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No shortage of fun, frolics & rugby football at this year’s Pattaya 10’s
Raimon Land Chris Kays Memorial Rugby Tournament 2007
Eoin Quirke
The eighth running of the Chris Kays Memorial Rugby Tournament took place
two weeks ago at the magnificent setting of The Horseshoe Point Resort,
which despite the weeklong rain was in near perfect condition. With the
sponsorship of Raimon Land the Tournament reception was held in fine style
at the Northpoint Development and this set the tone for the whole weekend.
 This
year’s tournament saw a feast of great play from all the teams who took
part.
The Ladies touch tournament was very hotly contested both on and off the
field. Tournament newcomers the Nomads Bullettes from the Philippines were
particularly impressive and in their first overseas tour they finished as
runners up to the very experienced Southerners Ladies from Thailand.
The girls from the IPS Stars, who are all studying at Physical Training
College, also impressed with their fitness and energy and were fine
performers despite finishing empty handed. A mention should be made of the
hometown ladies The Pattaya Panties whose numbers have been decimated by
transfers and maternity calls, they played gallantly with many first timers
in their ranks and improved with every game. If they can keep this spirit
alive then next year they could be vying for honours.
 Easy
does it girl - the night’s still young.
This years Men’s tournament had less international representation than in
past years. This is in part due to the rising popularity of the 10’s form of
the game - the Jakarta 10’s being staged on the same weekend. The quality of
the rugby however was not affected with last year’s winners the Ratcha Navy
returning to defend their crown and there were some very special displays
during the weekend.
All likely protagonists assembled at Horseshoe Point at 9:30am on the
Saturday morning and the organizers tent was besieged by team captains
anxious to know when their turn would be to take to the green sward.
Unflappable as ever, tournament organizer Graham Macdonald with his dour
assistant Wayne “ Blowfly “ Oganoski sorted out the schedule and some teams
were chivvied along and others were told to be patient.
Eventually everybody was calmed down and play commenced under the control of
David Viccars and his merry band of referees including Peter Tann and Dougie
Shearer from Hong Kong, Bruce Birchall from U. K., Chris Donovan and Dave
Williams and of course our contingent of referees from the Thailand Rugby
Union, Khun Thamanoon, Khun Amorn and Khun Chaiyan. Testament to their
performance is that none of them were drowned in the pool on Sunday night!
There were fourteen teams and Saturday’s games were played in a round-robin
format to determine the ranking for the various competitions. Apart from the
one minor downpour conditions were perfect, and hard and fast running rugby
was the order of the day.
The opening game saw, as is now tradition, the home team Pattaya’s own
Panthers hosting last year’s winners. Jim Howard, the Panther’s chairman,
kicked off the opener to start the 2007 tournament, and made way for captain
Eoin Quirke to lead the Panthers onwards.
There were strong performances from the Southerners Gold, the British Club
and the Ratcha Navy with Nang Len and the Tanner de Wit Nomads from Hong
Kong threatening to gatecrash the cup party. The Bangkok Japanese and the
Vientiane Buffaloes looked likely contenders for the plate along with the
hosts the Pattaya Panthers.
After a hard day’s play, cooling off in the pool was obligatory and then it
was off on the Quaic with all of the teams determined to outdo the others
with their outfits, performances and drinking and generally to take a good
look at the offerings of Pattaya’s famed nightlife.
The center of the Quaic activities was Kilkenny Irish Pub on Walking Street
and some 250 rugby players crowded onto the back patio ensured the day’s
camaraderie continued late into the evening with old acquaintances renewed
and many new ones formed. Fine performances were seen, but nobody could
match the Nomads Bullettes. These ladies clad in their ‘Babydolls’ were well
choreographed and expertly led by Claire Barberis and Marl Bland. They were
a delight to behold and will surely be back next year to defend their
partying title.
As the order of play was in some doubt, everybody was at the Point early on
Sunday - some looking very much the worse for wear. Partying had definitely
taken it’s toll in general but on the home side in particular who were very
short on resources (and these guys are supposed to know what it is all
about!!)
Tired limbs were anointed and strapped and the final stages of qualification
finally got under way and many first time losers were surprised to find that
they then had to play more games than if they had won. Again there were some
superb performances and some very close encounters with not a few surprises.
In the Ladies tournament the Southerners rolled over everybody, much as
expected, and finally defeated the Nomads Bullettes A in a closely fought
final. Special mention should be given to The IPS Stars and the Panties who
both played their hearts out. We were also treated to a demonstration of
Ladies contact rugby played between the Thailand National squad and a Bucks
/ Blacks combination from Singapore and there certainly was plenty of
contact!! The ladies player of the tournament was Ludy Lacrosse from the
Southerners.
Over on the main pitch the men ground their way through a very heavy
schedule that finally weeded the weak from the strong. The Cup quarterfinals
saw some very good and hard games and eventually Ratcha Navy, Bangkok
Bangers Colts, Kasetsart University and Southerners Gold progressed to the
semi finals, which arguably produced the finest rugby of all with
Southerners Gold sending the Navy to sea and the Old Bangers sending
Kasetsart U back to the classroom. This gave us a cracking final in which
youth and superior fitness eventually triumphed over age and experience. The
people’s favourites Southerners Gold, well mothered by Neily Weily emerging
as Cup Champions.
In the Plate it was obvious that new team Nang Len and ex Champions British
Club would set the pace, however Tanner de Witt Nomads had other ideas and
despite having to delay their departure to play in the final, they dispensed
with the British Club and then narrowly failed to capture the ultimate prize
when they lost to Nang Len in a very tense and tight game.
The marathon of the tournament was to battle all the way to the Bowl Final
and the semi finals of the Bowl saw the eclipse of the hosts and the Bangkok
Japanese, leaving Southerners Black and the Vientiane Buffaloes to battle
for the long distance prize and it was very fitting that the Buffaloes
should emerge as the Bowl Champions.
After the final whistle had blown the presentations were made to all trophy
winners by Jim Howard the Chairman of Pattaya Panthers RFC assisted by Henri
Young the Marketing Director of Raimon Land.
The best Player of the Tournament was presented to Chris “ Wagga “ Doherty
from the Southerners Gold and the Chris Kays Award for the person
contributing most to the tournament on and off the field was awarded to Marl
Bland from the Nomads Bullettes.
The organizers, Jim Howard, Eoin Quirke and Mark Coombs would like to extend
a sincere vote of thanks all the players, supporters and sponsors - Raimon
Land, MBMG International, AGS Four Winds, Hamptons International,
G4Ssecuricor, Mackenzie Smith Law, Millfield School, K - Tech, Cranes &
Equipment Asia Ltd., Contract Resources and of course Horseshoe Point for
supplying the venue and the Pattaya Mail for printing the tournament
programme.
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NB: Highlights of this years tournament
can be seen on PMTV
this Friday, May 18. |
Who said you had to be a
giant to play this game?
The organizers’ tent was a
hive of activity.
The Bangers run the ball
downfield.
This player sensibly takes
one of the VIP taxis back to the refreshment tent.
It wouldn’t be rugby
without the occasional spot of ‘afters’.
The front rows shake hands
and get to know each other.
There’s always one who has
to be different.
It’s supposed to be
‘touch’ rugby ladies.
Someone wake me up when
the game starts.
All that running around
makes thirsty work.
Those girls from the
Philippines get everywhere! Here they share a glass of ‘bubbly’ with
tournament organizer Jim Howard at the Raimon Land Northpoint party.
The Bangkok Bangers
display their trophy(ies).
The Nomads Bullettes from
the Philippines created quite a stir both on the pitch and also later
during their foray around town.
The Friday Night Mickey
Mouse Darts League
The end of season darts party & trophy presentation was
held at the Drum & Monkey Bar, located on the Naklua Road, on Friday 11th
May. All twelve dart teams that participate in the league were represented
at the party.
Stan from Cheers Bar was the MC for the evening, and he presented the
following trophies:
The Mickey Mouse League Champions Cup - The Rising Sun; The Wooden Spoon -
The OK Corral; Most Under 10’s - Cheers Bar.
The Highest Check Out during the season was awarded to Tommy (The Three
Arrows Bar) who checked out on an impressive 156.
A dart ‘Blind Draw’ doubles knockout competition was held during the party.
The competition winners were Jason (Chaplins) and Tip (Drum & Monkey) and
the runners up were Ron (Lucky Time) and Noi (Blue Mountain).
An excellent evening was enjoyed by all. Thanks go to the Drum & Monkey Bar
for hosting the party; the buffet was outstanding, prepared by Shaun from
the Wongamat Bistro.
The new Dart Season begins on Friday May 18.
Brian takes it off the ‘Tiger tees’
Phoenix Members Golf Society
Mike Gerrard
Friday, May 11, Stableford
Friday is becoming a very popular day for the players who like to
play off the ‘tiger tees’, which equates to a course length of about 6,800
yards for the men. Playing from these tees makes you concentrate on the long
shots of the game more and it’s nice to use some clubs that do not get used
very often from white tee play.
 Friday’s
top three: (L-R) Brian Jacks, Prakong Robinson and Ron Bridge.
Needless to say it is usually the better players that finish up victorious
on these days and today was no exception.
In third place with 35 points (losing second place on count back) was our
members’ chairman, Ron Bridge. Second place went to the ever-improving
Prakong Robinson with 35 points, and our winner today was another player who
has hit some form just lately, Brian Jacks with 36 points.
Needless to say it was the same 3 players taking the honours for the near
the pins.
Sunday, May 13, Stableford
Another day in paradise for our regular Sunday group, plus one or
two guests - always welcome.
Whilst the Ocean course is undergoing repairs and improvements we are
currently enjoying the Mountain and Lakes course, but it doesn’t seem to
matter what 18 we play at Phoenix; the tees, fairways and greens are a joy
to behold considering the wet conditions at this time of the year.
A good field of 16 for today but the results were fairly average considering
some of the scores we have experienced just lately.
First place went to yours truly (Mike Gerrard) with 39 points playing off
14. I will be off 10 next week - tough school this Sunday lot! Second place
went to the in-form Prakong Robinson with 39 points and third was Rick
Delaney with 37 points.
Technicals went to Prakong Robinson, Mike Poustie, and David Czernie.
After a few beers and the presentation we had a quick meeting to elect
committee representatives for the coming year, and as there were no
alternatives nominated and no objections to the existing committee of Ron
Bridge, Mike Gerrard and Barry Winton carrying on the good work, it was
accepted ‘No Change’ for one year.
All existing members and guests are always welcome at any of our days
(Sunday, Wednesday and Friday), so just give Mike Gerrard a call on 087 091
7565 and we will be glad to fit you in.
Russell overcomes the chores
IPGC golf from The Haven
Monday, May 7,
The Emerald, Stableford
1st Peter Sumner 34pts c/b
2nd John Harris 34pts
3rd Alan Griffiths 33pts c/b
4th Brian Kelly 33 c/b
5th Trevor Schirmer 33pts
Having just spent a short break in the sunny UK, Peter Sumner returned in
‘nearly good’ form. It was good enough at any rate to take the day’s top
prize with a very good nineteen on the back to disappoint John Harris, who
is still looking for his first win out of The Haven.
Alan Griffiths was again to be found among the prizes although not quite up
to his usual high standard of late. He still performed strongly over the
homeward nine however, to deny both Brian Kelly and Trevor Schirmer the
third spot.
Once again there were no 2’s in the first division but Chris Knapp took the
rollover in the second division on his own.
Before the prize presentations, The Doc welcomed back Geoff Picken, Peter
Sumner, Peter Johansson and Cliff Hornsby.
Wednesday,
May 9, Phoenix, Stableford
1st Russell Exley 41pts
2nd Trevor Schirmer 37pts
3rd Alan Griffiths 36pts
4th Barry Traynor 35pts c/b
5th Al Keith 35pts
Russell “Mop” as he is now known to his very close friends, shook aside all
of his recent lethargy to surprise everyone over the now fairly tight
Mountain and Lake courses and prove that you can have a day and a night job
and still perform at the top of your abilities. But he will have to learn
not to keep tidying up the tees and surrounds if he is not to upset his
playing partners whilst they are putting and chipping in the vicinity. By
all accounts it was a very good round even allowing for a couple of wipes on
the inward nine.
Trevor Schirmer again showed his consistency with another handicap-beating
round as he took second place ahead of Alan Griffiths, who is also
performing well of late following a reduction in handicap.
Barry Traynor and Al Keith filled out the podium with reasonable scores.
Very surprisingly there were no 2’s in the first division but three in the
second division with John Harris having two and Geoff Picken one.
Back at the Haven there was a very warm welcome for La Keith who used to be
the Doc’s caddy at Eastern Star and has since married Al Keith, and a very
good member and player she will be in the future.
Friday, May 11,
Crystal Bay, Stableford
1st Phil Groves 36pts
2nd Alan Griffiths 35pts c/b
3rd Russell Exley 35pts
4th John Harris 33pts
There were no signs of the bad back that had kept Phil Groves off the
courses lately as he swept round the A and B layouts at the very pretty and
well prepared Crystal Bay club.
A level par round off a single figure handicap is not always an easy task,
especially if one has been away from the sticks for a little while, but Phil
made it all seem simply ‘matter of fact’ as he cruised round, even having
enough time to take in the stunning scenery.
Alan Griffiths and Russell Exley fought out a close match in their
four-ball, with Alan just taking the honours as Russell missed an easy putt
on the last that would have sealed not only the match but the day’s top
prize as well. John Harris again climbed onto the podium with a workmanlike
three-over.
Almost unbelievably there were again no 2’s in the first division or in the
second division.
Prior to the prize giving, Phil Groves and Tony Hurst were both welcomed
back. There was also a farewell to Brian Kelly who is returning to Alderny
for a short break away from the stresses of Pattaya.
Sharp-shooter Andy gives the girls some cheer
Jomtien Golf with the I.P.G.C.
Monday, May 7,
Century Chonburi, Stableford
A cancelled popular course owing to the increase in price because of today’s
holiday was welcomed by most as we arrived at our new destination, Century
Chonburi. There were a few patchy greens on the front nine but the layout
and condition on the last nine easily justified our journey with the
majority of players giving the thumbs up.
With the field split at 12 players in each division, nobody from division 1
got on to the two lower rated greens to claim the bottle prizes. Don Head
and Rob Heath from div 2 both won with their shots on the 4th and 13th.
There were no 2’s today in either division so there was a double rollover in
div 1 and a treble one in div 2 for Plutaluang on Wednesday.
The winning stableford competition points still amaze us all here, and yet
again 34 points won the premier league for 7 handicapper Andy Mills. Two
points less in second was Chris Holmes and in third place was Ben Findon
with 31 points.
Glyn Evans with 33 points won the lower division and Burnie Sinclair’s count
back of 14/12 on the back 6 beat Tony Duthie for second spot, both players
finishing on 31 points.
Wednesday, May 9,
Plutaluang, Stableford
With the low season upon us now, an amazing 29 players went out
today to play the south and east courses at this ever-popular venue. As we
arrived, in the background there were many rumblings and the skies were
getting greyer but that did not deter any of us. It was all to play for in
the 2’s competition for both divisions with rollovers from the previous
matches.
The skies opened after 11 holes for the forward group and this meant
sheltering at the water hut on the 13th hole, so within 15 minutes there
were four groups gathered there. After another 15 minutes we resumed play,
but back at the clubhouse later we learnt that two groups had called it a
day on the tenth tee.
There was loud applause back at Paweenas later when Andy Mill’s bottle of
scotch was given to the girls behind the bar for his nearest the pin on
south 7, there were a few bad heads in the morning so I am told. Ted Morris
also got nearest on south 4.
There was only one winner in division 2 on the east course, and that was for
a remarkable shot landing two feet away on the fifth, it also won Ken Foster
a triple rollover in the 2’s competition. Andy Mills also won a double prize
for his birdie on the south 4.
An amazing 30 points won the division 1 battle today for Ted Morris; Andy
Mills finished second with 27 points and Howard Stanley was one point
further back in third. Thirty-two points won the lower division for Les
Hall, with Russell Benson one point behind in second and Dave Ross in third
on 29 points.
Friday, May 11,
Eastern Star, Stableford
Bouncing back after two weeks in the doldrums, Miss Nom’s 32
points won the division 2 stableford competition, while 4 points behind was
Russell Benson in second place, and Miss Am finished third with 27 points.
There were two 32-point hauls tying for first place in division 1 but Joop
Medze’s 19 count back beat John McLoone into second. One point further back
was Benny O’Connor in third.
Jomtien Golf meets every Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at Paweenas on Soi 5
Jomtien Beach Rd. Tee-off time is normally 10.30am but on Friday’s at
Eastern Star it is always 9.30am. Please sign up at the bar or call Glyn on
086 837 5464.
Philibert on fire with red-hot putter
PSC golf from The Oohsa Bar
Tuesday, May 8,The
Emerald,Stableford
1st Yves Philibert (25) 41pts
2nd David Gardner (9) 36pts
3rd Keith Hodges (24) 30pts c/b
4th Barry Quirk (14) 30pts
5th Mick Heatley (26) 28pts
Near Pins: Jeff Wylie (2), Keith Hodges, David Gardner
Long Putt: Ian Campbell
With no golf last week due to the 1st May holiday and a week of what
seemed like continuous rain, we were all looking forward to clear skies
at The Emerald. A few clouds were bubbling up as we set off and the
heavens opened once again as we teed-off, but it was not enough to
dampen spirits.
 David
Gardner (left) and Yves Philibert: second and first respectively at The
Emerald.
Once the rain had stopped everything ran smoothly. Traffic was light and
the course was in good shape. The hollow tyning work on the back nine
last month was not fully repaired and there was some fairly nervous
putting towards the end of the round.
The rough everywhere was green, lush and heavy following the recent
rains. Recovery shots around the greens were particularly tricky. Apart
from our winner and runner-up other scores were lower than usual, but
this is a tough course and scoring is always difficult here.
With just 28 points picking up a prize in fifth place, it shows that you
should never give up in this game. If you are finding things difficult
then others probably are as well.
Yves Philibert’s winning score of 41 points was outstanding and five
points ahead of David Gardner in second. Yves said that he played well,
but admitted that he owed his win to single putting on no less than
seven occasions. No problem with the greens for him! Yves has been
playing well for a few weeks; perhaps we will see a point or two knocked
off the handicap before long!
Thursday May 10, Plutaluang S & E, Stableford
1st Gareth Weeks (13) 38pts
2nd Yves Philibert (26) 34pts c/b
3rd Barry Quirk (14) 34pts
Near Pins: Mike Brooke, Barry Quirk, Yves Philibert
The few square miles containing the Plutaluang golf courses must have
the highest rainfall in Thailand, or so it seems. We have lost two days
to rain here in the last month.
Not that it was raining this time, indeed the playing conditions were
very good with low temperatures and overcast skies. However the affect
on the course of days of heavy rain was clear to see. North and West had
a cart ban in place so we had to play South and East, and the water
level in the lake was so high it seemed to be lapping the edge of the
fairway. In addition, we found out on arrival that Thursday 10th was a
holiday so no sports day discount! Thursday 31st May is also a holiday
so beware!
Fortunately traffic wasn’t too bad and we got round in good time.
Inevitably the course was wet and heavy in parts. Hitting crisp shots
from difficult lies, often with a lump of mud on the ball, wasn’t easy.
For all that, it was the same for everyone and in the main an enjoyable
day.
Scoring was reasonable in the conditions with a good proportion of
scores better than 30 points. Gareth Weeks, playing with Oohsa Bar for
the first time, took first place with an excellent 38 points off 13
handicap. Yves Philibert, our winner on Tuesday, continues his good form
with second place, beating Barry Quirk on count back with a storming 22
points over the back nine.
Next week we are at Phoenix on Tuesday May 22nd and Plutaluang as usual
on Thursday 24th - See you there!
An eye-opening day at St. Andrew’s
PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday winners: (L-R) Vince
Smyth, Anders Pederson and Perry McNeely with one of Bert’s helpers in the
foreground.
Tuesday, May 8,
St Andrew’s 2000, Stableford
The last time I booked St Andrews, one of our members nicknamed it ‘The Goat
Track’ and so it has remained ever since. Sticking in all our minds were
some of the water-carries, and some of our players said they would not go,
but eventually they did. With a ‘Sports Day’ on a Tuesday it was time to
test this course at a reasonable rate. So with a full list off we went, and
were we surprised.
Arriving at the course it was the same as normal, i.e. the same as Green
Valley, so all booked in quickly, got into the compulsory carts, and then
went up the hill to the start. I say up the hill because the first looks
down onto a really clear fairway and the only problem is to hit your drive
straight. Off the fairway is punished.
As we progressed around it was apparent that this was not the course off a
few years ago. The layout is now more mature, the lines are defined and you
are rewarded for a good shot, and hurt by a poor one. If you can play onto
raised greens you will do well, and some of the holes we called ‘gimmicky’
before are now modified and seem just very testing. The greens are also now
very trying but well grassed and allow you to hit good puts. All in all a
fine course and very tough: even the Par 6’s are now interesting.
So, round over and relaxing in the fine changing rooms I was surprised to
find that every single golfer was amazed by the course and I am under orders
to book it again next month. So I will.
Back at Bert’s and the winners was announced to be Anders Pederson, who came
into his own and won with 38 points. We had a count back for second on 37
points that was won by Mark Brenton, with that perennial loser of count
backs Perry McNeely in third. In fourth was Vincent Smyth with 36 points and
in fifth Dave Arrowsmith with 35 points.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Vince Smyth, Dave Arrowsmith
Long Put: Vince Smyth, Bill Knight
Bailey has a ‘blast’ at Plutaluang
PSC golf from The Café Kronborg
Monday, May 7, Plutaluang, Stableford
The Plutaluang S & E layouts were host to a Stableford competition for a
small turnout in one flight.
Arthur Bailey was the
winner at Plutaluang.
The course was in good condition, though there had
been a tremendous amount of rain since we last played it 10 days ago.
The reservoir was up about three feet, not including the downpour of
about 40 minutes halfway through this round.
This being a holiday we were charged a higher fee and
the course is currently offering Green and Caddy fees on weekends and
holidays at 800 Baht.
Arthur Bailey, 79 years young and still walking the course, beat
everyone with 37 points. Khun Sawan was second with 36 points and
tournament director Dave Richardson just eked out third with 29 points.
T.T.F.N
The Beautiful Game?:
Riz Taylor
Eyes down for a feast of finals
I’ve never had much time for football fans that sit
around stadiums crying their eyes out at this time of the season. You know
the sort. It all seems a bit melodramatic for me, and I even find myself
wondering if these weeping supporters are simply trying to get their teary
faces on the world’s television screens in what could be their final
opportunity before their club plunders into the abyss of the lower leagues.
After all, can it really be that surprising and soul destroying to see your
club, who have struggled all year long, finally getting relegated by failing
to pick up three points on the last day to guarantee safety?
Yet I have to say I felt something of a pull on my heartstrings as Sheffield
United dropped from the Premiership on Sunday night after a rollercoaster of
a final day. Kicking off in the relative safety of sixteenth place, United
needed only a home draw against fellow strugglers Wigan to ensure survival
but were overcome at Bramall Lane by the desperate Latics. Even this might
have been enough for the Yorkshire side had West Ham not miraculously stolen
victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
In the end the Blades were sent down on goal difference, and just one goal
at that. West Ham were the side to profit, and what irony that Carlos Tevez,
the Argentinean striker at the centre of an almighty fuss in recent weeks
after the FA failed to punish West Ham with a points deduction for illegally
fielding him for much of the season, should notch the Hammers’ winner down
the road at Manchester. This was a last day nightmare for Sheffield United,
who now look likely to step up legal action to overturn the FA’s decision.
You can’t help but feel a little something for Neil Warnock’s men, but then
perhaps they should have performed better throughout the season. For a spell
they looked like being this year’s surprise side - an award later claimed by
brilliant Reading - but the second half of the season was pretty awful by
anyone’s standards.
Still, it would take more than poor form to stop Neil Warnock letting off
steam. Avoiding the Tevez issue, the Blades manager instead vented his fury
on Manchester United and Liverpool, who he believes had fielded weakened
line-ups against his side’s rivals in recent weeks. “What goes around comes
around and maybe Chelsea will win the FA Cup and AC Milan the Champions
League,” he said.
“He has his own reasons, though. Maybe the FA Cup final next week is more
important to him,” he said of Sir Alex Ferguson, before settings his sights
on Anfield. “At least I knew the players that were playing. I didn’t even
know two of those that played for Liverpool at Fulham last week. I’d never
heard of them but when you are a foreign manager like Rafa Benitez, you
probably don’t give two hoots about what Sheffield United think.”
As United prepare to call up their lawyers from the bench it seems that the
relegation battle could be far from over, but if that’s to happen we could
be in for something of a legal mess during the coming months. Not a pretty
sight, but at least it should keep The Beautiful Game? fattened up during
those lean summer months.
Moving on, and Tottenham, Everton and Bolton all claimed next season’s UEFA
Cup places, whilst Reading were unfortunate to miss out after an away draw
at Blackburn. Bad news for Reading fans, but having heard Steve Coppell
state that a European tour might be a step too far for his thin squad it
seems unlikely that anyone in Berkshire will be throwing themselves from
hotel roofs.
Two weeks of football heaven continues with the FA Cup Final tomorrow, as
plucky underdogs Manchester United and Chelsea meet for the inaugural final
at the all-new Wembley Stadium. It’s a treat to see such unlikely clubs make
it to the final, so I hope you’ll be settling down for a real treat tomorrow
night. And let’s all pray for an early goal.
Then it’s off to Greece on Wednesday for the European Champions League
Final. For any of you North American readers too stupid to understand
football, we have to put up with your Superbowl shenanigans and this, my
friends, is our time. It’s all very easy to comprehend. World Cup and
European Championships aside (that’s the one for nations not clubs), this is
the biggest game of the year and undoubtedly club football’s biggest prize.
This time around we’ve got England’s third best side taking on Italy’s
equivalent to decide which club picks up the title of the finest side in
Europe. Got that?
Honestly I don’t know what’s not to understand. Anyway, I’m hoping for a
Liverpool win myself, not particularly because I’m English or even because
Milan are a bunch of match-fixing cheats that should never have been near
the competition. No, I’m hoping Liverpool come back from a three goal half
time deficit to miraculously draw 3-3 before taking it on penalties, as it
would allow me to copy and paste this column from May 2005 and save us all a
great deal of effort.
Aside from the divisional playoffs, the football will then be complete for
another season, and with no international tournaments over the summer we’ll
soon be reduced to a few meaningless friendly matches, courtroom dramas and
a whole heap of transfer speculation to keep us talking until August. What
other excuse do you need to book your barstools for two huge finals in the
coming days? I’ll go for an extra-time Chelsea win over Manchester United in
tomorrow’s FA Cup Final and a 2-1 Milan victory on Wednesday, but I have
been known to be wrong on occasion and reserve the right to conveniently
forget those predictions next week. Enjoy.
A Slap In the Face
Those of you with nothing to do, far too much money and finally able to find
a first class travel agent in Pattaya within the next ten minutes or so
might still be in with a chance of being at Wembley for tomorrow’s FA Cup
Final. Seats could still be on offer after flyers were handed out before
both Manchester United and Chelsea’s final league matches at the weekend
demanding a boycott of the new Wembley over ticket allocation, the prices of
those tickets and the huge cost of just about everything else on offer
tomorrow.
Kelvin Barker, one of the fans who leads the Chelsea element of the Wembley
Boycott, told BBC London Radio: “We probably could have swallowed the ticket
prices because it’s the FA Cup Final and everybody wants to be there. You
expect to pay way over the odds to go to a cup final.”
“But you get another slap in the face when you find that you’re having to
pay 8 pounds for a burger meal and I believe in the region of 10 pounds for
a programme. We are unhappy about that really, and we think that something
needs to be done.”
The fans are also unhappy at just 50,000 of the 90,000 tickets being made
available to supporters of both sides, with 17,000 tickets allocated to Club
Wembley holders, 11,000 to County Football Associations, 2,000 to full
member clubs, along with 10,000 to other clubs, FIFA, the FA, UEFA and other
corporate guests.
Seamus takes a liking
to the Emerald
IPGC golf with The Caddy Shack
Tuesday, May 8,
The Emerald, Medal
The Emerald was the venue for the first game out of The Caddy Shack for 10
days, due to the previous inclement conditions that had forced some
cancellations.
Fortunately, the weather on this day was nice and warm with no sign of rain.
Medal was the format chosen and good scores were hard to come by. Steve
Nowell and Bev Ewens fought for second place; both with Net 82’s but with
Bev’s score having the more favourable back nine. In first place was Seamus
Learns, visiting from Ireland, who fired a Net 76.
There were no 2’s recorded but despite the indifferent golf, all agreed it
was good to get back into the swing after the enforced layoff.
Friday, May 11,
Eastern Star, Stableford
Easter Star was the venue for a Stableford competition on what is
always a challenging layout: the recent rain making it longer and tougher
than ever.
PJ Redmond took second spot with 34 points, 2 points behind our eventual
winner Damian Trante who continued his winning ways.
Once again there were no 2’s recorded so there will be a rollover to
Phoenix.
Sunny & Daz shine at Plutaluang
IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral
Mr. Denis (left) with the
winning team “Daz’s Dazzlers”: Danny Larsen, Daz Martindale, Alan Bissel and
Andy Crabb.
After an interminably wet week, the Pattaya Golf Society
visited Plutaluang’s S & E nines for their Sunday Special stableford event
on 6th May, and it was good to see an excellent turnout for the damp, low
season.
Leading the way for a long while today was the OK Corral’s most accomplished
golfer, six-handicapper David Thomas, and his score of 34 points was a
credit to his concentration and skill. Needless to say it represented the
day’s best gross score as well.
But David was to be outdone on this occasion by two other golfers, as
firstly Sunny Khanna surprised no-one by throwing his hat into the ring with
a fine 35-point card. Later, he was joined at the top of the list by Daz
Martindale whose similar score was also a fine reward for some steady golf.
The day’s sole birdie ‘2’ happened to be Don Nellis’ third consecutive pot
winner and he very generously rang the bell to announce the feat.
Making his OK debut was Quintin Goldie, a canny Glaswegian and a Celtic
supporter who recorded the day’s poorest score that guaranteed him the
‘Booby Bevy’.
Topsy-turvy table at Phoenix
Tuesday, May 8th, the Pattaya Golf Society played the first of
its two monthly Order of Merit events: this time employing a medal format
over the Mountain and Lakes nines at Phoenix.
The day was hot and thankfully dry as the golfers set out on their task and
the four ladies in the field held all the aces as Mountain and Lakes off the
red tees is almost a kilometre and a half shorter than from the whites! In
addition the Lakes greens had been sanded and although appearing slick, were
in fact very sluggish and this caught many golfers out. However, it was “the
same for everyone” as we are constantly being told.
The surprising final results had only one top-flight golfer breaking net
eighty: David Thomas’ best gross of the day being a mediocre 86. So, the
usual tables were turned showing Tom Hunsicker and Margaret Wilkinson
sharing third place with net 76, one behind newbie Gilles Akoum’s net 75.
The winning score was net 73 and this was shared by lady golfers Mod
Churaiska and Ton Chaysa - both playing so well lately.
Don Nellis let the side down by failing to bag his fourth consecutive ‘2’,
the others fairing no better, whilst David Thomas committed the ultimate
golfing sin and received the ‘Booby Bevy’. David hid his face with
embarrassment when the saga of his five putts from seven feet on the fourth
hole was related.
Happy Birthday Boss ... almost!
Thursday, May 10th, the Pattaya Golf Society decided to celebrate
OK Corral boss Denis’ birthday with a four-person team scramble at
Plutaluang, over the S & E courses. And what a day it was too! The weather
stayed dry and the course was in good condition, playing long and offering a
stern test for even the hardiest of scramblers.
Boosted by an ensemble of golfing friends from the popular Paweena’s golf
group in Jomtien, the field enjoyed the usual highs and inevitable lows of
the scramble format and with a much more equitable handicapping system in
place, the day was to see only seven shots covering the field.
In third place was the old master Tony Duthie and his of Rob Heath, Chris
Holmes and Andy Mills, and their score of 53.6 represented the best gross
score of 65 for the day. Len Jones, David Thomas and Mod Churaiska tried
hard to give team-mate Denis the best of birthday presents but the missed
four-foot putt on South 3 cost them dear as their total of net 52 fell just
0.4 of a shot behind the winners, “Daz’s Dazzlers”. Danny Larsen’s power and
some incredible scrambling gave teammates Daz Martindale, Alan Bissel and
Andy Crabb the victory in style with net 51.6.
Technical prizes sponsored by Ian Hart and Len Jones went to Steve Cranston,
Lee Buil, Chris Holmes, and Tony Kitchen and six teams had the honour of
sharing the birdie 2’s pot. The ‘Booby Bevy’ went to the team of Keith Barr,
Ian Hart, Steve Cranston and Ton Chaysa but even they had consolation in the
form of a near-pin and a long putt win. It was a day of winners all round
but the biggest smile was on the face of birthday boy Denis. Well done pal,
here’s to the next one!
No loitering for Galway
Hookers at the 2007 Ray Roger’s Memorial
Derek Brook
Thursday, May 10, Pattaya C.C.,
4-Man Scramble
I take you back to a time when Pattaya, this place we all know so
well, was on a new frontier; when there was not golf in every bar, and when
there was not a choice of which golf course to play.
 The
Galway Hookers: Clive Robinson, Bob Rasmussen, Jim Flanagan and Arthur
(Mickey Mouse) Barret.
As the place grew, so men of ‘character’ strode across this land. Strong men
with strong views, and at the forefront of this ‘landscape’ was one Ray
Rogers. Not the Ray of later years, but a strong thrusting man, who at one
time was a leading businessman with a fleet of boats and taxis, a leader of
the community.
This was during the building up of the area, and of course of the use of the
now expanding golf courses in that area. Ray was a founding member of the
Pattaya Sports Club, and as such, every year at his home he hosted two
tournaments, usually paying for the food and a major present for each
player. Many still have a ‘Papa Ray’ memento.
Like all good things, and as is life, things age and change, and although
Ray appeared indestructible it was not to be, even though he lived well into
his nineties before he passed on. However, last year his family decided they
would not let his memory die and so was born this day, hosted by Gary Rogers
and family at the venue we all know so well: Thus the tradition continues.
The Tournament was run from the Cafe Kronborg as usual by Dave Richardson
with the major help of George Bennison and Bjarne and all the personnel at
the Cafe Kronborg who helped. The format was, as had become usual over
recent years, a four-ball scramble and 18 groups signed up for the day.
This competition has for many years been held at Pattaya Country Club and
they are to be thanked for their help over the years, and in particular this
year. So all the groups gathered, booked in and were soon on their way, with
both the 1st and 10th Tees being used. The course was actually not in bad
condition, and the rains of late have helped it to recover. However, the
rain on the way around did not help, and a major downpour had all the
players dashing for cover for half an hour or so, and of course the fairways
were then sodden and the greens flooded.
Round over it was back to Gary’s where the presentation was to be made. It
was good to see the buffet had started early and gradually the players all
arrived and were presented with a complimentary umbrella, with the
compliments of Gary, just as his uncle used to do.
Dave Richardson was busy with prize organization, and it was nice to see the
work that Gary had put in to make a presentation area a place to be proud
of. Then Diamond Dave, the Emcee for the day took over
He reminded all of the reason we were there, Ray Rogers, then thanked Gary
for his support, food, and umbrellas, and Dave Richardson, George Bennison,
Dennis Willet and Tony Oakes for their help on the day. He also thanked The
Cafe Kronborg and it’s girls for the food and their help and the Golf Shop,
Pattaya Country Club, Pattaya Sorts Club and The Pattaya Mail for their
assistance.
So to the presentation, and in third place was the team of Bo Engstrom, Beng
Borg, Petri Takkunen and Unto Kilronen with a score of Net 57.4. In second
place came Bob Philip, Bob Pearce, Nigel Cannon and Jack Mosley with a score
of Net 57, but out in front was the team who described themselves as ‘The
Galway Hookers’; namely Clive Robinson, Bob Rasmussen, Jim Flanagan and
Arthur (Mickey Mouse) Barret with a Net score of 56.1.
With the presentation of the winners over, it was time for the real reason
we were there - the Lucky Draw. Of course we did help reduce the stock of
‘cold ones’ too.
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Jay Perrin, Barry Trayner, Peter Emslie, Marie Rowles
Long Put: Herbie Ishinaga, Lumpy Russel
Sompong has a day to
remember at Khao Kheow
PSC Golf from the Peacock Place
Wednesday, April 9, Khao Kheow,
Stableford
Wednesday saw 24 golfers journey to Khao Kheow and what a day we had: the
course was in great condition and the greens were the best we have played on
in the last 3 months.
Two divisions were organised with the cut at 15 and under and single
stableford was chosen as the format. In the top flight, Bob Wighton (11)
with 37 points had just enough to see off Brian Jacks (14) on count back,
whilst in third place came Doug Campbell (13) with 33 points and Bob Drumm
(14) was in fourth with 32 points
The lower flight was won by Sompong Netsri (34) with a magnificent 43
points. Second came Doug Chalkley (23) with 38 points, third was Alan Bishop
(20) on 34 points and in fourth was Ray Luttman (36) with 31 points.
Monday, April 7,
The Emerald
One division with 16 players at the Emerald where the greens
proved to be very bouncy.
The winner on the day was Doug Campbell with a fine 39 points, second was
Bernie Segrave (11) with 35 points and third equal was the lovely Suzi
Lawnton (14) and that venerable old gentleman Paul Crosland, both on 33
points. In fourth place came Trudy Chadbourne (24) with 31 points: It was
really nice to see the girls giving there hubby’s a bit of a hiding for
once.
Come and join us for a friendly game of golf with the Peacock Place Golf
Society on Siam Country Club Road. We meet every Monday & Wednesday and
everyone is more than welcome. Contact Capt Bob Philp on 087 941 2474
Café Ole and
Café Kronborg tied for first
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Café Ole took three points from Jack & Tar and Café
Kronborg got three from Three Sisters and both teams are now tied for first
place.
Beaver won four points from Diamond Shop, VFW Post 9876 took four from Mai’s
Thai Restaurant and both teams are tied for third place. Montana beat last
week’s number one team Brother D taking all four points and Brother D
dropped to a tie for third.
Scores were not very good this week due to the poor oil conditions of the
lanes. Jim Montgomery bowling as a sub for Montana had a 210 game and 549
series, Tui, VFW had a 521 series and Aht, Diamond Shop knocked down 516
pins.
The Square Ring: by Howie Reed
Jeeves, could you pop out to do a bit of shopping whilst
I write our next submission to the ‘Writers Hall of Fame’? Good, and how
about getting us a nice French wine, some Roquefort and croissants and a
big order of French fries from Micky D’s. When you get back (I’m sure
after a stopover at the TQ) we’ll toast to another great column and the
election of Nicholas Sarkozy as President of France.
Well two weeks later and Floyd Mayweather jr. is still retired. In the
end he actually did something for boxing. He quit. Of course it’s just a
temporary situation but nice none-the-less.
It was reported that Judge Jerry Roth had considered giving the last
round to Oscar as the other two judges did. “I though about it, but that
would have made the fight a draw”, he reportedly said. I don’t believe
for a minute that Roth ever said anything of the kind. If he had wanted
to give the round to Oscar he would have. Not that anyone asked me, but
I think that Mayweather jr. knows he was lucky to get by Oscar and knows
that a re-match would result in a loss. But then what the heck do I
know?
Patrick The Flying Frog, a former professional boxer, thought Mayweather
jr. - De La Hoya was a great fight. He reports: “Great fight but not
what I expected. They were both in very good shape and very careful. I
gave the first 8 rounds even and the other 4 to Mayweather. The last
rounds De la Hoya looked tired and attacked without landing any blows
but was counter-punched every time by Mayweather. I think that’s what
convinced the judges to give the victory to Mayweather.
“I remember he (De La Hoya) did the same against Trinidad; the last four
rounds he gave away and lost. Only the last judge was a little over the
edge with his 116-112 to Mayweather. If he (Jerry Roth) scored it one
point less, then it was a draw and De La Hoya would still be champion.
So sad, for a great champion he certainly is! I hope we get a rematch,
which I doubt. Mayweather is planning to retire? But as we all know, if
the purse is “Wright” they all come out of retirement, ha, ha.”
Little Frog humor there at the end.
Judge Tom Kaczmarek had the fight 115-113 for Oscar. Doug Harrison, from
Bourbon Street in the ‘Big smog filled city’, agrees. “What happened to
that fight? I think Oscar got robbed or did they plan for a re-match?”
I think maybe a re-match is “iffy” at best but not out of the question
considering that Oscar took home $40 million and Mayweather jr. $20
million.
There are others that had a problem with the scoring. Joe Koizumi, the
voice of Japanese boxing adds his name to the list. “During the
broadcast in Japan, after the eighth round we were shocked to hear an
HBO commentator’s intermediate score of 77-75 in favor of Mayweather, as
we saw De La Hoya winning by 78-74. We admit it was a close affair in
the end due to Mayweather’s surge in the last four rounds. It was also
surprising that many ringsiders favored Mayweather as the winner even if
it was close. Usually boxing bouts are broadcast by TV people and
reported by press people. Where do they watch the fights? At ringside,
of course. But there are limited “Ringsiders.”
Koizumi continues: “Boxing is a sport to be watched not only by ‘limited
ringsiders’ but by the general public in the world. People cannot afford
to pay $2,000 to buy a ringside ticket, so they watch the fight on TV.
Ideally, the views of the ringsiders and the general public should be
identical. Ironically, however, the current scoring standard sometimes
makes the respective views different. The scoring standard consists of:
(1) clean effective hits, (2) aggressiveness, (3) defense, and (4) ring
generalship. Furthermore, there is a tendency that even a very close
round is given to either of the two boxers rather than scored even. It
may be sometimes difficult to judge whether a certain punch (or
combination) was effective or not, and which of the boxers was superior
in terms of ring generalship.
“People watching from the second floor or on TV feel that the aggressor
should be the winner. Yours truly wonders if the current declining
popularity of boxing may be caused partly by the complex scoring
standard or its understanding. The judges occasionally pick a winner
that people don’t agree with. Spectators (except ringsiders) get
disgusted and frustrated by the decision.”
One point that Koizumi failed to mention is that sometimes a ringside
seat is not the best place to judge: Too close to the trees to see the
forest.
There are those boxers out there that have seen the money available for
fighting Oscar and want a piece of the action. What might sidetrack a
re-match is that Mayweather jr. will probably think he sold the fight.
Nay-Nay. How much did Mayweather jr. contribute? Not much. It was Oscar
De La Hoya that allowed the telecast to surpass the previous all time
PPV record by 160,000 buys. Not too Chablis, chilled but not frozen.
The latest boxer attempting to toss his gloves in the ring is Felix
‘Tito’ Trinidad. “I’ll give Oscar a re-match but I can’t get below 160
pounds.” Yeah, right Tito - like Oscar needs you? Take a hike amigo.
When was the last time that you read about a Thai boxer going to
Argentina to fight? Have you ever heard of a Thai boxer going to
Argentina to fight? No? Then read on McDuff.
Decho ‘Lazy Boy’ Bankluaygym had a 24-8 record going into his match with
former WBO jr. lightweight champ Jorge “La Hiena” Barrios (47-3-1, 34
KOs). The ‘Lazy Boy’ would go down in round 1 then get stopped in round
3. Bankluaygym’s record is a little deceiving. He started 14 and naught
fighting “TBA’s”. Since then he’s 10-9-2. Whoops!
Prawet Singwangcha had worse luck in Puerto Rico. If anyone had any
doubts and needed proof that the WBA was a “horsefeathers” organization,
the hastily arranged lightweight title-fight between Jose Miguel Cotto
(28-1-1) and Prawet Singwangcha (30-2-12) should seal the deal.
For 12 rounds Singwangcha controlled the fight being staged in Cotto’s
own ‘back yard’. Cotto, who will never be confused with his hard-hitting
brother Miguel, landed no effective punches and spent most of the night
covering up or running. Two of the three judges should never be allowed
to judge a boxing match again. The two are Guy Jutras of Canada and Sam
Conde of Puerto Rico, who had the fight a draw at 114-114.
The news that Jutras is lousy isn’t anything new, as whenever he’s
judging a fight the stench rises from ringside before the opening bell.
Tom Miller of the USA had the fight 117-111 for Singwangcha as did ‘The
Square Ring’. Prawet Singwangcha fought his heart out and got the big
“Squawdish.”
Patrick ‘The Flying Frog’ agrees with ‘The Square Ring’. “I watched the
fight on Supersport and discovered that it’s not only in Thailand that
the local boxers are favorites in their own country. Looks like Puerto
Rico has taken over the Thai habit.
“The first 5 rounds were in favor of Cotto until Singwancha took over
with light and fast punches. Then the fun started in the seventh, when
Cotto gave a headbutt to his trainer in the corner, first time I saw
that, ha, ha. He refused to sit down until another trainer was there in
his corner. From round eight on, it was all Singwancha until the end.
“For me the scores were 116-114 in favor for Singwancha but the judges
scored a draw. Home fever and favor took over! I feel so sorry for the
Thai boxer; he did ‘win’ a world title and didn’t get it. What a shame!
Flying Frog.”
Here’s Jeeves with other result of Thai fighters.
“Your Lordship, three big-name Thai fighters were in action recently.
They all won but as you always write, the wins meant little.
“At the Central Stadium in Yasothorn Province, two-time Olympian and
current WBO #1 super fly Pramuansak Phosuwan (37-1-1, 21 KOs) stopped
Jemmy Gobe (3-3-2). No big deal there. It was reported that the fight
was close until the 6th when the Indonesian got knocked around and then
surrendered at the beginning of the 7th.
“Also former WBA 122lb king, Somsak Sithchatchawal (50-2-1, 40 KOs), won
a six-round unanimous decision over Yuki Murai (12-10-4) who has now
lost 5 of his last 8. The action, such as it was, also featured two-time
WBO 122 lb title challenger, Sod Looknongyangtoy (30-2,11 KOs), who got
a 4th round KO over a 1-5 Almaz Assanov.”
This week, Jeeves and I will be drinking a few cold lagers in memory of
one of the best boxers of the last 20 years. On May 7, 2005 Diego
“Chico” Corrales celebrated his greatest moment in the ring. On that
night he came back from the brink of being knocked out to KO Jose Luis
Castillo in round 10. Just two years later to the day, his life ended in
a horrific motorcycle accident that left him dead at the scene and ended
his 29 years on earth. His funeral last Tuesday drew those that knew and
admired him to say goodbye.
Diego Corrales was a good guy who had a smile that could light up a
medium size city. He spoke in a soft but sincere voice. He had his
problems but as great people often do, he fought through those
roadblocks while never becoming bitter. He might have been a lightweight
boxer but he had a heavyweight heart. May God realize what an
extraordinary person has been trusted to his care.
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