HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Pattaya City move a step closer to the championship

Cyril gets his name on monthly trophy

Harald claims his first … and second wins with Jomtien Golf

Harpic’s hard-hitters edge softball thriller

‘Paco’ cards a blinder

Rollie rues miscount

Freddy returns to victory

Second outing for midweek golfers

Kelly and Decio pick up the medals

Evans blows hot at Greenwood

The Beautiful Game?

Players hit their straps at Burapha

Waltschek holds on for February award

The Square Ring

MBMG Pattaya Golf Matchplay League 2008

Greg gets a ‘Big’ surprise

Luning, Holehouse & Jones win February Seniors

Findon finds form at Green Valley

SaBai Friday moves into first

Pattaya City move a step closer to the championship

Pattaya City F.C. line up before their match with
the German All Stars last weekend.

Paul Frain
Last Saturday, Pattaya City F.C. took on the struggling German All Stars in their MBMG League Division 1 game at Horseshoe Point.
City started strongly from the kick-off but the All Stars defence initially stood firm. A Pattaya corner was headed over by Brian Wilkins when maybe he could have done better and a good move by City saw Mark Brittain center the ball to Danny Stevens who also headed over.
The Pattaya team were playing good attractive football, moving the ball around nicely and it soon resulted in the first goal.
In the 18th minute a long pass from Mark Brittain from his own area found Danny Stevens on the right wing, Stevens beat two All Star players, carried on down the wing and crossed the ball to the far post where Alastair Paterson knocked a brilliant pass back to Kai Heckman who volleyed home.
It was a wonderful piece of football with a great finish by the only German in the Pattaya City line-up.
The remainder of the half saw Danny Stevens cause all kinds of problems for the All Stars defence with his speed, and he nearly doubled City’s lead, first with a header that went just wide, and then a scorching shot that veered just the wrong side of the post.
Alastair Paterson followed that up with a rasping shot of his own that singed the bar and half time arrived with City’s keeper having not had a shot to save.
The All Stars came out more positive after the break and their center forward had a snap shot that went just wide. Then the City’s keeper cut out a curling pass as the All Stars forwards threatened.
City came back into the match and gained a corner, but a goal line clearance stopped a second goal from a header by Brian Wilkins. Pattaya applied more pressure but poor finishing kept the score at 1-0.
With time running out, the All Stars mounted their final challenge and they almost got back on equal terms when a ball through the middle left their center forward with only the keeper to beat. He rounded Anuruk in the City goal but was brought down and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
The German forward dusted himself off to take the penalty. He struck the ball low and hard but Anuruk Ananthakul pulled off a brilliant save, just getting his fingertips to the ball and turning it round the post.
The All Stars brought everybody up to try and level the scores from the resulting corner and a snap shot appeared destined for the net until Anuruk produced another brilliant save. Moments later the ball was cleared and the final whistle went to secure City a hard fought three points.
This win keeps Pattaya on top of the league but they will feel they will have to take their chances better if they are going to go on to claim the title.
Pattaya City’s next match is at home to fourth placed Bulls Head at Horseshoe Point on Saturday, March 8, kick-off at 4pm.
If anybody would like to join in with the training sessions for Pattaya City F.C. you would be more than welcome to come along. Please call Rick 081 782 0977 or Email [email protected] for further information.
Pattaya City F.C. are sponsored by AGS Fourwinds International Movers.

PSC golf from P J Pool Bar

Neil Duncan
Tuesday, February 26, Treasure Hill (White Tees) - Stableford
Sixteen competitors made the trip to Treasure Hill, which was in its usual superb condition and those of us playing the course for the first time, including the day’s winner, were most complimentary about this venue.
The Management Committee decided that one division was quite enough and John Reddis (H/C 11) with 33 points came in one ahead of returned-to-form Jeff Wylie (H/C 8) who eased Colin Cronin (H/C 18) into third spot on count back. Romao Cerajo (H/C 10) took fourth spot with 31 points, two ahead of David Gardner (H/C 8) and Tony Chetland.
Near pin wins in course order: Course Fairy, Dennis Jaycock, Tony Chetland and David Gardner. Jim Walton used his splendid black and white, vinyl, Century 2000 kit bag to carry home the prize for longest first putt on the 18th green.
One card was not returned because the individual could neither remember where he had left it nor the number of points he had scored. Perhaps it’s time for our man to join the Super Seniors Tour where as Lee Trevino comments ‘they play 4 holes over two days and the player who can remember his score wins it’.
The average score on cards returned was 26.4 points with this course seemingly more suiting the lower handicap players.
Thursday, February 28, Greenwood A & C (White Tees) – Stroke/Medal
Not unluckily thirteen competitors took on Greenwood’s A & C nines which were in tip-top nick.
Our man only recently emerged from the very bowels of the Earth near Newcastle, England, Frank Waterhouse ‘Paco’ (H/C 16), now mostly recovered from his fun threatening injury, had a blinder to card a net 69 and snatch two victories in a row away from Jeff Wylie (H/C 8) on count back. Third spot was secured by Leroy Huntingdon (H/C 25) with net 70 followed by Keith Hodges (H/C 22) on net 72, who edged Tony Chetland (H/C 22) into fifth place on count back for the second time in a week.
Course Fairy had two near pins, Keith Hodges and Bob Drumm the other two whilst the longest first putt on the 18th green was nabbed by Willie Nachbur along with the Paradise Bar golf shirt, which bar incidentally celebrated its first anniversary of being in business this day. The average score was 75.46 strokes net.
Note: Any golfers seeking to play with our group that wish to know about our format please visit P J Pool Bar & Restaurant on Soi Watboonsamphan (Soi Kanoi) or phone Neil on 0895110575.

Rollie rues miscount

PSC golf from The Three Sister’s Bar

Herbert Ishinaga
The second month of the year has come and gone. It was time for the name to go on the trophy for the month of February.

Tuesday’s winner Sus Ige (left) with Rollie Weese.

We had a tied score at 37 points but a grave error made by one of the players cost him first place outright. Rollie Weese, having miscounted his strokes, picked up on a hole where he could have scored a point. This would have given him 38 points instead of the 37 that he ended up with. As it was, he was beaten into second on count back by Sus Ige. Sus scored 21 points on the back nine to win the day.
Dale Murphy was a close third with 36 points. We thought Dale would take the day but he scratched the last hole to drop into third place. The rest of the field had a terrible day as the next best score was 32 points and a lot of others in the 20’s.

Freddy returns to victory

PGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

The Pattaya Golf Society’s final Sunday outing at Plutaluang before moving to Saturdays, came on February 24 and the North and West nines were the choice for the single-flight stableford event.
The course was relatively empty and well prepared and a good day was in prospect.
A multinational field saw Aussies Peter Masters and Jim Bell secure a share of third place with steadily worked scores of 35 points each, only one point behind the ultimate winners Mark Morris and Swiss golfer Freddy Braun on 36 points.
For Freddy it was particularly memorable, this being his first PGS win and his first round since his recent return only twenty-four hours earlier. After twelve holes he was sitting on thirty points and a major score looked in prospect but jetlag and the heat took its toll on the golfer more used to freezing temperatures, winter greens and preferred lies currently en vogue in Zurich.
The day’s only birdie ‘2’ went to Alan Taylor, the steward of Newton Stuart Golf Club in Scotland, an IPGC member to boot, and he will have an occasion to ring the bell on his return no doubt.
Colleague Jimmy Clay received the Booby Bevy for his lacklustre 21 points but it was his first round in the Kingdom after all, and what are Booby Bevvies for! Next week the party continues at Plutaluang but potential players are reminded that Saturday is the day for the fun for now on.
Earley finish at Mountain Shadow
The Pattaya Golf Society visited a slightly jaded Mountain Shadow golf club on Tuesday, February 26, to play a stableford event off the blue tees. The fairways were showing signs of the constant pounding of high season feet and the greens, legendary for their challenge, were inconsistent and on the slow side. Nevertheless the two flights, cut at sixteen and under, set about their task manfully.
In the second flight, Jim Bell and John Mason tied for third with meagre scores of 30 points and Len Jones went two better for the runner-up spot. The flight winner was Scot Ronnie Ramsay whose 33 points was a steadily crafted affair.
In the top flight Steve Weller and Steve Mulberry took a share of second place with 34 points whilst it was left to Mike Earley to post the day’s best score of 35 points on his last outing this trip. It was a fitting way for him to end his first visit to the Kingdom and he has promised to be back soon with more of the same.
Mike also had a share of the 2’s pot with David Wilkinson and John Warren and the sight of Vic Barton drying his golf gear with a locker-room hair drier was too much for Mr. Len to resist in considering the Booby Bevy. It was, after all, the second time that Vic had forgotten his change of clothing for a golf outing. Thus the day ended in fine style back at the OK Corral as thoughts turned to Ban Chang two days later.
Family success
at Ban Chang
Thursday, February 28, and the Pattaya Golf Society made a welcome return to friendly Ban Chang to play a stableford event over the testing Emerald course. Typically at the end of the high season the course is showing signs of fatigue and the greens maybe had lost a little of their consistency but it was still enough of a challenge to frustrate all but one of the large field in their efforts to break par.
The cut was at twenty and under and in the second flight Len Jones concluded a reasonable week by sharing third place with Jim Bell, their 34 points apiece reflecting the occasions when they three-putted. Pat Murphy emerged from the pack to post a creditable 35 points for the runner-up slot whilst Helene Lindberg made a happy return from a niggling wrist injury to take her first victory in a while. It’s always nice to see a lady on top in Ban Chang!
In the top flight Helene’s husband Mikael enjoyed a level par round for a share of runner-up place with David Thomas, for whom the best gross honours beckoned again after a canny round of 78. It was also good enough to give him the Society’s “Player of the Month” title for the first time in a while. The day’s best round was achieved by John Fitzgerald whose 37 points followed a frustrating previous week with the Lewiinski’s four-day event.
The 2’s pot was shared by David Thomas, Jim Bell, Pat Murphy and John Fitzgerald whilst the saga of the Jim Bell-Mark Morris “flutter sideshow” concluded with the award of the Booby Bevy to Mark, minutes before his return to UK. Needless to say his first taste of golf in the Kingdom has whetted his appetite for more, especially at Ban Chang

Second outing for midweek golfers

Phoenix Thursday Golf Group

Mike Gerrard
Thursday, February 28 – Phoenix Mountain & Lake
Today we had only a small group of players, but what a lot of fun we had. Tackling the Mountain and Lake course we set off in perfect weather conditions and felt blessed by the good Lord for giving us the strength to play lots of bad shots, but (and this makes it all worth while) a few great shots.
The irony of today was that we played the 6,6,6, game as matchplay (that is 6 holes with a different partner). I myself had the best stableford score of 35 points which equated to gross 86, and lost all 3 matchplay games. Never mind, it was all washed away at the coffee shop afterwards.
From now on we have tee times booked for every Thursday from.12 noon onwards. Registration for a game is strictly by telephone arrangement only and entry will close at 4.30pm on the previous day (Wednesday). This will give the organiser a chance to either book more tee times or cancel any unnecessary ones.
Players who turn up unannounced will be slotted into the group IF there are any spaces available. BUT if you do not register beforehand you may be disappointed.
All official handicaps will be accepted for the Thursday golf, but a maximum of 28 only will be allowed.
As the group grows, so we will discuss all aspects of different ideas and rules so as to make this day a variable and enjoyable one. We wish to play different types of games, such as medal play, stapleford, pairs, and vary the tees we play from as well. Please note, only white or blue tees will come into this equation.
It was discussed by all last week, and the agreement was unanimous to implement some sort of charitable system into the Thursday golf. Again ideas will be discussed around the table at the Coffee Shop after this week’s round.
For more information or to register for golf, please contact myself (Mike Gerrard) on 087 091 7565.

Kelly and Decio pick up the medals

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, February 25, Greenwood - Stableford
Division 1 (0-15)
1st Tony Barritt 39pts
2nd Norman Isherwood 38pts
3rd Barry Traynor 38pts
Division 2 (16+)
1st Chris Knapp 38pts
2nd Fred Land 38pts
3rd Mike Flynn 36pts
With the tees set forward towards the usual yellows placements, the scores were fairly good by all competitors and the CSS went down to 71 on the day.
Tony Barritt put in a great effort that, whilst winning the day’s competition, still left him too far behind in the race for top honours in the month, but with his putting game showing distinct signs of improvement following the hours spent chopping it, axing it, chiseling it, sanding it and finally hacking it, into some sort of stroke that can be repeated at least three or four times a round, it surely will not be too long before the old single figure handicap will be back in operation.
Norman Isherwood just got the better of Barry Traynor after the former had started out of the gate like a greyhound but faded badly over the closing holes.
Chris Knapp once again showed good form in closing out the second division with a solid two-under that featured two equal halves and that was just enough to edge Fred Land into second place ahead of Mike Flynn.
Russell Exley fired in the only ‘2’ in the first division and Chris Knapp took the roll over in the second division.
Wednesday, February 27, The Emerald - Stableford
Division 1 (0-15)
1st Bruce Milner 41pts
2nd Norman Isherwood 38pts
3rd Bob Heath 35pts
4th Tony Barritt 35pts
Division 2 (16+)
1st Brian Kelly 37pts
2nd Roar Berger 34pts
3rd Luigi Bragoli 34pts
4tf Vance Millar 34pts
Once again a good turnout demanded the formation of two divisions at the popular Emerald layout.
Bruce Milner took his first win with a sparkling five-under round that left Norman Isherwood having to be content with his second runners-up spot in a row. Bob Heath just got the better of the contest between himself and old South Herts member Tony Barritt by the slimmest of margins on a count back that had to go to the last six.
Brian Kelly always does well in Ban Chang and this day’s effort was another in a long line of successes as he saw off the challenge of Roar Berger by three clear. Roar, in his turn, led the chasers with a very good count back after a somewhat poor starting nine to claim second, with Luigi Bragoli savouring his first feel of the podium steps with a clear four-shot margin in the count back over Vance Millar.
Alan Griffiths slotted the only ‘2’ in the first division whilst Brian Kelly and B.J. Smith shared the pot in the second.
Friday, February 29, Phoenix (Blue-Tees) - Monthly Medal
Division 1 (0-15)
1st Gerald Decio 69pts
2nd Chris Davisson 72pts
3rd Phil Groves 74pts
Division 2 (16+)
1st Brian Kelly 75pts
2nd Roar Berger 79pts
3rd Fred Land 82pts
The wind blew but the weather held good for the monthly challenge over the Ocean and Mountain courses from the blue tees, but in the end once again the course was generally the winner although the three top contenders in the first division all equaled or bettered the CSS of 74 on the day.
The second division hopefuls found the length allied to the wind a little too difficult to master with only Brian Kelly, taking his second win on the trot, able to get anywhere near the par for the day with a commendable one-over handicap, which was good enough by four to consign Roar Berger to his second runner-up place in a row. Fred Land took his second podium placing of the week with a distant third.
The first division was led home by Gerald Decio, who claimed his first win out of Soi 13 with a very good three-under handicap and five-under the day’s CSS to keep the in-form Chris Davisson back in second by three shots with Phil Groves another couple adrift in third spot.
With the conditions harder than usual it was no surprise to find that there were no 2’s in either division.
With all the days prizes presented it came to the final awards for the Haven Player of the Month and Russell Exley walked off with the top prize together with both of the best rounds prize after finishing three ahead of Norman Isherwood, whose final flourish at Emerald proved decisive in settling second place.

Evans blows hot at Greenwood

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Derek Brook
Tuesday, February 26, Greenwood – Stableford
This was to be a two-tone day. Let me explain, first we had the normal Stableford competition, and immediately after we had the Matchplay versus The Cafe Kronborg. Normally this would have been quite stressful for me as ‘The Organiser’ but on this day I had Dick Warberg to run the competition and Perry McNeely, along with my old mate ‘The Admiral’ demoted to Captain for the day, to run the Matchplay. I nearly didn’t have anything to say. Nearly but not quite.

Tuesday’s individual winners gather at Bert’s.

So here I am reporting, and why not? And the one thing that was constant in both games was the course. We all played the A & C Nines, and on a day when the wind did not blow, the course was in good condition (the greens hard and fast), and with no one to slow us down, there was not one reason to complain, and surprisingly no one did.
Back at Bert’s, Dick declared the stableford competition results and it was very close. That is after the winner, because Andy Evans threw in one of his master classes and won with a great 43 points. Andy is either really bad or really good. Then we had a lot of count backs. In second place was Harold Gruber with 38 points ahead of Frank Pilkington in third. Then we had a lot on 37 points that saw Richard Kubicki in fourth ahead of John Vincent and Henry Cignac. T.T.F.N.
Full results of the matchplay event against the Kronborg can be found on page 55 of this week’s Pattaya Mail.
Near Pin: Henry Cignac, Badger, Tom Cotton
Long Putt: Badger, John Vincent

The Beautiful Game?: Riz Taylor

All to play for!

There’s something for everyone this weekend as both the Premier League and the FA Cup will be appearing on a television near you.
In the Premier League things really are starting to shape up. Chelsea are threatening to turn the title battle into the first genuine three-horse race in almost a decade and below them just nine points cover the six teams fighting for the final Champions League place. You couldn’t really ask for a lot more.
Then come Tottenham Hotspur who, after picking up the League Cup a fortnight ago, have absolutely nothing worthwhile to fight for having already qualified for next season’s UEFA Cup.
And despite all the interest in those top eleven, which we can discuss another time, the real focus is beginning to be directed towards the relegation battle. With just ten or so games still to play the squabble to avoid joining Fulham and Derby County as they hurtle towards the nothingness of the Championship is fast becoming an issue that a number of clubs are being forced to face.
Alright, so Fulham are far from relegated, but they’re doing a fine job of looking like a side that’s already resigned to losing its top flight status. I can’t imagine that they’re going to be able to haul themselves out of 19th place unless the experienced Roy Hodgson can start pulling a few rather large rabbits from some even bigger hats. The Beautiful Game’s verdict? Going down.
Above these two there are seven sides separated by just four measly points. It’s a fantastic scenario for the neutral and means that every point from every game is going to be crucial for Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Wigan, Sunderland, Birmingham, Bolton and Reading if they’re to avoid the drop.
Sunderland are in big trouble. Still without an away win this season and with Roy Keane starting to throw his toys out of the pram on a regular basis, the Mackems will be one of the hot favourites to go down. Birmingham are in a similar boat and Wigan will need to play to their best.
My own favourites are Bolton Wanderers. Selling Nicolas Anelka for 15 million pounds during the January transfer window could prove to cost the Trotters more than double that amount in lost Premiership revenue. Since the Frenchman’s departure to Chelsea the side he left behind has scored twice in a match on just one occasion from ten fixtures. Reading are too good at home, I reckon. The Royals are in eighteenth place as things stand but I reckon they’ll have the quality to come through it.
“With a bloated, malfunctioning squad comprised of players long past their peak and a manager who lost interest in football in 2004, Newcastle are the club that time forgot. Struggling to keep pace with the Premier League’s evolution, nobody remains in denial that they are now struggling to retain their place in it,” said Football365 last week.
You could barely imagine this scenario at the start of the season after Newcastle, under new billionaire owner Mike Ashley, looked to spend some serious cash in order to protect his side’s future income. But still, it’s Sunderland or Bolton for me. There are many matches on this weekend, but Sunderland at home to Everton tomorrow is huge for both sides.
Night, Night Teddy
Veteran former England striker Teddy Sheringham has announced he will retire at the end of the season. Sheringham, who will turn 42 next month, is currently at Championship side Colchester United, where he will finally end his 26-year career.
Sheringham said: “After a long and fun-filled career I have decided this season will be my last. I’ve had a fantastic time and want to thank all those who have contributed to my career and helped me along the way.
“My Dad wanted me to carry on and beat Sir Stanley Matthews’ record of playing at 50 but I feel this season is the right time to bow out.”
‘Gers’ charge to silverware
In Scotland it’s Rangers who are looking reasonably good bets for the SPL. But manager Walter Smith denies his side are only interested in winning the Scottish Premier League and has challenged his side to go for all four trophies.
The Ibrox side kept their four-point lead in the Scottish Premier League with a 3-1 win at home to Aberdeen on Saturday. “We’ve got some big games coming up and just because they’re not in the league does not mean our momentum will be affected,” said Smith. “We just need to carry on and see where it takes us this season. Thankfully we’re still involved in a number of competitions and we have to be happy with that and hopefully we can continue to do well in them. There’s nothing complicated for us to think about, we just need to keep winning, it’s as simple as that.
“When you are at Rangers and you’ve not won a trophy for two or three seasons and you have the opportunity to do so, whether it’s domestic cups, the UEFA Cup or the league, you’ve got to attempt to do it.”
Spurs v Newcastle in Asia
Attention Geordies and Spurs fans - your sides could be playing in China later this year. Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and close friend Paul Kemsley, a former director at Spurs, are understood to be in the process of trying to arrange the clash in Beijing ahead of this summer´s Olympic Games.
The plan, which has been run past Barclays Premier League chiefs, is being implemented as the debate on controversial plans to play a 39th round of league games overseas rumbles on.

Players hit their straps at Burapha

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Derek Brook
Monday, February 25, Greenwood – Stableford
Greenwood was host for a stableford competition in two flights with the cut made at handicap 18. The course on the day was in fine condition, however there was a problem when the starter put new groups off the C course just when others were finishing the A course. This created an automatic 5-hour round. Annoying but true.

Henry O’Brien shot a fine 42 points at Burapha on Thursday.

Tristan Gilbert took the A Flight with a fine 39 points ahead of the ever-present Ebrahim who was second with 36 points. In third place with 35 points was Dave Neal, and Maurice Herberge took fourth on count back from Alex Kazazis and Doug Good, all with 34 points.
Mike Herridge took the B Flight with 39 points ahead of Brian Noguer in second with 38 points, but only on count back over Svend Gaard in third and Bent Moeller in fourth.
Near Pins: Doug Good, Eric Allen, Maurice Herberge, Walter Bachli
Long Putt: Jesper Rasmussen, Einar Utoft
Thursday, February 28, Burapha – Stableford
Just up the road is this golf course. Probably why every time we book it the list is full, mind it might also be that this place has 4 tremendous nine-hole layouts and no matter which we play it is always a great day out.
On this day the test was to be the A & B Nines, still the favourite of most players although the other two are catching up fast. Maybe the A & B are a little bit more forgiving and also a little ‘cleaner’.
Burapha was in its normal excellent condition, and only a strong wind could stop the players taking the course to task. Mind, some of the players played out of their skins today.
In the A Flight (0-19) the winner was Terry Petitte with a fine 40 points, but only on count back from our new ‘hero’ Cordell Fulton who shot a gross 71, and thus 40 points off his ‘new’ 3 handicap. In third place was Larry Simpson, also with 40 points but losing to the other two on count back. Well played all three.
In the B Flight the winner was Henry O’Brien with a fine 42 points on count back over Graham Buckingham also 42 points. In third was Mike Herridge with 38 points. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Doug Good, Doug Maiko, Svend Gaard, Larry Simpson
Long Putt: Mike Rushant, Helmut Schmidt

Waltschek holds on for February award

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s Column
Monday, February 25, Burapha - Stableford
Div A (0-15)
1st Frank O’Neill (15) 37pts
2nd Paul Lavender (15) 36pts
3rd Bob Philp (7) 33pts
4th Steve Plant (14) 31pts
5th Roger Ison (10) 29pts
Div B (16+)
1st Keith Hector (17) 36pts
2nd Pottsy (22) 34pts
3rd Dave Headington (18) 34pts
4th Lek Mawford (22) 34pts
5th Neil Hughes (15) 33pts
2’s: Paul Sibley & Rick Evans.
Crystal & Dunes and the Blue tees, but unfortunately the weather ruined many an Outbacker’s round. Some, who had only completed 9 holes, were able to get a rain check. Others, who had passed the point of no return, gathered at the drinks stop after the Par three 11th, to take shelter from the lashing rain. Lasting 45 minutes, a party ensued with large amounts of beer being enjoyed amongst the usual number of amusing jokes and anecdotes.
John Lawton lost his hat as Trudy Chadbourn’s best shot of the day lodged it firmly in the branches of an overhanging tree. Back in the ladies changing room, the story goes that a certain lady forgot her change of clothes and was seen franticly trying to dry her knickers with a hair dryer!
Anyway back to the golf, a great round from Frank O’Neill who overcame the flooded fairways and greens by sheer talent to take the honours from Paul Lavender who putted as though by remote control!
The ‘Outback Golf shirt’ was awarded to John Lawton for commensurate skill in negotiating the golf course having arrived only the night before from Angola, fuelled mainly by Singha or any other kind of alcohol he could lay his hands on!
Wednesday, February 27, Treasure Hill - Stableford
Div A (0–16)
1st Am North (11) 36pts
2nd Jeff North (7) 34pts
3rd Heath Glasby (12) 31pts
Div B (17+)
1st Kathy Doody (17) 30pts
2nd David Davies (20) 28pts
3rd Barry Chadbourn (17) 27pts
2’s: Ted Pease
I don’t know whether everybody would agree, but this is one of the toughest courses in the area, made more so by the unplayable depth of sand in the bunkers.
Jeff North (34pts) managed the best score for the men, only to be surpassed by his wife Am with a fantastic 36pts. Another lady, Kathy Doody, took the ‘B’ Division honours with a respectable 30 pts.
The penultimate game before the end of the February ladder saw the leader Mike Waltschek lose 2 pts and Bob Martin, in contention for the minor placing, also lost 2 pts. Perhaps Don Frances was shrewd today by choosing not to play through injury, thus consolidating his second position in the monthly competition.
Friday, February 29, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
Div A (0–17)
1st Jack Moseley (9) 37pts
2nd Bob Philp (7) 34pts
3rd Mike Waltschek (5) 33pts
Div B (18 +)
1st Barry Rothberg (20) 38pts
2nd David Davies (20) 30pts
3rd Geoff Doody (24) 30pts
2’s: Barry Rothberg, Kathy Doody, Barry Chadbourn, Bob Pearce, Jack Moseley (2)
Beware the injured golfer. Jack, whose excuse for not playing at Treasure Hill was an injury sustained to his left knee whilst enjoying other activities, was level par after 14 holes. However, heavy influence from his buggie partner Barry Rothberg slightly spoiled his round but not enough to prevent Jack taking the honours in Div A and Barry, Div B.
The monthly ladder was won again by Mike Waltschek, the runner up was Don Frances and third place was shared between Bob Martin, Barry Chadbourn and Capt’ Bob.
That’s all for now. If you have any thoughts, scandalous stories or suggestions, why not drop me a line at [email protected]
The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and put your name down on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474. More information can be found on our website www. outbackgolfbar.com. The Bus Trip this month is to Bang Pakong on 26th March.

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

There are times in boxing when the planets are aligned and something wonderful occurs. That was the condition last Sunday at the Home Deport Tennis Center in Carson, California for the third leg of the Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez WBC super bantam trilogy.
Those that watched the fight ‘live’ or on TV saw what is the foundation of a great and too often misunderstood sport. It was two brilliant warriors throwing caution to the wind while battling with every ounce of energy, skill, guts and determination over 12 energy-sapping rounds with no loser and an ending that would be a fiction writer’s dream - Both men champions.
When the final bell sounded, Israel Vazquez (43-4) had cuts around both eyes which leaked the ‘fluid of life’ like a Teelock’s bank account. Rafael Marquez’s (37-4), with his left eye almost closed, was totally exhausted and close to being out on his feet. It was that kind of fight.
In addition to the warriors, add into the mix a sold out crowd at an outdoor venue and a brilliant job of refereeing by Pat Russell, who actually allowed the fighters to fight but was never far from the action.
The bout itself had the ebb and flow of a novel by Tom Clancy with the plot changing minute by minute. Both fighters had their moments: Rafael Marquez dropped Vazquez in the 4th but found himself taking a whacking by the end of the round. Marquez does a lot of body punching so naturally lands low blows on occasion. In the 10th round, following a not terribly egregious low blow, referee Russell deducted a point. Marquez had been warned twice before for the same offence.
Color commentator Al Bernstein, who did a great job on the telecast, which is more than can be said for his co-announcer Steve Albert who ought to learn to shut the &*^% up, said at one point when the scoring of the bout was discussed, “I don’t really care how it’s scored or who wins. It’s that kind of fight.”
Most agreed that entering the 12th round the fight was close, with ringside boxing writers calling it a draw - but what do boxing writers know?
Israel Vazquez began the 12th round like a man looking for a KO. With under 15 seconds to go in the round Vazquez unleashed a plethora of punches, driving Marquez back against the ropes in a neutral corner. Marquez used his right hand to hold onto the top strand of the ring rope to keep from going down.
As the clock clicked down, Vazquez continued his two fisted assault which drove Marquez back deeper and lower on the ropes. When it appeared that Marquez was either going through the ropes onto the ring apron or was being held up by the ropes, referee Pat Russell stepped in and called a knockdown and started counting with 11 seconds left in the fight. With a standing 8 when the fight resumed there was nothing left but the bell to end round 12.
Make no mistake Referee Pat Russell made the correct call with the knockdown. Russell could have pulled a Richard Steele from 1990 when he stopped the Julio Cesar Chavez-Meldrick Taylor under similar circumstances with 2 seconds left and Taylor leading on the judges cards, giving the win to Chavez.
The 12th round knockdown and the 10th round deduction of a point for a low blow made the difference. Judge Max DeLuca had it 114-111 for Vazquez while Judge Tommy Kaczmarek scored it 114-111 for Marquez. James Jen-Kin gave the nod to Vazquez 113-112. A knockdown with 11 seconds left after 2,149 seconds of furious action decided the outcome. How about that Tom Clancy?
It’s always nice to know that The Square Ring wields such power throughout the boxing world. Just a few weeks ago TSR was moaning, which is a whine but well disguised, about the lack of outdoor ‘big time’ box fights. As if by magic the good folk south of the USA border in Mexico scheduled the Oleg Maskaev (34-5) - Samuel Peter (29-1) WBC heavyweight tussle for the great outdoors of the Plaza de Toros in Cancun. The venue should seat around 8,000 to 15,000 for Mexico’s first heavyweight championship fight. Some tickets have been priced as low as $10 USD.
Regular readers may wonder why all the attention to the venue? Well the fight itself may well be an all-time stinker. Oleg Maskaev hasn’t been in the ring since December of ’06 when he had an easy title defense against something called Peter Okhello in ‘Mother Russia’. Since then it’s been stall, delay and “I got hurt in training.”
Those delays can well be laid at the doorstep of “not ready for prime time” promoter Dennis Rappaport. He’s squandered what ability the aging Maskaev had while chasing the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. To cut to the chase, he is a “jerk” who will be gone after Sunday’s fight.
Maskaev won the title in August of 06 with a TKO over Hasim Rahman. Thailand’s superior boxing judge, Anek Hongtongkam, had it 106-013 for Rahman.
Sam Peter has been busy and unlike many heavyweight boxers he keeps improving with each fight. Peter lost a close decision to W. Klitschko in 2005 when he couldn’t move, bringing back memories of David Tua’s non-movement. Since then Peter’s improved his mobility while winning 5 in a row.
Peter’s mobility might be an issue as the ring will be 21x 21 feet, replacing the usual 18x 18 ring used in Mexico. Why the big ring? “No Eye Deer.” The last time that size ring was used in Mexico was 1993 when JC Chavez whipped up on Greg Haugen.
In October Peter won the WBC Interim heavy title with a UD over Jameel McCline. As Peter keeps improving he should have no trouble with Maskaev. This one should be hitting TV’s in Pattaya sometime Sunday morning.
Rumor is that the winner of this one will get either W. Klitschko or V. Klitschko for their efforts. Vitali hasn’t been in the ring since December of 2004 when he KO’d Danny Williams in 8. That’s no big deal. Surely if Vitali chooses to come back the WBC will use rule 28.46 sub-section E22.99843 to make him the mandatory challenger as “a former champion who wants to come back for a payday.”
Coming up Saturday from the Ryogoku Sumo Arena in Tokyo is the rematch between champion Daisuke Naito (32-2-2) and Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (67-3) for the WBC flyweight title. The two met last July with Wonjongkam losing the title after 17 defenses.
It was a unanimous decision that Cousin Bruce, an official judge at ringside, had 116-113 for Naito - so that’s the way it was. The third man in the ring that night was sometimes Pattaya visitor and Pal of Monkey House Fred, Las Vegas’s Toby Gibson.
Naito was an underdog that night even though he was fighting on home turf. Wonjongkam made the usual claims after saying that he didn’t take Naito seriously and wasn’t really in shape. Since the loss Wonjongkam has had two fights neither of which was very impressive as they came against “opponents.” Naito has had one defense against Daiki Kameda who had had only 10 fights, which showed as he lost 117-107 twice and 116-108.
In most fights where an ex-champ is trying to retain the title, the rule is “go with the younger guy.” Nine out of ten times that’s the champ. This time the ex-champ is 3 years younger although with twice as many bouts. Let’s go with the ex-champ to make a comeback. Maybe on Thai TV on Saturday?
The cruiserweight division is boxing’s equivalent of the Bermuda Triangle. Boxers go in and usually, except in Europe, are never heard from again. The main reasons is that if a boxer has a little “pop” in his punches he moves up to heavyweight - if not he stays a cruiserweight.
On Saturday at the 02 Arena in Greenwich, London, maybe the best cruiserweight of them all, WBC/WBA champion David Haye (20-1), defends against Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli (28-1), who is the WBO title holder. Haye won the title last November when he went to the Palais des Marcel Cerdan to KO Jean Marc Mormeck (33-3) in 7. That fight did show that Haye can be dropped though as he hit the deck in the 4th round.
Maccarinelli is trained by Enzo Calzaghe, the father of ‘Jolten Joe’, who plans a 12-round battle plan.
“If David Haye goes 12 rounds he will never fight again,” said Calzaghe senior. “Anyone can get hit on the chin. You can’t put a horseshoe on the chin to protect it so if Haye connects with Enzo he has a chance but he should worry about what will happen if he doesn’t. The way we train what people do in three minutes, we do in one minute. Haye has never fought anyone like Enzo. No one needs to tell me any strategy. Who’d have thought Gavin Rees would win a world title and at light welterweight? If Haye goes 12 rounds it will be the end of his career.”
Maccarinelli does seems like a boxer that has fought to improve his record, get a title shot and hope to get lucky. But all TSR wants to know is, “Who the hell is Gavin Rees?”
There were some fights last week in Bangkok at the Chokchai 4 Trade Center. Up and coming WBC #2 flyweight Panomroonglek Kratingdaenggym (21-0) had no trouble against Irfan Ogah (17-5-4) to retain his WBC youth fly crown. He won it 98-92 on all cards. Could this win propel Kratingdaenggym into a title match with the Daisuke Naito- Pongsaklek Wonjongkam winner? If it’s Naito, bank on it. If Wonjongkam wins, Kratingdaenggym better look for another sanctioning organization. Two Thai’s fighting in Thailand for a world title? Not very likely.
The card also featured ex-WBC fly champ Medgoen Singsurat (55-5) getting a paid workout against Yodkumarn Chitraladagym who has no “official record.” Singsurat is an interesting guy in that he holds a KO over Manny Pacquiao. That occurred in 1999 when Singsurat won his world title. He defended successfully once against Masaki Kawabata before losing it to Malcolm Tunacao who would then lose to Pongsaklek Wonjongkam. It’s a small world.
“Your Lordship, I’ve been meaning to ask you what makes you such a boxing expert?”
Well Jeeves, I’m glad you asked. It comes from 50 years of watching boxing, hard work, consistent study and when in Pattaya I always stay at the Diana Inn while enjoying libations at Tim’s and the TQ. I dine at the Flying Frog’s, which as you know is the “restaurant to the stars” in Pattaya. That’s why I’m a boxing expert.
“Your Lordship have you just injected some shameless adverts into this column in the hope of getting something for nothing during your stay in Pattaya in April?”
One would hope so Jeeves. Now if you please, the lager, cigars and some good old country music.

MBMG Pattaya Golf Matchplay League 2008

One hundred and eighty four golfers have now played in the first two months of this inaugural league making it arguably the largest participating event for golfers here in Pattaya. The popularity of Matchplay is growing every week, with four matches being played this past week to complete the February schedule. One golfer said that he felt nervous playing this format, something he had never felt playing stableford or medal.

The Captains of Tropical Bert’s and The Café Kronborg relax after their hard fought drawn match at Greenwood.

Angkana House recorded their first win in a match that The Driving Range would probably sooner forget and Café Kronborg gained their first point after holding the strong Tropical Bert’s team to a draw. The Caddyshack were also held to a draw by the Outback Golf Bar and are now the only unbeaten team in the league and take over the top spot.
Monday, February 25 - Greenwood
Caddyshack (Home) v Outback Golf Bar (Away)
A busy Greenwood greeted the Caddyshack & the Outback Golf Bar upon their arrival. However we were off on time despite an attempt from some Europeans to muscle in!
It was a long round - not helped by the Greenwood management’s decision to close B course during the day.
As is usual in this format it was played in the true spirit of the game and produced the first tie of the competition. Many thought afterwards, “if only”.
Notable wins were recorded by Clive Bruce, who had only 15 putts after 15 holes, and Bob Martin who thrashed Mike Wing 8 & 7.
Tuesday, February 26 - Greenwood
Tropical Berts (Home) v Café Kronborg (Away)
The Matchplay between Tropical Bert’s and The Cafe Kronborg was eagerly looked forward to, as these two venues are very closely linked and share many of the same players and ‘organisers’. So it was going to be cut throat, as are games between friends.
The two societies had different starts to the season, with Bert’s quick out of the blocks and The Cafe Kronborg still looking for their first points. However, Dave had many of his stars that had just arrived, so anything could happen, and it did.
The result was a 5 all draw that kept friendships in place and gave the The Cafe Kronborg their first point of the season.
Wednesday, February 27 - Green Valley
Angkana House (Home) v The Driving Range (Away)
Angkana House waited a long time for their first points, and they did it in style by whitewashing The Driving Range 10 to nil. This lifts them off the bottom of the league and leaves Café Kronborg to prop up the rest.
Thursday, February 28 - Greenwood
Tony’s Storm Troopers (Home) v Bunker (Away)
The fourth match this week, was also played at Greenwood where Tony’s Storm Troopers recorded a very fine win over the Bunker, to take them to second place in the league with 6 points.
There were some very hard fought matches going to the last hole, particularly for Tony, the Troopers’ captain, who must have thought he was going to record his first win in the league being 3 up with 3 to play. But the tenacious Jack Robertson won the last 3 holes to halve the match. Everybody enjoyed the day & the night back in the friendly atmosphere at Storms Bar.
Note: For further information please contact Jack at the Outback Golf Bar or email [email protected]

Greg gets a ‘Big’ surprise

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
Someone was to receive a big surprise at the Saturday evening presentation after our outing to Eastern Star. Fergus had begun to formally announce the recipient of the February “Golfer of the Month” and one golfer was sitting quietly in the corner of the bar enjoying a well earned beer.

Winners at Eastern Star on Saturday: Hugh Byrne, Tony Perry, Jack Robertson, Mick Flynn, Colin Cronin and (Inset) February’s “Golfer of the Month” - Greg Mason.

If the look of surprise on his face could have been captured on film it would have won him an Oscar. I am referring to Greg Mason - he had absolutely no idea that he was the winner.
Congratulations Greg on a well earned award.
Monday, February 25, Phoenix
(Mountain & Lakes) - Stableford
1st Ray Allison (15) 37pts
2nd Harvey Samuel (19) 35pts
3rd Bob Short (23) 34pts
4th Orowon Sodok (25) 34pts
Near Pins: Derek Lucas, Mod Chaviraksa
2’s: Derek Lucas
Monday, and a visit to Phoenix was the order of the day to play the Mountain and Lakes layouts. There was a fair turnout and some good golf was played.
We had just the one flight and prizes went down to four places. Orowan Sodok took fourth having been pipped for third place on a count back 34 points by Bob Short. Harvey Samuel took second spot with 35 points but the top honours of the day went to Ray Allson with 37 points.
There were just the two near pins taken by Derek Lucas and Mod Chaviraksa and only the one ‘2’ by Derek Lucas.
Tuesday, February 26, Bangpakong – Stableford
A Flight (0-18)
1st Patrick Regan (9) 38pts
2nd Stuart Rogers (10) 37pts
3rd Roy Holmes (8) 37pts
B Flight (19-up)
1st Greg Mason (19) 42pts
2nd Neil Morris (19) 38pts
3rd Andy Galvin (20) 36pts
Near Pins: Sean Murphy (Hole in One)
2’s: Neil Allison, Phil Knight, Frank Kelly and “Hole in One” Sean Murphy
Tuesday and Bangpakong was the venue for a very large turnout in two full flights.
B Flight went to our February “Golfer of the Month” Greg Mason with a solid 42 pointer. Second in this flight was Neil Morris on 38, with Andy Galvin two further back in third on 36.
A Flight had Patrick Regan take top honours with his 38 points and only the one point clear of a two-way count back fight for second and third between Stuart Rogers in second and Roy Holmes in third.
Sean Murphy only managed to score 27 in the competition but the day was definitely his with a “Hole in One.” Well done Sean!
Thursday, February 28, Bangpra (White Tees) – Stableford
A Flight (0-16)
1st Patrick Regan (9) 37pts
2nd John Merritt (13) 36pts
3rd Ray Allison (15) 36pts
B Flight (17-21)
1st Tewin Lamthong (17) 37pts
2nd Colin Cronin (20) 36pts
3rd Keith Marsden (17) 35pts
C Flight (22-up)
1st Donald Pearson (35) 36pts
2nd Paul Challis (30) 33pts
3rd Alan Evans (22) 31pts
Near Pins: Akitoshi Ito, Neil Allison, John Merritt, Pierre Cere.
2’s: Akitoshi Ito, Neil Allison, John Merritt, Frank Kelly, Bob Short
Thursday’s outing was at Bangpra and as usual this venue attracted a very large entry of three full flights.
C Flight had three of our regular players fighting for the top honours with Alan Evans in third spot on 31, two ahead of him in second was Paul Challis, but the winner by three clear points was Donald Pearson with a fine 36 points.
B Flight saw Keith Marsden third with 35 points, Colin Cronin (who appears to be Mr Second at the moment) again second with 36 points and just beaten by the one point by Tewin Lamthong on 37.
A flight saw the winner from Monday, Ray Allison, in third spot this time with a count back 36, just beaten by John Merritt for second and Pat Regan winning the flight by a single point with 37.
Saturday, March 1, Eastern Star (White Tees) - Stableford
A Flight (0-18)
1st Tony Perry (15) 37pts
2nd Roger Wilkinson (15) 35pts
3rd Hugh Byrne (13) 34pts
B Flight (19-up)
1st Mick Flynn (20) 39pts
2nd Colin Cronin (20) 36pts
3rd Jack Robertson (22) 34pts
Near Pins: Hugh Byrne and Mick Flynn
2’s: Frank Kelly
Saturday was another of the regular weekend visits to Eastern Star with two flights and three places honoured in each.
B Flight had Jack Robertson third with 34 points, second was “Mr Second” again Colin Cronin with 36 points, but a full three points ahead was the winner Mick Flynn who has been playing almost every day whilst here on holiday. I know that he is returning back the UK this week. No better way to end a holiday than with a win and a near pin in your pocket.
A Flight saw a count back fight on 34 for the third and fourth spots between Hugh Byrne and Fergus Brennan: Hugh just edged it. In second was Roger Wilkinson on 35 points, but a clear two ahead and with the win was Tony Perry with his 37-pointer.
Reminder - If anyone is interested in golfing with the Travellers Rest we play every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We meet at 7:45am for breakfast and transportation and new players are always made to feel welcome. You can phone Tewin on 086 056 7019 for further information.

Luning, Holehouse & Jones win February Seniors

Mike Franklin
Fifty -four golfers teed off in the February Diana Seniors & Ladies Open on Thursday, February 28 at Pattaya Country Club. Heavy rain earlier in the week had greened up the course, and with an overcast sky and a strong breeze it was an ideal setting for the monthly Stableford competition.

February winners: David, Birgitta & Tony.

The near perfect conditions however were not reflected in the scores, with 37 Stableford points being the best of the day from all three of the division winners. Lek Mawford was best for the Ladies with Khun Siriporn runner-up with 35 points. Newcomer Tony Holehouse took the Senior’s trophy winning on count-back by one point from Dave Mawford, both scoring 37 points.
David Jones’ 37 points was just enough to take the Super Seniors prize with Arthur Bailey predictably the runner-up with a tidy 36 Stableford points.
Lek Mawford was closest on Par 3 holes # 5 and # 16, Dale Murphy at # 7 and Chris John at # 12. With the putter, Tony Holehouse was longest on # 9 and Paul Lindgren on # 18.
The March Seniors & Ladies Open is on Thursday March 27 at Pattaya Country Club. Sign up for that in the Green Bottle Pub or at the Diana Driving Range, North Pattaya.

Findon finds form at Green Valley

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

Monday, February 25, Greenwood, Matchplay
Today was our inter-bar golf league game against the Outback Bar. The opposing team knew that The Caddyshack were unbeaten to date and put up a very strong team to try and topple them, but The Caddyshack stayed strong throughout the match with some very close games.

Damien Trant (right) celebrates his Wednesday win with Keith Fortt.

The outcome was a 5 games each tie with both teams seemingly happy with this result as there was some great golf played and it would have been sad to see a loser on the day.
So the Caddyshack retain their unbeaten record and the Outback Bar were happy with an away draw.
Wednesday, February 27, Green Valley, Stableford
Today we played Green Valley, and with a full house of golfers the cut was made for two divisions.
In Division One it was a very close game and all three podium spots scored 36 points and had to be split by count back. In third place with a back nine score of 15 was Dave Hester, in second place was Paul Walia with 19 points on the back nine, and the eventual winner on the day was the very in-form Damien Trant. Damien won his Monday matchplay by a country mile and today he just got his nose in front with 20 points on the back for the win.
In Division Two the scores were quite poor with Joey Clines claiming third place with 30 points, just beating Matt Anderson on count back. A far better score of 35 points put Les Easton in second place, and the only golfer to break par in the two divisions was Ben Findon with a scorching 38 points to take first.
Graham Dietrich took full advantage of the rest of the field’s scrappy play on the par threes and was the only golfer to get a birdie ‘2’ and took the prize all for himself.

SaBai Friday moves into first

Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League

Friday’s 200 Bowlers: Bill, Mai, Antero, Dang, Sven, La, Leen, Su & Rich.

SaBai Friday won three points from House of the Golden Coin and moved into first place. Tiger led SaBai with a 551 series and Nok rolled a 528. Mio was best for Golden Coin with a 524.
Dang bowled a 211 game, 537 series to lead Brother D back into second place as they took three points from Café Kronborg. Kran rolled a 528 series for Kronborg.
Antero bowled a 234 game, 564 series and Jan had a 529 to lead Montana to a four-point sweep over Beaver Bar & Grill and knock Beaver out of first place.
Diamond Shop split their match with Jack Tar with each team getting two points. This was a hard fought match with good scores posted. Bill Key had games of 200, 174, 219 for a 588 series and Su bowled a 222 game, 572 series for Diamond Shop. Mai rolled a 215 game and 570 series for Jack Tar. Bowling in the same lane as a pacer Leen bowled a 202 game and 543 series.
Café Ole was led by Rich Montana’s 235 game and 580 series to a two-two split with VFW Post 9876. Balls Galore and Canada also split their match at two-two as La bowled a 572 series for Balls Galore and Sven had a 547 for Canada.