowling Green 038-720742 or
send an email to [email protected]
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