St Andrews take on the ‘Wenger boys’

Jason Holloway
A squad of seven boys from St Andrews school travelled to Bangkok on Thursday, June 18 for an evening U14 five-a-side competition being held at the Arsenal Football Academy in Bang Na. The local boys were competing against the best sports schools in Bangkok and also taking on Arsenal, who hand pick and coach the best U14s in Thailand.

The St. Andrews boys show off their runners up medals following a fine showing in Bangkok.

In the group stages, St Andrews beat the Arsenal B team 1-0, drew with Shrewsbury 1-1 and beat Ascot 1-0, finishing top of the group and progressing through to the semi finals.
In the semi final they took on the Thai French School, Kaniad and in one of the finest performances I have ever seen from St Andrews, they dominated the game with great passing, tackling and determination. They won the match 4-0, with two outstanding goals from Jack (Ronaldo would have been proud of the finish) and John, who scored from his own half. Even the Arsenal coaches told me that was an outstanding performance by our team.
In the final St Andrews took on Arsenal ‘A’, who are trained by Arsenal’s coaches three times a week and all weekend! In what was always going to be a tough game the boys acquitted themselves well, and were unfortunate to go a goal down from some great passing play from Arsenal. St Andrews then dominated play and nearly equalised, but Arsenal broke away with a counter attack and scored a great goal.
The final score was 4-0 to Arsenal but all seven boys from St Andrews should be proud of their performances. In the last 2 seasons they have improved and have proven that they can now take on the best and beat the best, only finally stopped by the Premierships finest.
A massive well done to Jack, Ryan, David, Tony, John, Sangjin and Min Hyuk who all played well, tried their best, had a great attitude and rose to the occasion. Barcelona bring it on!

Tony’s Tigers win charity golf tourney at Greenwood

The tournament winners, Tony’s Tigers, are presented with their trophies.

The Fairway Sports Lounge, located on 3rd Road opposite Xzyte Disco, held a charity 4-person Texas Scramble tournament at Greenwood Golf & Country Club on Wednesday, June 24.
The event was well attended and all the players enjoyed both the golf and the after match buffet at the Fairway Sports Lounge provided by the tournament’s main sponsor, KPK Foods.
Out on the course the quartet know as ‘Tony’s Tigers’, consisting of team leader Tony Duthie, Andy Mills, Dave Richards and Emmett White proved to have too much ‘bite’ for the rest of the field as they took the top honours on the day. They were followed home by the second placed outfit of Owen Walkley, Larry Bland, Perry McNeely and Ray Trembeth, know collectively as the ‘Misfits.’
Third placed honours went to the well know ‘Birdie Boys’ of Roy Thornton, Barry Traynor, Chris Voller and Mikael Andersson.
As well as the main prizes, all the holes were sponsored by local businesses with separate technical awards available on each hole. The generous hole sponsors included: Secrets Bar, Lolitas Bar, Paradise Agogo, Mai Lu Si Bar, Champayne Agogo, Liquid Lounge, Sexy Agogo, The Fairway Bar, Club Misty’s Agogo, Boxing Roo Bar and the Tahitian Queen.
The proceeds from this tournament will go towards the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Foundation in Pattaya who provide volunteer rescue and emergency services to the residents of the city.

The runners up were the ‘Misfits’ team.

Bridge in Paradise: by Neil Robinson

Just a little exaggeration

Since living in Thailand, I have noticed that some people here, both Thai and farang, have a tendency to exaggerate a bit.  Not so much to lie, more to embellish.  So the big car turns out to be rented, and the big job may be more in the imagination than in actuality.
Some politicians are particularly keen on this.  One example was a member of parliament who claimed to have graduated from a foreign university some years ago, but only recently applied for his first passport.  This tendency towards embellishment had a negative effect on his political career, but might well have been useful if he played bridge, provided he did it with imagination and vision.
Today’s hand is an example.  After the last few weeks, when you have seen me going through disaster after disaster, I thought I would show you that I am sometimes on the winning side!
I dealt and picked up this hand: 

S: KJ642

H: J

D: AK9

C: 8752 

I opened a normal 1S.  My partner, John Bucher, bid 4D.  This triple jump shift is a splinter bid.  It is a useful bid because it shows several things: a fit in spades, at least game values, and a void or singleton in diamonds.
Now I had a decision to make.  The splinter bid showed possible slam interest.  Should I encourage slam or discourage it?  My hand was really a minimum, with only 12 high card points, even counting the singleton jack.  What would you bid, gentle reader?  If you were wise, probably the rational and honest 4S, which would discourage slam and your partner would then most likely pass.
However, I reasoned that, with partner’s diamond shortness, there were no diamond losers.  With my singleton heart, we had at most one heart loser.  So, I decided to exaggerate the strength of my hand and bid 4H, showing a heart control, and therefore encourage towards slam.
Partner, with his heart ace (see diagram) and my apparent heart shortness, now knew we had no heart losers.  With his spade holding, surely there were no spade losers.  That just left clubs, and his king and queen of clubs made that suit look good.
He bid 4N.  I responded 5H, which in Roman Key Card Blackwood shows two of the five “key cards” (four aces plus the trump king), but denies the trump queen.  Missing only one key card, John took us to slam.
This was the full hand, all vulnerable, South dealer: 

                          S: AQ1073

                          H: A75

                          D: 4

                          C: KQ64   

S: 95                                    S: 8

H: KQ103                           H: 98642

D: 10862                             D: QJ753

C: A103                              C: J9

                          S: KJ642  

                          H: J

                          D: AK9

                          C: 8752       

This was the full bidding:

South (me)   West    North (John)  East

1S                  P            4D                    P

4H                  P            4N                    P

5H                  P            6S                     All pass 

When I saw dummy, it was clear the only problem was clubs.  We were missing the jack, ten and nine as well as the ace, so it looked like the only chance was to find the ace in the West hand.  Then I could lead up to the king and queen and make both of them.
There was one additional chance.  If the ace was offside, I could still make the contract if the ace were singleton and East were then forced to give me a ruff and sluff.  I took the king of hearts lead in dummy, pulled trumps, then played top diamonds (throwing a club from dummy) and cross-ruffed out both hearts and diamonds.
With both dummy and hand stripped down to only clubs and trumps, and the lead in hand, I led a low club towards dummy.  I took the first trick with the king and then led a low trump to get back to hand.  Now another club lead towards dummy established the queen.  Since the ace of clubs was indeed with West, my precaution of stripping the red suits was wasted, but it made me feel good to increase my chance of making to a bit more than just a 50% chance.
So, exaggerating the strength of my hand a little led to us making a small slam with just 27 high card points.  To lie is to succeed!  Please e-mail me your favourite hands to [email protected].

Mod makes it back to the top

Golf from the Travellers Rest

Barry Hooper
Some weeks as a sport reporter you can find it quite difficult to find a subject for a lead story. This week was not one of those weeks thank goodness.

Monday’s winner and headline girl Mod Chaviraksa with Thursday winner, Fergus Brennan

It seems this year that we do not have that many lady players joining us; last year you would sometimes find four or five playing with us regularly. But a couple of ladies are still joining our outings and one of those is Mod Chaviraksa. I have reported on the odd 2’s prize being picked up by her of late but nothing about her in the main results since February. Well I am very happy to report, “She is Back”. Please see Mondays report.
Monday, June 22, Pattana - Stableford
1st Mod Chaviraksa (11) 34pts
2nd Ray Allison (11) 33pts
3rd John Franklin (15) 32pts
4th Alan Evans (24) 31pts
5th Phil Knight (10) 31pts
We travelled back to Pattana for our third Monday visit in a row to play the B & C courses. We had a good turnout but just the one division and prizes on offer down to fourth place.
This is a very nice course and was found yet again to be in great condition. It apparently played a little long on the day so the scores were kept tight, with only five points covering the top nine places.
Fourth spot went to Alan Evans after winning the count back over Phil Knight, both at thirty-one. John Franklin found himself in third spot just the one up at thirty-two and it was the same situation for Ray Allison, this time at thirty-three playing off eleven, for second place. But the win was Mod’s (albeit with the same handicap eleven) but just that one point up was enough to take the victory at thirty-four. Nice to see you back at the top Mod!
Tuesday, June 23, Khao Kheow C & A - Stableford
1st George Bishop (16) 39pts
2nd John Franklin (15) 38pts
3rd Tom McCarthy (22) 31pts
Tuesday was a trip to Khao Kheow to play the C & A course. We had a fairly low entry on the day but two players managed scores in the top thirties so the course suited some it seems but not others.
Tom McCarthy just scraped into the thirties at thirty-one for third place. That must have come as a surprise. John Franklin was seven ahead of him at thirty-eight and must have believed that he had a good chance of the win, but unfortunately for him George Bishop had other ideas and came home with thirty-nine points to knock him back to second.
Ted Senior kept the 2’s all to himself.
Thursday, June 25, Phoenix Mountain & Ocean – Stableford
1st Fergus Brennan (9) 39pts
2nd John Hefferman (11) 38pts
Another of our regular outings to Phoenix on Thursday and the course as ever was great. But we had a low level turnout on the day so only two places on offer.
Just single points covered the scores all the way up from sixth spot: Ito at 34, Alan Evans at 35, Roger Wilkinson at 36 and Ted Senior at 37. But the ones that counted were John Hefferman at 38 points in second spot and the boss himself, Fergus Brennan, winning with 39. John Hefferman also picked up the 2’s pot.
Tom McCarthy had obviously had a good day despite his not showing in the results and rang the bell on return for the presentation back at the Travellers Rest.
Saturday, June 27, St. Andrews - Stableford
1st Ray Trembath (9) 36pts
2nd Rodney Hayes (11) 36pts
3rd Phil Knight (10) 35pts
4th Stuart Rogers (11) 33pts
5th John Franklin (14) 32pts
Saturday was a break from our regular visits to Green Valley at the weekend, this due to a large competition-taking place, so we went next door to St. Andrews instead. There was a good turnout and some good play on view.
This course as always was in tiptop condition with the greens very fast. A good example was the second, a par four. The pin position was some four of five paces from the front edge and if you played this long you were in trouble. Just touch the ball and let gravity do the rest and you were sure of your ball running off and lucky if you were left with a decent pitch back. Many a player suffered here.
Ray Trembath, however, took the day with his thirty-six point score. Mind you, this was only after a count back fight over Rodney Hayes. In third place was Phil Knight with a thirty-five. Unfortunately one of his playing partners forgot to submit his card at the end of play and had to be exempted from the competition. Players you know that if there is no submission of a scorecard you cannot win. I am sure he will not forget again. I also have it on good authority that his score would have been best on the day. Fourth place went to Stuart Rogers with his thirty-three.
No 2’s were recorded so as usual there was a bell ring back at the Travellers Rest.

Sim’s treasure chest

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, June 21, Green Valley – Stableford
A Flight
1st Nick Payne (13) 40pts
2nd Paul Henshaw (10) 38pts
3rd Don Lehmer (14) 37pts
B Flight
1st Yui Bietry (17) 38pts
2nd Bill Broschart (16) 35pts
3rd Brad Dippie (28) 34pts
Near Pins: #2 Brad Dippie, #9 Paul Henshaw, #12 Ian Halfpenny, #16 Don Lehmer

Sunday’s winning duo:
Nick Payne and Yui Bietry.

Better late than never, “Nicky Two Gloves” turned up at Green Valley only to find his four-ball had already kicked off. Not letting this hiccup put him off his game, he joined up with a group behind and amassed a match and flight winning 40 points. Paul Henshaw garnered a fine 38 points for second. “The Don” meanwhile needed the aid of a count back to secure the third spot over Irish man Benny O’Connor.
The elegant Bietry was anything but late as she stormed home in B flight with a super 38 points. Bill Broschart was three shots back in second, leaving Brad Dippie to fill the podium in third.
Bob Newell and Tom Byrne shared a very handy 2’s pot and not to be outdone “the Captain” copped a mammoth Lou inskis free draw.
A separate competition was run in conjunction with today’s stable ford; the top players in the U S Open were drawn out with the competing golfers today and their two scores added together.
Tied in first place was the pairing of that man again Nick Payne and F Molinari. Ben O’Connor and R Mcilroy were second, Paul Henshaw and David Duval third, and the final place went to Yui Bietry and R Fisher. The principal was paired with Tiger but the pressure of being paired with Jez proved too much for Tiger and he slipped down the field.
Note could all competitors please arrive at the clubhouse thirty minutes before tee-off time on Sundays to ensure that they are in the group they signed up with. Thank you.
Tuesday, June 23, Treasure Hills - Stableford
1st Sim Davis (30) 39pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (15) 37pts
She’s once, twice, three times a lady, as Sim returned for the third time in a row to win at Treasure Hills. Sim Davis has never forgotten her caddie’s knowledge, and again she walked away with the Gold with a solid 34 points. “The President” filled the flight two shots adrift.
Jack Spencer posted the only ‘2’ of the day.
Back at Lewiinski’s it was time for “the Donkey” to turn in, but then Sim rang the bell to celebrate her win. I will have another beer exclaimed “the Donkey”, and the bill to boot.
Wednesday, June 24, Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight
1st Don Lehmer (13) 35pts
2nd Brian Holden (7) 35pts
3rd Colin Davis (15) 34pts
B Flight
1st Peter Ring (22) 35pts
2nd Jim Elphick (22) 33pts
3rd Steve Miller (16) 30pts
Bangpra was the scene for the Lewiinski’s mob on Wednesday and the course was in great shape.
Wigan’s Steve “The jolly” Miller notched his first ever podium place playing out of Lewiinski’s, taking third spot in the junior division on a count back over Mike “The Mechanic” Craighead, as both were tied on 30 points. Jim Elphick put together a sound 33 points for second and Rocky Ring emerged the victor of the flight and a share of man of the match, firing a solid 35 points.
The Don secured the senior flight and co-man of the match with his 35 points but only after a count back decision over the “Right Honorable” Brian Holden. “The Donkey” brought up the rear a shot adrift.
Ben O’Connor and Ian Henshaw split a handsome 2’s pot
Dave “Sapper” Kyle made his debut with Lewiinski’s a game he would rather forget, losing around a dozen balls. It must have been those new automatic doors that had Dave fascinated.
Friday, June 26, Greenwood - Stableford
A Flight
1st Ben O’Connor (8) 37pts
2nd Bob Newell (6) 36pts
B Flight
1st Terry Wagner (15) 41pts
2nd Joe Tynan (28) 40pts
Terry Wagner was ‘man of the match’ with a B flight winning 41 points off his 15 handicap. Terry was one clear of “Smoking” Joe Tynan, who never gets lost on this course. “The Donkey” and Rocky were lurking in the shadows.
Co Kerry produced the winner in the A flight with Benny O’Connor returning a creditable 37 points. Seamless followed Benny home a shot adrift.
No 2’s were recorded so a carry-over on Monday.
I heard it on the ‘Wireless’
Brian asked his caddie after his tee shot at Green Valley, “Do you think I can get there with a five iron?” Brian’s caddie replied, “Eventually sir.”
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi 1, Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in, and add your name to the list or call Bob on 080 096 8232. Transport is provided.

Thompson takes the day

PSC golf from the Three Sisters Bar

A good turnout and Mother Nature held back the rain this Tuesday, June 23. The clouds looked fearful but they held up for the entire 18 holes. The same could not be said for the greens keeper here at Pattaya C.C. who totally soaked the first 12 greens.

Winner Bill Thompson (left) with runner up Bob Benda.

They were so wet that players had to take relief for their putts. Other than that the course was freshly mowed and the maintenance staff were nice enough to shut off the week-whackers while the players putted.
Back at Caddy Shack 2 the cards were in and Bill Thompson led the pack home with a firm 41 points. Herbie Ishinaga and Bob Benda both showed up with 37’s but on count back Bob took it with a 19 on the back nine to Herbie’s 18.
Herbie furnished the usual hot dogs and snacks and a variety of liquid refreshment was on hand.

Head leads from the front at Eastern Star

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Monday, June 22, Pattana – Stableford
Two cancellations the previous evening and one early this morning left a comfortable six groups of four out on the B and C courses today. It was another very hot day but a gentle breeze blowing throughout the game made it very pleasant indeed.
Paul Challis won the B flight with 34 points; just one ahead of Bryan Rought in second and third place went to Gordon Everingham on 30.
The Sheffield boy Andy Mills won the A flight with 32 points and there were then three people tying on 30; Terry Cowell got second place with 17 on the back nine, beating Mikael Andersson by one point and poor Bill Hewitt lost out after scoring 15 on the back.
There were no winners in the 2’s competition in the A flight but congratulations go to Nar Hector in the B flight whose tee shot on the C 2 finished three feet from the pin and she sank the putt to record her first ever ‘2’. Well done Nar!
Wednesday, June 24, St. Andrews – Stableford
Due to the Thai pro tour playing at Green Valley we had to switch to St. Andrews on Wednesday and nobody was complaining about this. We had a smaller field than on Monday so only two prize places in each division.
Still driving impeccably off the tee, Terry Cowell won the premier flight with 37 points, and Bill Hewitt came in second with 33 after beating, yes you have guessed it, ‘count back’ Burnie 18/17 on the back nine.
Gordon Everingham’s 35 points was enough to secure the B flight win, with Joe Kubon in second place three points behind.
Bill’s ‘2’ on the fifth was the only one in the A flight and the pot included a rollover from Pattana that kept Avis smiling back at the presentation at Siam Cats. Gordon birdied the 3rd to record the only ‘2’ in the B flight.
Friday, June 26, Eastern Star – Stableford
The management here have told us that the greens will be back to normal condition within two weeks, so we are all looking forward to this.
Despite the irregularities with the playing conditions, Don Head came in with 40 points to beat Jim Lane by 4 and win the B flight. Terry Cowell took first place in the top division with 32 points ahead of three players tied on 31 points; Paul Butler and Tom Sathrum returned scores of 17 on the back nine while Harry Riley lost out with a score of 16. The two protagonists both scored 11 on the back six but Tom beat Paul on a back three count back of 8/6.

Phoenix golf update

PSC golf with the Phoenix Tuesday Group

Mike Gerrard
Hi All! Just a line or two to let you know we are still very much active. In fact figures are up this year despite all the problems of this country. The baht is getting a little weaker to the pound and euro so I suppose that will help many.
I have not been sending reports lately due to being so busy with the PSC and other things. However, when the Summer Party is over I will get back to reporting on our golfing activities on a regular basis
On the subject of the PSC summer party, the tickets are available at the PSC clubhouse only and the party is at the Town in Town Hotel on Wednesday July 8 at 7pm. You can obtain one ticket per member (free) and one guest (non member of PSC) at 900 baht. Children under 14 will be 300 baht. For this you will receive everything, including buffet, bar, entertainment and lucky draw (value of prizes in excess of 100,000 Baht) totally free.
If you wish to come to the our golf meeting next week I will have some tickets with me, but you must show your membership card. On that subject don’t forget that if you have a one year membership it will have expired on June 30 (this week), and you will not be allowed a party ticket unless you renew before July 8.
The hotel is also offering a special price of 900 baht inc for 2 persons sharing a room. This price also includes full American breakfast for both people. To take advantage of this offer you must contact the hotel direct and quote the PSC Summer Party.
Next Tuesday’s game here at Phoenix will be a medal round and our dear friend and owner of the Trattoria Italiana Restaurant is kindly offering a 500 baht voucher for the best net score, plus all the other usual antics we get up to.
For July, Tuesday the 7th is a public holiday in Thailand and therefore the green fees for non members will be very high. I have still booked two tee times for that day and we will play as usual. All the other Tuesdays are normal at the Sports Day rate of 700 baht green fee.
The results for this Tuesday just gone was an emphatic win for John Bartley with 42 points, with myself (at last finding a bit of form) scoring 39 points to come second.
Anyone wishing to join us (including all PSC members) give me a call on 087 091 7565. The main three rules we insist on are: 1) we all play from the same tees (white). 2) The maximum handicap allowed is 28, and 3) with the exception of players who wish to share a cart, we also try to have a policy of drawing playing partners from a hat.
Best wishes and hope to see all of you sooner rather than later.

‘Old Hands’ return to Treasure Hill

Robson burns the course up with 67 gross at Phoenix

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

Winning golfers from The Caddyshack.

Monday, June 22, Phoenix – Stableford
1st Darren Robson 41pts
2nd Peter Henderson 39pts
3rd Ben Finden 39pts
On a fine day, which was set up for some good scoring, it produced exactly that.
Coming in third place on 39 points was Ben Findon; this is Ben’s favourite course as its only 10 minutes from his house and when you get to Ben’s age, driving becomes a problem. (Les Hall’s words, not mine). Peter ‘the sniffer’ Henderson took second place by virtue of a better count back over Ben.
Winning the day with a magnificent 67 gross, on his first appearance with the Caddyshack, was Darren Robson. It was said that his front nine score of 30 (which included 6 birdies) was a joy to watch.
Wednesday, June 24, St. Andrews – Stableford
1st Russell Fitzsomthing 36pts
2nd Jeff North 36pts
3rd Helmut Hebstrett 36pts
This has to be one of the hardest courses around and was reflected in a very low scoring day.
Taking third place with a very respectable 36 points was everybody’s favourite German, Helmut Hebstrett. On the same score but with a better count back was ‘Mr. consistent’ Jeff North and some very good performances of late have firmly established Jeff as the second best left handed golfer in the Caddyshack.
Coming first today, also on 36 points was first time Caddyshack winner Russell Fitzsomthing.
Friday, June 26, Plutaluang S & E – Stableford
1st Greg Ritchie 43pts
2nd Damien Trant 41pts
3rd Dave Strang 39pts
Dave Strang found himself on the podium in third place today with what was a regular score for him. Dave is really in the middle of some great form at the moment and this must be down to his lucky shorts or sandals. He says he’s not taking them off until he has a bad round.
In runner up spot with a great score of 41 points was Damien Trant. Knowing Damian as I do, he must have thought that this was enough to win, but no, in first place with a personal best 43 points was Rotherham’s very own Greg Ritchie. It was nice that for once his golf and not his dress code hit the headlines. He also managed to steer himself round the same course as the rest of the field, so well done for that as well Greg.

Rodney Hayes the best so far

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, June 22, St Andrews – Stableford
1st Allan Heavey 37pts
2nd Paul Butler 37pts
3rd Dave Stockman 36pts
4th Frank Hughes 35pts
5th Trevor Schirmer 34pts
With the Singha Open being played over the Green Valley course, the day’s competition was moved to St Andrews with the course management generously allowing the players to pay the lower rate for the green fee. A welcome and enlightened decision and well appreciated by the day’s contenders.
Allan Heavey continued where he left off the previous week by getting on to the podium, but this time he went four places higher to the top. It was not all plain sailing though as he had to contend with Paul Butler who had started out with some spectacular golf to go round the turn with 23 points, but he could not sustain that super effort and slumped to a meager 14 points over the inward half to leave Allan the winner with a better 18 points.
Dave Stockman had a steady round of even par to take third place, with Frank Hughes and Trevor Schirmer rounding out the top five, one and two shots behind.
The CSS for the day stayed at the standard SS of 74.
The second division 2’s pool was shared between Derek Holt and John Teague and the triple roll over in the first division was shared between Harry Riley, Trevor Schirmer and Alan Griffiths.
Before presenting the prizes The Doc welcomed back Paul Butler.
Wednesday, June 24, Bangpra – 2-Person Scramble
1st Brian Henderson & Mike Hill 48pts
2nd Russell Exley & Stephen Beard 45pts
3rd Trevor Schirmer & B.J. Smith 44pts
4th Rodney Hayes & Jens Gunnarsson 41pts
5th John Teague & Kenny Priddy 41pts
6th Allan Heavey & John Wilson 40pts
The two person scramble that is usually held over the Mountain Shadow course moved to the re-arranged Bangpra course with the 10th green having been moved further away and the 11th tee repositioned, which made for a slightly tougher back nine than the previous lay out.
Brian Henderson and Mike Hill came out to play some serious golf in this usually fun format and took full advantage of their 14 shots, which was 40% of their combined handicap with each having to take at least seven tee shots, to end up with a twelve under score that included just two bogies and sixteen pars to easily take the top spot. They were three ahead of the new experimental pairing of the injured Russell Exley and the off form Stephen Beard, who had both been rejected by their planned partners and managed to cobble together a reasonable score which would have been so much better without the bogey, double bogey finish on the front nine and bogey finish on the last hole.
The hot favorites for the day, Trevor Schirmer and B.J. Smith, had to be satisfied with what for them was a lowly third place another shot back as they struggled with the extremely tricky greens.
Rodney Hayes and Jens Gunnarsson, another last minute pairing, just took fourth spot by a margin of 21 to 19 in a count back with John Teague and Kenny Priddy, with Allan Heavey and John Wilson getting the last mention at the prize giving.
The 2’s competition was held over due to the days playing format.
Before the presentations The Doc welcomed back Jens Gunnarsson, Brian Henderson, Mike Hill, John Wilson and Rodney Hayes.
Friday, June 26, Phoenix (Blue tees) - Monthly Medals
Div. 1
1st Rodney Hayes, net 69
2nd Dave Stockman, net 75
3rd Rick Schramm, net 77
Div. 2
1st Sid Ottaway, net 75
2nd Geoff Picken, net 78
3rd Chris Knapp, net 78
For once the Phoenix course was not unduly busy as the month’s medals got away 40 minutes earlier than planned with previous groups either playing with less players or canceling altogether - it certainly made for a very relaxed and pleasant round although the heat and blue tees did not suit everybody.
One player that it really agreed with was Rodney Hayes, who put in the best result of this year’s medal rounds in the first division, with a three under handicap return that owed much to straight play from the tee and never finding any trouble and even though the length was a lot more than he was comfortable with, good course management saw him home by a clear six shots.
Dave Stockman, who can normally be relied upon to score well when the course is playing its longest, was unable to mount any serious challenge and finished well back in second place but still ahead of Rick Schramm by two.
The second division was led in by Sid Ottaway whose three over was not far from being a very good round but spoilt by one or two wayward tee shots. It was still good enough however for him to claim his first monthly medal out of Soi 13 by three shots.
For once Chris Knapp had to be satisfied with second best to playing partner Geoff Picken as he staggered through the back nine, finishing with a count back of 43 following a level handicap front nine which left Geoff in second spot with a 37.5 inward nine.
The days CSS finished at 74 and with two new winners this year, it means that the Gold and Silver Medal competitions to be held in December now feature six different contenders in each division.
Back at The Haven, Jon Barber was welcomed as a new member and Tomas Nilsson, Paul McNally and Peter Carroll were welcomed back.
There were no 2,s in the second division but Ian Grout slipped in the only one in the first division to sweep the pot.

Tight at the top

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

Responding to many requests, the Pattaya Golf Society visited Pleasant Valley Golf Club on Tuesday, June 23, to play a stableford competition on the new course. It has to be said that the potential of the venue is excellent but at the moment the temporary clubhouse offers reminders of Great Lakes and the early inclusion of the back nine detracts from what will one day be a pleasant golfing experience.
The older nine holes are very good and offer a challenge to all but the straighter hitters and the consistent greens are good to play. The newest nine are very much an after thought, squeezed in on the available space and are not in keeping with the rest and the ongoing construction work soured the day for many.
Good golf was in evidence however as David Roberts ended his short stay on a high with 38 points in third place. Tony Thorne and Ann Silawong were the heroes of the day as they both recorded 41 points to share the win.
The 2’s pot was shared by Chris Voller, Rick Schramm and Walter Hanak, and Stuart Thompson took the Booby Bevy for his suggestion to play the course at this time. PGS will surely be back at Pleasant Valley, but not just yet.
Voller’s power play
The Pattaya Golf Society chose Greenwood as the venue for its monthly merit medal event on Thursday, June 25, and found an empty car park and the C and A nines in fine condition when the golfers arrived.
Greenwood is a course where, if golfers are on top of their game, good scores await and this day was no exception. All three principles were well under par with Umalai Chaysa and Bob Watson recording net 69 for a share of second place. Indeed Bob was left to rue the final two holes which saw him go six over and ruin a possible winning score.
The highlight of the day was the performance of Chris Voller who fired a gross of 73 for a net score of 66. His front nine of 34 included a purple patch of birdie - par - eagle - par on holes C5 to C8. His recent rounds give him an average of three under par and he puts it down to the purchase of a Fusion Excel Quantum Pendant, promoted as an aid to power development and control. Sceptics may view this as the use of an outside agency and the decision of the R and A is anxiously awaited! Nevertheless it was a round of raw power and solid ball striking and will live in Chris’s memory for a long time.
Erik Anttonen fired the day’s only birdie ‘2’ on C6 and the trio of Garry Hookey, Kazu Agune and Len Jones shared the Booby Bevy for golf at the other end of the scale.
Golf is all about self-belief and if wearing a lump of Japanese lava around one’s neck promotes a feeling of invincibility so be it Chris. Mere golfing mortals like us will stick with Heineken!
Top Gunn at Pattana
The Pattaya Golf Society’s golfing week ended on Saturday, June 27 with a stableford outing to Pattana where the chosen course was the C and long and testing A nines. The day was hot and fine throughout and the golfers tested their skills on a well prepared track but with evidence of dressing on the front nine.
Scores were good with half the field scoring par or better. Bob St Aubin joined Chris Voller as joint runner-up on 38 points. It brought Chris’s total to thirteen under par over the last four rounds and marks a superb level of consistency. He was to be outdone however by the PGS’s first Icelandic winner for a few years, Jens Gunnarsson, whose forty point score was a fine result of some excellent and accurate golf.
Tony Thorne produced the only birdie ‘2’ of the day on C7 and the Booby Bevy inevitably went to t he returning Sam McLellan whose 22 point haul even marked his best score with the group, on only his second visit to the Kingdom.
Pattana drew the curtain on another fine week’s golf from Rabbi’s Elephant Bar on Soi Buakhao.

Macey hangs on for monthly title

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, June 22, Phoenix - Medal
With a bigger group of golfers than expected today and we had some great scores in both flights.
The cut was set at handicap 15 and in the A Flight Rab McDonald had a sub par round but only won third prize. William Macey thought he had it in the bag, having a five under par round, but it wasn’t good enough to beat Paul Smith who had a fantastic eight under par score to take the pot!
The scores were almost as good in the B Flight where Dave Keats, playing his last game before returning to the UK, won with a four under par round. Reg and P.J. had to be separated by a count back, Reg having the better back nine to finish runner up and leave P.J. a disappointed third.
A Flight
1st Paul Smith (5) net 64
2nd William Macey (13) net 67
3rd Rab McDonald (12) net 71
B Flight
1st Dave Keats (27) net 68
2nd Reg Smart (23) net 71
3rd P.J.Redmond (16) net 71
Near Pins: Paul Smith, Rab, William and Reg.
Wednesday, June 24, Pattana - Stableford
Not quite so many players for the stableford game at Pattana so, in a single flight, newcomer to the Bunker Boy’s Barry James had the best score of the day to beat his buddy Bob Rasmussen by one point. The two golfer’s at the top of the ‘golfer of the month’ table fought it out for the minor placings; William beating Peter Habgood on a count back to take third place and keep himself in front with only two games left to play in June.
1st Barry James (8) 35pts
2nd Bob Rasmessen (11) 34pts
3rd William Macey (13) 31pts
4th Peter Habgood (16) 31pts
Near Pins: Barry James, Denis Bailey, Eddie Martin and Rab McDonald.
Friday, June 26, St. Andrews – Stableford
Because of a major competition for professionals being played at Green Valley, the golfers had to switch venues and were treated to a cheap round of golf at St Andrews instead.
Peter Habgood thought he might win the ‘golfer of the month’ title for the first time as he had the best round of the day, winning the B Flight with 31 points. Unfortunately it was Peter’s last game in June as he returns to the UK after today’s game and cannot play in the final game of the month and the points he scored today weren’t quite enough to catch William Macey. This meant that although William had a “Mare” today he still wins the ‘golfer of the month’ for June!
Behind Peter in the B Flight in runner up spot came P.J., who got his revenge over Reg for Monday by beating him on a count back. A count back decided the winner of the A Flight too, Paul Smith edging out Gerry Cooney to win and third place went to Geoff Cox.
A Flight
1st Paul Smith (4) 30pts
2nd Gerry Cooney (11) 30pts
3rd Geoff Cox (13) 27pts
B Flight
1st Peter Habgood (16) 31pts
2nd P.J. Redmond (16) 27pts
3rd Reg Smart (23) 27pts
Near Pins: Peter Habgood, Barry Hill and Steve Coppell (2).

Don Richardson has first up win

PSC golf from the Café Kronborg

Peter Blackburn
Monday, June 22, Pleasant Valley – Stableford
Just a small field of 11 golfers departed the Kronborg at the usual 0815 and within 45 minutes arrived at Pleasant Valley. With no groups waiting to tee off before us our first group was able to commence within 20 minutes of arriving at the course.

Don Richardson was the top man at Bangpra with 37 stableford points.

The conditions were a little overcast and there were a few ominous rain clouds hanging around some of the surrounding mountains but apart from half a dozen raindrops falling during the course of the round conditions were close to perfect.
This did not really reflect in the scores though as only one golfer managed to play to his handicap. Quite a few of the others struggled on this testing layout, including myself but spare a thought for one of our group who was playing his first game since arriving from Derby, UK. He managed to lose 8 golf balls, mostly in the water and as not to embarrass him his initials are John Wathey! He was hardly consoled by the thought that he will probably buy some of those “wet” balls back at one of the drink stations when he plays the course again next month.
Due to the small field there was only one flight and the winner with a creditable 36 points was Gordon Clegg. In second place, visiting from Hong Kong was Weng Tak Wu with 32 points. Graham Buckingham took third place with 30 points after beating Ted Morris on a count back, Ted finishing fourth.
Thursday, June 25, Bangpra – Stableford
A small group of 11 golfers headed off to Bangpra on time and arrived within 40 minutes. The weather was once again perfect although slightly on the warm side and after being informed that the Green Fees would be 200 baht cheaper (900 baht compared to 700 baht) if we waited until 1000 hrs, it was decided that we would relax and enjoy a chat and some breakfast before “signing in”.
After waiting for just one other group to tee off we got away shortly after 1020 hrs and were not at any stage held up during the round. We were greeted by the usual group of around 25 monkeys whilst playing the second hole but our caddies were able to ensure there was no threat to our belongings.
Two of my playing partners were in very good form and it was pleasing to see that they finished in the top four. My other playing partner was delighted in the fact that not only did his score improve slightly, but he also lost only 2 golf balls compared to 8 on Monday. Things are looking up for Mr. Wathey.
Once again there was only one flight due to the small field and the winner on his first outing back in Pattaya with 37 points was Don Richardson. In second place on a count back with 36 points was the consistent Daryl Evans, with The Admiral (Dave Richardson) in third place. Marcel Witwer took out fourth place with 32 points.

Return to KK proves a real test

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Derek Brook
Tuesday, June 23, Khao Kheow –Stableford
We had not played K.K. for some time, since they made carts compulsory in fact, so it was with a sense of anticipation that we went down there last Tuesday to play. With a special deal available at present it indeed was a fine chance to see how the course measured up, and we were soon off playing the C & A Nines in that order.

Tuesday’s winner Joel Flor and runner up Martin Phillips at Tropical Bert’s Bar with one of Bert’s staff members.

There was a strong wind on the day, but the weather was just fine. The C Nine was in good condition, and was just as tough as usual, but the A Nine was played as the wind got stronger, and with the greens undergoing repair, it proved difficult. Indeed, one of our players struggled so badly on the greens all day that he even three-putted from 4 feet when nearest the pin. The greens were a real handful.
Back at Bert’s the scores were not too bad but nobody actually equaled their handicap and that is normal here. The winner with 35 points was Joel Flor on count back over Martin Phillips. In third place was that relatively unknown golfer Perry McNeely with 34 points.
We then enjoyed Bert’s Golfers Special, thanks Bert and Pu, and some cold beers. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Steve (3-putt) Hamstad, Dick Warberg, Per Olaf Baarli, Bunny.
Long Putt: Mike O’Brien, Grant Dawson.

Heddle triumphs among the temples

The Outback Golf Bar’s Siem Reap Invitational

Tuesday, June 23, Phokeethra Country Club - Stableford
It is only a short fifty-five minute flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap International Airport with Bangkok Airways; who had chosen to put one of its smaller older fleet on the route, rather than the jet that was scheduled, probably due to the small number of passengers; or maybe just another sign of the times.

Joe Mooneyham at the entrance to Angkor Wat, after his winning round on Day 1.
The first thing that strikes you as you come into land is the vast amount of water about and the relative lack of populated areas; the second is the beautiful but small modern airport, built in the traditional style. With the benefit of the VIP check-in and courtesy buses, all part of the Sofitel Hotel package, the group were quickly through and on their way. After a short journey of some twenty minutes, surprisingly driving on the right, we passed the breathtaking Angkor Wat which lies just on the outskirts of Siem Reap, and on to the hotel.
Bonjour, Bonjour, was the greeting from all the staff waiting at the entrance, together with the local musicians who had been laid on to play some of the local music. After a welcoming drink, Jack checked in the whole group in a couple of minutes and then a quick turn round from the impressive rooms and out to the Phokeethra Country Club (www. phokeethragolf.com) for the practise round starting at 11 a.m.

Overall winner, Ian Heddle (centre) with runner up Joe (left) and third placed Bruce Milner (right).
This spectacular course was the home of the Johnnie Walker sponsored Cambodia Open in 2006; and once again the first thing that strikes you, as you look at the layout, is the fearsome amount of water on the course. We did think we should have a prize for the most amount of balls lost!
In a rain interrupted practise round, Ian Heddle showed his class, firing a superb 37 points off a h’cap of 4, and he was followed in second by Jack and Rosco, who couldn’t be split, with both of them way back on 30. Joe did actually score 34 points, but opted out of the practise day swindle, maybe eyeing better things to come.
Today [Tuesday] after a superb breakfast spread, it was an early start in an attempt to avoid the heavy rain that disrupted yesterday’s practise round. The course, some 30 minutes drive from the hotel, is an easy journey through the town in one of the Sofitel’s air-conditioned minibuses, avoiding the many bicycles and unique motorbikes & trailers (the local tuktuks). Siem Reap is a sprawling town of many large luxury hotels, catering to groups from all over the world; but most conspicuously the Koreans (who have just open their own golf course)] and the Japanese.
Once again there was nobody on the course, and the caddies from the day before together with the course staff were all there to greet the group. Two to a cart and a shared caddie was the format as we cruised round the course at a comfortable speed, drinks were readily available from mobile buggies at reasonable prices, although a soft drink cost the same as a beer, and sandwiches were made to order.
Joe, who had declined playing in the practise swindle, cleaned up in this first round with a brilliant 41 points to win the day from, the ‘man to beat’, Ian Heddle, with an exceptional 74 gross (38pts). Rosco put another good round in to take third on 36 from Bruce Milner (34pts) in fourth, just getting the better of Capt’ Bob on count back.
There were just two ‘2s for the three day ‘2’ accumulator from Jim Bryan and Rosco.
Day 1
1st Joe Mooneyham (12) 41pts
2nd Ian Heddle (4) 38pts
3rd Rosco Langoulant (13) 36pts
4th Bruce Milner (12) 34pts
Wednesday, June 24, Phokeethra Country Club - Stableford
There are a couple more noticeable differences here in Siem Reap, there are no flies and there are no dogs. Last night most of the tour went down to ‘Pub Street’, which is so called, ‘cos it is, and rather like Walking Street, it’s that as well. Buzzing restaurants and bars, full of many nationalities and backpackers, there are all types of cuisine available, ranging from Khmer to Mexican and the local Angkor beer at an amazing US$.50 for a draft, which just happens to be extremely drinkable.
Transport around town is easy in the motorbike/tuk tuks at US$1 per person, for the average ride. They carry a maximum of 3 farangs, which can be a bit of struggle depending on the age of the bike and the size of the farang, but they’re a great way to get around and see the sights, and they’re much easier to see out of than the tuk tuks back in Thailand.
Great weather for golf today back on Phokeethra, where the groundsman had moved the pins for day two of the comp’ and left the greens at around 8.5 on the stimp’. Tomorrow, he has promised to cut the greens again for a lively last round, but once again, it was truly millionaire’s golf, with no other players to be seen.
Ian Heddle shone in the sunlight with another excellent round (36pts) to win the day and move to the outright lead after two rounds on 74 points. Rosco took second with 35 and Jack scrambled for his 34 for third place.
There were three more ‘2’s from Jim Brown, Jack Moseley & Capt’ Bob; bringing the total overall to five.
The last four ball out tomorrow (Thursday) in this three day tournament, will be Ian Heddle (74pts), Joe Mooneyham (71pts), Rosco (71pts) and Capt’ Bob (65pts).
Day 2
1st Ian Heddle (4) 36pts
2nd Rosco Langoulant (13) 35pts
3rd Jack Moseley (11) 34pts
4th James Bryan (14) 32pts
Thursday, June 25, Phokeethra Country Club - Stableford
Today was the final round of the Outback Golf Bar’s international tour, this year to Cambodia and Angkor Wat. It’s a great course with a challenging back nine and The Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, who manage the course, is a truly five star hotel with a five star service & hospitality that is without doubt, second to none. Given the time, many would have explored this interesting town further but sadly today is the day everybody has to say goodbye.
Ian Heddle finished the way he started, with another win and a fine 38 points (74 gross) to finish up winning three of the four days including the practice round; enough to easily win the overall tournament by seven clear points. Second today, was Bruce Milner with an excellent 37 and Geoff Doody finally mastered the final four holes to take third on count back from Joe Mooneyham and Jim Bryan, all with 34.
Joe hung in there well, but on the Par 3 fifteenth he was heard to say, “Hell, Ian’s just too good”, as he finished up in second place overall with 105 points. Bruce Milner moved up strongly to take third ahead of Jim Bryan and Rosco who slipped to fifth, taking the final podium place.
There were three more ‘2’s from Capt’ Bob and Ian Heddle who had two, bringing the total to eight for the three days.
Day 3
1st Ian Heddle (4) 38pts
2nd Bruce Milner (12) 37pts
3rd Geoff Doody (20) 34pts
4th Joe Mooneyham (12) 34pts
Final Placings
1st Ian Heddle (4) 112pts
2nd Joe Mooneyham (12) 105pts
3rd Bruce Milner (12) 101pts
4th James Bryan (14) 97pts
5th Rosco Langoulant (13) 94pts

Pim on song at Diana Seniors and Lady’s Open

Nigel Cannon
Thursday, June 25, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
There were 31 players who arrived at the local Pattaya Country Club to play in the Diana Seniors and Ladies Open last Thursday – taking advantage of the deal that this venue has for all players over 50 until the end of August.

A trio of winners: Morton, Apple and Pim with their trophies.

There were a number of new faces this month and all were made welcome and some even featured in the prizes. It was particularly pleasing to see a caddy (Noy) from PCC playing in her first competition with some success.
The weather was hot but the little wind helped. The course was again in a reasonable condition with both GUR and hazards clearly marked ready for an up-coming weekend competition. As is usual for this competition, all arrived early, checked in, and we were away before our scheduled time.
Within half an hour of the last group coming in the presentation was made.
In the Ladies section Apple Blackwell (11) was the winner with 38 points and the runner-up was the aforementioned caddy Noy Kamsanta (27) with 35 points.
The Senior winner was regular senior player Morton Guaslaa (22) with 37 points, with runner-up Eddie Blackwell (8) on 34 points.
The best men’s score of the day was in the Super Seniors by another regular, Pim Wylacker (21) with 38 points, and runner-up (again)! was Alan Pearce (18) with 37.
The next competition is on Thursday July 30 at Pattaya Country Club with tee time 09:00. Sign up sheets are at Diana Driving Range and Green Bottle on Pattaya 2nd Road.
Near Pins: #5 Les Cocker, #7 Werner Schwarz, #12 Pauline Elphick, #17 Glen Riding
Longest Putts: #9 Klaus Schakt, #18 Siripen Homkum

Apple top scores at Pattaya Country Club

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Joey’s column
Monday, June 22, Burapha B & D - Stableford
With Capt’ Bob and General Jack away in Cambodia with a group of golfers for four days, it was left three NCOs to organize the golf, and for Corporal Cannon to be the guest ‘scribe’.
Today it was under the command of RSM Campbell Potts aka ‘Pottsy’ that 20 Outbackers took to the Outback’s home course of Burapha, this week playing B… and D… from the white tees. The course was in its usual good condition with fast greens and a testing pin placement on D6.
Weather-wise it was another fine day with just a little wind to keep it comfortable. The course was not busy although the front groups came across a slow five-ball, but a call to the Marshall ensured they were moved elsewhere.
It was good to see our good friend ‘Gentleman’ Jim Moreton back for a couple of weeks – and to show what a fine chap he is after the results were announced he rang the bell! Thanks Jim.
With 20 players there were 2 divisions with 3 places in each. In the A flight, the winner was the aforementioned Jim Moreton with 34 points. There was then a three-way count back on 32 points for the runner up places with regular ‘star’ Paul Greenaway missing out this time. In second place was Bob Lindborg and in third came Chris Davisson.
The B flight saw Henry O’Brien take the top spot with 37 points – the only player to beat their handicap today. Second and third were again decided on count back with David Davies taking second and John O’Keefe in third, both with 36 points.
Just two 2’s today from Sarkorn and Mark Kembrey
Div A (0-15)
1st James Moreton (15) 34pts
2nd Bob Lindborg (15) 32pts
3rd Chris Davisson (12) 32pts
Div B (16+)
1st Henry O’Brien (21) 37pts
2nd David Davies (26) 36pts
3rd John O’Keefe (16) 36pts
Tuesday, June 23, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
There were 14 Outbackers at Pattaya Country Club today to play in the regular Tuesday competition. It was the first time for the Blackwell’s (Apple and Eddie) and our Finnish friend Erik Antonnen.
The weather was fine for golf with little sun and little wind. The course was in a reasonable condition and like most courses this year is suffering from lack of players. However the Outback will continue with their Tuesday game and have booked tee times (09.30) until the end of the year.
Winning today was the ‘in form’ Apple Blackwell (11) with 41 points whilst the runner-up was the aforementioned Erik (8) with 39 (you can’t keep a good man down!) In third place was our ‘Arthur’ Arthur Bailey (22) with 37 and the final place was taken by Bob Pearce (13) with 35 after beating Suzi Lawton (22) on count back. However, there was compensation for Suzi as she had the only ‘2’.
1st Apple Blackwell (11) 41pts
2nd Erik Anttonen (8) 39pts
3rd Arthur Bailey (22) 37pts
4th Bob Pearce (13) 35pts
5th Suzi Lawton (22) 35pts
Friday, June 26, Laem Chabang
- Stableford
A quiet week for golf at the Outback with some of the lowest numbers recorded playing at the various venues, even the ever-popular Laem Chabang could only muster 20 Outbackers.
The alternate venue today at Phoenix was supposedly cancelled due to numbers but Alan Bishop was not so advised and sent in this report.
“Well we got off sharp at 10 a.m. and things were moving very quickly for the two of us (the caddy and myself) up until the eighth hole when I joined up with a two-ball: two very nice men, an Aussie and a Brit. We had a steady back nine and things were constantly moving along, the course was in very good condition as usual, and we finished in three and a half hours.
There was only one division today and the winner of Div A was Alan Bishop, playing off 16, with a wonderful 37 points. Well done Alan!”
To return to Laem Chabang, nevertheless, it was a great round of golf, played in (most cases) less than four hours on the Valley and Mountain nines from the white tees. Rick Evans, recently back from his regular work duty, resumed his normal steady play, to top Div A with a handicap equalling 36 points, followed by Paul Greenaway (35pts) and Chris Davisson another point behind him on 34.
Div B, somewhat larger than Div A, was won by Chris Ronnblad with an excellent 38 points from Jim Moreton (37pts), who’s played well all week and Pottsy in third who headed a three-way count back, all on 34.
There was just one ‘jackpot’ ‘2’ today, from Chris Davisson.
Div A (0-14)
1st Rick Evans (5) 36pts
2nd Paul Greenaway (9) 35pts
3rd Chris Davisson (12) 34pts
Div B (15+)
1st Ronnblad Chris (19) 38pts
2nd James Moreton (15) 37pts
3rd Campbell Potts (20) 34pts
Note: If you played this course, the Outback would like you to comment on our forum, outbackchat – topic, “course reviews”, which can be found on our website, www.outbackgolfbar.com. This would help others as to the current condition of the courses in the area. For example: value for money (green fee & cart etc), pace of play, condition of the fairways, condition of the greens, caddies, and drink stops & restaurant. Even if you played a different course, please send in your review for all to read. The more the merrier.
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.

Mickey Mouse Friday Night Darts League

Results & Standings June 26 (week 14)

Stars won their second game & beer on the trot, (against OK Corral) which means they are no longer the strongest team in the league; that honor now falls to the Posse, who are holding up the bottom of the table.
The Sunshine Boys hosted Stan’s Boys & Girls, and even after the Rising Sun took game & beer it was reported that Rigsby still moaned about something or other!
The Bunker Boys welcomed O’Leary’s Lepracorns where Mick had a cunning plan and won the game. But Anthony dazzled the Bunker Boys with some Irish heel slapping dance moves which put the Bunker Boys off their darts, allowing the Lepracorns a free beer (to be sure).
Melly’s Crew were let out of the dungeon for the night and wandered along 3rd Road looking for the secret location. Once found they gave the Coffee Shop Quartet short rift, taking both honors. One of the girls from Blue Mountain said Melly’s Crew were “very scary me!”
The Palmers Golf & Country Club’s courtesy limousine had a problem with its GPS, there were also some moans about the bypass road traffic lights, but I think they just got lost. Palmers played their socks off against Lucky Time, once again reminding us that darts is a funny old game, by forcing both the honors onto the beer leg. A collective sigh vibrated around Lucky Time bar as the Dutch Avenger (Alex LT) managed to figure out which way around to throw a dart (pointy bit forward) and checked out the beer for a fidgety Team Lucky Time. All the girls in the bar missed this superb dart skill by the boss, as they were all swooning at the time over Gorgeous George Hamilton!
Four of the top five league position teams play each other next week, so will we see a change at the top of the table? Big C apparently has sold out of dusters as team captains all over the metropolitan area have been busy dusting off their trophy shelves! And finely, I saved Lance from been beaten to mashed banana by a women this week, ask Lance for details!

The Pattaya Backgammon League

Gabriel Davis
This last Saturday, the Pattaya Backgammon League (from here on out referred to as PBL) had 9 contestants, all seasoned veterans of the backgammon board, so the matches were all hard fought and won with glory and those that didn’t, lost with no shame.

In the end, there can be only one winner, unless the finalists decide to call a truce and share the title, which is what K. Tiwa and G. Davis did. Consolation was given by these two in the form of drinks to the vanquished.
Here is an interesting position which aroused much speculation by lookers on::
This is a match to 9 (first player to win 9 points wins the match). Black has 7 points and White has 5. White is on roll and has the option to double or roll. White doubled and the onlookers started to talk amongst themselves.
To start the analysis we have to identify the elements of the position. White has 6 point prime, which means that black has 2 ‘prisoners’ or checkers trapped behind enemy lines. This is the strongest asset of Whites game. White has a ‘man’ or checker behind enemy lines as well, but…. Black only has a 5 point prime so it is possible for the White checker to escape with a 2 followed by a 6.
What happened in the match was, White escaped eventually, hitting a 3rd man, sending him back and won a gammon of 4 points to win the match. Would you have doubled?
Note: The Pattaya Backgammon League hosts a weekly tournament at Somboons restaurant on Dong Tarn Beach, about 500 meters down from the Police Box and 7/11. For a map you can go to www.pattaya backgammonleague.com, where you will also find details of past and future events.

Brother D, Café Kronborg and Jack Tar on the move

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Dung, Rich, Ooy & Tue.

Sala Thai Restaurant remain in first place but they lost ground as VFW Post 9876 won three points from them. Sala Thai are now only one point ahead of second place.
Brother D moved up from third to second place after taking three points from Green Chilli and knocking them down from second to fifth place. Dung Downs had a 200 game and 515 series for Green Chilli.
Café Kronborg moved up from sixth to third place after winning all four points from a slumping Indiana. Kran Nielsen bowled a 535 series to lead Kronborg.
Rich Montana bowled games of 199, 247 and 215 for a great 661 series to lead Café Ole to a four point win over Sabai Sabai Friday. Nok Kennedy was best for Sabai with a 542 series.
Jack Tar won 2.5 points from Canada. Mai Munsitha had a 521 series for Jack Tar and Ooy Pluemkamon had a 205 game and 570 series for Canada.
Swethai beat Bavaria and took three points in their match. Aht Johansson led Swethai with a 517 series. Tue Pettae, bowling as a Pacer, had a 202 game and 579 series.