Phuket International Cricket Sixes

TIGERS TIGERS BURNING BRIGHT IN PHUKET SIXES

Pakistan's Corner Tigers clinched a thrilling victory in the Cup Final of the Lighthouse International Phuket Cricket Sixes, living up to their name by defending a fairly modest score of 70-2 against Australia's Moonshine Warathais. Playing under floodlights because of a delayed start to the day's proceedings after heavy rain, the Tigers' inspirational captain Haroon Qazi top-scored with 35, and the key moment came when Humayan Mauk caught and bowled Test star Trevor Chappell in the first over of the Warathais' innings.

Despite a gallant 23 from Steve Christie, the Warathais were always just behind the clock and finished 7 runs short - disappointing for the Warathais who finish runners-up for the second year in succession, but not too much, as this tourmament is all about fun and friendship and the sporting Australians remained in typically convivial spirit.

Earlier the Warathais had comfortably seen off local surprise team Island Cricketiers in the semi-final, while Corner Tigers beat the well-fancied Perth Postels. In this game, the Postels, a player short, called up top ladies cricketer from Chiang Mai, Lindy Pohl - and this proved to be an inspired move as Lindy bowled an excellent over for just eight runs and clean bowled the prolific Asad Jamal. The Bowl saw a convincing victory for Indians Sunshine CC against their compatriots Gauhati Town, the Sunshine victory being set up by a stunning catch from Vipul Patel. Sunshine had beaten the Wild Men from Borneo in the semi, while Gauhati edged home against Lamma CC, for whom event coordinator Brad Tarr made a lusty 30.

In the Plate division, Applecross Postels overcame their slow start to the week to beat the Kudu Bar Cavalry. Ian Farrar completed an excellent week for the Postels with another 30, while the most dramatic over was that of Applecross's giant fast bowler Josh Kapor, whose tactics of trying to bounce out the opposition brought a barrage of wides and no balls but also two key wickets.

The Postels' group, on their 10th tour to Thailand, had 4 teams competing and it was fitting that at least one should carry off some silverware. To get them to the final, Applecross's Russell Kingdom took a remarkable 4 for 5 from his over against Phuket Cricket Union in the semi. Last but not least, the Spoon final brought the most exciting finish of the day. The match swayed both ways until Blythswood finally needed six from the last 2 balls against Bangkok Postels. Somehow, Ian Mayor and Raj Boparai managed to run three, bringing Raj on strike. Three to win, and a mighty blow sent the bowl soaring out of the ground to give the English team a thrilling victory, to the delight of their 'coach' Ranjit Singh. This tournament has been a huge success and a great credit to its hard-working organisers. It would have been easy to have called off the tournament after December's tsunami, but their persistence has been rewarded, bringing great pleasure to all participants and, hopefully, a boost to Phuket's tourist industry.

ISLAND CRICKETIERS ROCK THE BOAT

On day 3 of the Lighthouse Phuket International Sixes, local Phuket residents the Island Cricketiers caused by far the biggest upset of the tournament by knocking out the well-fancied Sunshine CC of India. Sunshine batted first and amassed a daunting total of 84-2, with Rushag Shah making a powerful 31. Few people present would have given the local lads much of a chance - but the Cricketiers set about their task with tremendous spirit, going flat out for runs from the very first ball.

The excitement grew as the target drew ever nearer, with Diwan making an excellent 30, until finally Sunshine's total was overhauled with 2 balls to spare, provoking scenes of wild celebration in the Cricketiers' tent. Can they go all the way to the final? To do so, they have to get past another formidable opponent, Australia's Moonshine Warathais including Trevor Chappell. They comfortably beat the gallant Wild Men from Borneo thanks to a meticulous 30 from Steve Christie.

The other quarter finals saw a win for Pakistan's Corner Tigers against India's Gauhati Town. In the second semi final, the Tigers now face Sixes experts Perth Postels, who had to get past a big score of 85-1 from Hong Kong's Lamma CC (Imran Idrees 30), but did so in the end quite comfortably with star man Kenny Jackson crashing a rapid 32.

The losing quarter finalists play off in the Bowl semi finals, while the Plate competition has now reached the end of its second round robin phase, with Malaysia's Kudu Bar Cavalry Cricket Team looking a leading contender at this level, although two other Postels teams, Applecross and CBB Chiang Mai, are sure to have a say. And to complete an excellent day for the local teams, the Phuket Cricket Union won their first game of the week, Rich Brown's 30 contributing to a total of 82-1 which proved too much for Macau Scrubbers.

Blythswood continue to impress in the Spoon Division with a convincing win over Green Man Gunnas, while Plantation Kamalas got back on the winning track against Bangkok Postels.

A NIGHTINGALE SINGS AND THE TIGERS ROAR

More big-hitting characterised the second day of the Lighthouse International Phuket Sixes, with 4 teams amassing over 100 in their allotted 5 overs.
After a short delay during which the organisers and ground staff worked frantically to dry up the ground after torrential overnight rain, play at the Karon Stadium soon resumed and once again there was no hiding place for the bowlers.

As the teams started to sort themselves out by results into the 3 groups of which tomorrow's second round will consist, Perth Postels, Sunshine CC and CornerTtigers confirmed their credentials as possible champions and all go into the next phase with 100 per cent records. Daniel Shaw put Thursday's batting woes behid him as he crashed an undefeated 30 to allow the Postels to ease past the local Island Cricketiers, while Pakistan's Tigers demolished the Phuket Cricket Union and the Palpa Barbarians with Haroon Qazi and Asad Jamal both in top form. Gauhati Town of India look lively outsiders after recovering from their first day reversal to beat both the Wild Men from Borneo and the Kudu Bar Cavalry Cricket Team with Djah, Saikia and Kauta all amongst the runs.There were also wins for the Island Cricketiers against the Wild Men from Borneo in the highest scoring match of the day (101 versus 96) and for Lamma against CBB Chiang Mai Postels, who themselves inflicted a defeat on Macau Scrubbers, with Bangkok Southerners' player Vaughan McClear in ferocious form with the bat. Player of the day however is reserved for the Kudu Bar's Dave Nightingale, whose barrage of sixes into the grandstand resembled a fairground shooting gallery with spectators scampering for cover.

In the Spoon competition, there were wins for Blythswood over Plantation Kamalas and for Bangkok Postels against Green Man Gunnas, with Swiss legend Cyrus Thevyrus starring with an unbeaten 20. The Green Man hosted a splendid Opening Party on Thurday evening and now it is to be hoped their team can get off the mark!

Fast emerging as the social stars of the tournament are the Wild Men from Borneo who certainly live up to their name, and reacted to the news that they have been drawn to play first for the 3rd successive day by kidnapping the scorer/commentator during the day's final match.

The day ended with a charity exhibition 20/20 match under floodlights between the Phuket All Stars led by South Africa's Kenny Jackson and the Rest of the World skippered by Australian international Trevor Chappell, another innovation from this well-organised and deservedly popular tournament.

The second Phuket International Cricket Sixes 2005 aims to provide an even more impressive line-up than up than last year, when former Test cricket players Trevor Chappell (Australia) Atul Wassan (India) and first class players Paul Pritchard (Essex, England) and Franklin Hinds (West Indies) showed their genius.

This year, around 20 cricket teams from around Asia and Europe are expected to compete in the three day "Fun in the Sun!" tournament which aims to raise funds for tsunami relief.

As the name suggests, six players rather than the traditional eleven make up the team, with a match designed to incorporate all the most exciting aspects of the sport: high scores, fast action and exciting match finishes. Recognised world-wide, the Sixes offers a new spin with each match lasting around 45 minutes.
As well as fast action and great entertainment, the Sixes will also include other activities like beach cricket and beach volleyball. A great excuse to be in Phuket. Log on to phuket.com for daily coverage.

Media Release

Thai school kids to ‘have a go' at cricket at Phuket Sixes

Former Australian international test cricketer Trevor Chappell will share his skills to prepare 30 children from Baan Kata Primary School, Phuket, to play in the Thai kids demonstration cricket match as part of the Lighthouse Phuket International Cricket Sixes 2005.

Tournament Director Brad Tarr, of the Asian Cricket Sixes Tour, said one of the aims of the Lighthouse Phuket International Cricket Sixes was to encourage local children and people to play cricket and help the sport of cricket grow and develop in Phuket.

“You never know, in a few years time, some of the kids who had a go in the Lighthouse Phuket Cricket Sixes could be representing Thailand in international cricket matches,” Mr Tarr said.

Mr Chappell said he was looking forward to playing in the Phuket Cricket Sixes again this year and leading the coaching team, which includes the popular South African cricketer Kenny Jackson, for the local children.

“Everyone involved with the event wants to assist the people of Phuket following the tsunami and I think this year's event promises to be an exciting and emotional one,” Mr Chappell said.

“I encourage everyone in Phuket to come and watch the local kids play in the Lighthouse Phuket Cricket Sixes at 2pm on Sunday 10 April at the Karon Stadium.”

Event Director Ms Poonpun ‘Nui' Jangrugsa, of co-organisers The Green Man, also announced the match schedule for the Lighthouse Phuket International Cricket Sixes 2005 (see attached).

The first match pits teams making their first appearance in Phuket: ‘Applecross' from Perth against the ‘Wild Men from Borneo'.

“Eighteen teams will compete in the Lighthouse Phuket International Cricket Sixes 2005 with teams flying from India, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Macau and England joining local teams from Thailand,” Ms Jangrugsa said.

“The event format features Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions in the Open division and a Spoon division for more social cricketers.

“Matches start at 8.30am on Thursday 7 April and at 9am on all other days at the Karon Stadium, Phuket, Thailand.”

For further information contact Mark Burns at media@phuketsixes.com or see the event website www.phuketsixes.com

Tournament Schedule (6th–10th April 2005):

• Wednesday 6th: Star-player coaching during the day. Evening, 7pm, Captains' Meeting at the Green Man Pub
  
• Thursday 7th: Day 1 of matches followed by a Cocktail Reception at the Green Man Pub
  
• Friday 8th: Day 2 of matches followed by 20 over floodlit fund-raising match
  
• Saturday 9th: Day 3 of matches
  
• Sunday 10th: Final's Day, including children's cricket demo, followed by Awards Presentation Dinner

There is also a full schedule of other activities to enjoy including beach cricket, beer sculling races, etc., to keep you busy when you're not playing cricket, lounging in the hotel pool or sunning yourself on the pristine beach!

We intend this to be the most enjoyable cricket tour you have ever experienced. You can also find satisfaction in helping the tourist economy of Phuket recover and also be contributing to the development of cricket in Phuket!

If for whatever reason you cannot get a complete team together, please feel free to come along yourself (or with 2 or 3 players and supporters) and we will certainly include you and find you a team to play with.

Playing Schedule
Day One - Thursday 7 April

Day Two - Friday 8 April

After day two the top eight sides go through to the Cup/Bowl draw. The teams 9-14 will be split into two groups of three to play off for the Plate. Group one is seeded positions 9, 11, 13 and group two is seeded teams 10, 12, 14.

The top eight sides will have a seeded position in the Cup/Bowl playoffs.

Day Three - Saturday 9 April

Matches are played concurrently ie Match 1 Team bats first then Match 2
First team bats. Winners of Cup/Bowl games progress to the Cup semis and the losers go through to the Bowl semis. The top four teams in the Plate round two matches progress to the Plate semis and the bottom two teams 13 and 14 are eliminated at this stage.

Day Four - Finals Day - Sunday 10 April

Event Fact Sheet

For further information about the Lighthouse Phuket International Cricket Sixes 2005 check out the event website www.phuketsixes.com or contact:

Michael Maher
Chairman
Asian Cricket Sixes Tour
Mobile +61 40 738 5481
Email: mmaher.padmir@bigpond.com
Web: www.phuketsixes.com