With two teams entered, Pattaya Cricket Club displayed the true spirit within the club at the Bangkok International Sixes last weekend as the Thoroughbreds won the Shield final on count back to bring back another trophy and the Stallions finished runners up on count back in the Cup final. All of this despite the constant threat of floods that eventually brought a premature end to the tournament.
It was the PCC 1st team, the Stallions, that raised the eyebrows of many spectators in the group of death by beating the tournament second favourites Skylarks of UAE by 9 runs and then easing to victory over the much fancied CBB SC’s in a tense 52 run chase finish off the last ball.
A convincing win against the Koh Chang Crossbars in their final group match ensured a top of the table finish and second seeding in the semi finals. Yasir, Sunny and Jack had outstanding performances with both bat and ball but it was the relentless bowling display backed up by exemplary fielding that enabled the Stallions to restrict their opponents at the crucial stages of the game.
The Thoroughbreds, as is their prerogative, started the tournament slowly with a heavy defeat to eventual Cup semi finalists Fu Wang Ramblers of Bangladesh. They improved drastically but still lost the second game to the Southerners and improved still further to lose their final group game to the CBB SA’s.
At the end of the group stages and propping up the table meant they automatically qualified for the semi final of the Shield against Koh Chang Crossbars and this time they really did peak. All the bowlers bowled full and straight to restrict the opposition to a mere 36 runs from their 5 overs. In reply Salman and Dan got the Thoroughbreds off to a fast start and Lindon and Billy maintained the run rate to secure the much needed moral boosting victory they deserved and a place in the Shield final.
Finals Day promised so much for PCC but the much anticipated floods finally came and literally washed away any chances of play on the Sunday. In fact, they drowned everything in sight and our heartfelt thoughts are with all those who are so badly affected.
Despite the cancellation of the business end of the tournament the club had many memorable experiences. It was the first time the club was able to enter two teams into an away tournament, new members such as Jack, Yasir and Debdas displayed their considerable talent and juniors such as Lindon and Billy showed the strength in depth within the club.
Notable Thoroughbred mentions go to Rob ‘Not So’ Young whose wicket keeping was in complete contrast to the teams improvement in play as four games in a day proved two too many and ‘Wanky Tanky’ Carlton whose bowling ensured either a heavy defeat or convincing victory depending on the amount of amber fluid consumed immediately prior to the start of the match.
Chairman and club captain Simon Philbrook said “this tournament represents a giant step in the club’s development. For a club that was established only in October 2009 to be able to enter two teams in such a prestigious tournament as this is testament to the players, committee and supporters alike. In our very first Bangkok tournament in 2009 the Stallions won the Shield and in 2011 we are in the Cup final – it’s amazing.
“The Thoroughbreds have just won this year’s Shield final in their first away tournament. I think it is a fantastic achievement by everyone concerned within the club and I would like to congratulate them all personally.”
Pattaya Cricket Club is desperately looking for sponsors to support the ongoing development, in particular the junior development programme within the Thai schools and their Pattaya Colts team. The club’s success is proving more costly and we would be delighted to discuss with anyone an ongoing sponsorship programme that would ensure the continued success of the club. Please see the website www.pattayacricketclub.com or email [email protected].
