Inaugural Pattaya V’s Phuket Tour 2010

24-25 July 2010 – The eagerly awaited tour to Pattaya was recently concluded with all Phuket representatives having a most enjoyable time.

Players all arrived in Pattaya on the Friday afternoon with senior members being greeted by our hosts, Simon Phillbrook and Earl Brown of the Pattaya Cricket Club.  Everyone got to know each other over a few cold beers before the Phuket boys went out in town to see some of the sites.  One memorable moment was captured on photo with the team going shirtless in the sub-zero temperatures of the ice-bar.

Saturday morning arrived and we all made the mini-bus trip to the ground at Horse Shoe Point.  This impressive facility, who are very supportive of cricket in Pattaya, is a vast improvement on the grounds of the Cherng Thalay oval, with our boys being keen to play on a ground that doesn’t resemble a dust bowl.

Captain Anthony Van Blerk won the toss for Phuket and chose to bat in the start of the 35 over match.  The HSP pitch, being synthetic, produces a much high bounce than we are sued to in Phuket, however, it is also much more consistent.  With the assistance of Nathan Kincaid from the Southerners in Bangkok, the Phuket Team managed a score of 128 runs.

With some fine bowling, and a reshuffle of the batting order, Pattaya scored with a rate of knots and managed to reach the total with ease.  Bruised and tired, Phuket would have to put up a better show in the following days 20/20.

With another show of hospitality, both teams were invited to attend Umpire Kim’s birthday at Jameson’s Pub.  Everyone had a great night and enjoyed the company, great food and some wonderful free beer put on by Jameson’s.  Thanks Guys!  The night started off extremely well with Australia winning against the South Africans in the rugby but this is about cricket so we won’t go there. J

The Sunday brought about another match with the Phuket boys moving around a little gingerly.  Another great, fun game was had with some big hitting been seen by Richard Folds and Anthony Van Blerk.  With a faster start to our batting there was a chance for a win, however, the strong Pattaya side were just too good on both days.

Drinks and festivities were enjoyed around the pool at Horse Shoe Point before another night in town saw the conclusion of this tour.

On behalf of the Phuket Cricket Group, we would like to thank our hosts for a wonderful weekend and we look forward to hosting them in Phuket in the weeks to come.