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GIS defeats CMIS in volleyball despite heavy rain
Last week’s heavy rain let up on Friday September 12
just long enough for Chiang Mai International School (CMIS) Boys Volleyball
A-Team to play Grace International School (GIS) on the CMIS campus.
Home-team support was strong, with dozens of students and parents showing up
to cheer on one of the first boys’ games of the season.
 Despite
the heavy rain outside, the Chiang Mai International School (CMIS) Boys
Volleyball A-Team gets ready to take on Grace International School (GIS) on
the CMIS campus. (Photo by CMIS student Sung Guk Moon)
Game 1 saw the two schools neck-and-neck. Some excellent
volleys and strong serves and spikes kept the crowd on the edge of their
seats. Consistently strong serving by CMIS player Saw Sar Kapaw helped to
keep the score close. The GIS team played well and benefited from the skills
and team leadership of key player Zach Harbold.
GIS led the way in Game 2, although CMIS pulled through
near the end and narrowed the gap somewhat. GIS won both games, with final
scores of 24-26 and 18-25. Heavy rain meant that the Boys B-Teams that were
scheduled to play later in the afternoon had to be cancelled.
The volleyball games are leading up to a tournament between international
schools, hosted by CMIS on September 29-30.
Volleyball victory for Prem
Katherine Voll
Last week Wednesday, Prem Tinsulanonda International
School’s girls and boys volleyball teams defeated Nakorn Payap
International School (NIS) in a series of exciting games.
Competition was fierce as the girls A team beat NIS
25-20, 25-9 and the B team won 25-21, 25-13.
 Teacher
and students (back row from left) Janet Powell, Sonya Shadravan, Hannah
Smith, Vivien Dapp and Renee Pun, (front row from left) Giulia Tavernari,
Ann Shilling, Susira Naenna, Melanie Forbes-Harper.
The Prem A team boys won 25-14, 25-23, 15-6, and in an
exhibition match against the NIS A team, Prem’s B boys were able to pull
out a 26-24 victory.
This is only the second year Prem volleyball has competed
at the A level, and both the boys and girls’ teams show a lot of promise.
Janet Powell, coach of the girls A team and head of athletics at Prem,
pointed out that all of the games the girls have played have been extremely
competitive and the A team has only lost on match points in the last two
games. For such a young team, Prem is showing the Chiang Mai Athletic
Conference (CMAC) that it is a serious contender.
This month, Prem Volleyball will compete in the CMAC
tournament at Chiangmai International School. The girls’ games will take
place Sept. 29th and the boys will play on the 30th.
Chiang Mai Pool League Round Up
Despite a bye, O’Malley’s stays on top
Dave Lister
With the kind help of Rock Hard, December, Outback and No Name Bars and Good
Morning Chiang Mai News
In a bizarre sequence of events, O’Malley’s managed
to stay perched precariously on top of the league this week, despite not
even playing. It had seemed inevitable that they would be displaced by the
efforts of either Rock Hard, at home to their weaker B-team, Rock Harder, or
No Name Cafe, whose recent impressive surge seemed unlikely to be halted by
December’s inconsistent form. However, like any of the world’s great
competitions, the Chiang Mai Pool League is far from predictable, and so it
proved.
Many had expected a lot of the fixtures to go the same
way as the US Open and get postponed due to the torrential downpour that
flooded the town’s streets on Friday. Ironically, the only match to be
postponed was the crucial Rock Hard derby, with the Rock Harder side unable
to make the lengthy trip from one end of the bar to the other to tackle
their high flying opponents. As we went to press it was still uncertain when
the fixture would be rescheduled to or whether it was indeed possible for
the two sides ever to be seen in the same place at the same time. Only time
and the mystical Jo will tell.
December Bar 7 – 2 No
Name Cafe
With Rock Hard out of action it was up to No Name Cafe to
attempt to wrestle away O’Malley’s mantle of league leaders. At 9 p.m.,
the December Bar team were bright and optimistic. The upcoming winning kids
on the block, No Name Cafe, fresh from their famous victory over the league
leaders, had not arrived! The home side considered that their only chance of
victory was a rain induced no show by the visitors. At 9.01 p.m., however,
December’s hearts sank like a badly placed white as captain Frank and his
merry men marched in, lusting for December’s blood! Prayers for a No Name
no-show had not been answered.
With no fewer than four of their own regulars missing,
December were fearing a brutal hiding as Shaun opened against Neil. The
former Man of the Match, however, pulled it off again putting the No Name
player to shame. Next up was next door’s waiter, Khun Dang ‘Fantastic’
who beat Steve, an acquisition from Half Moon. Then December threw in their
latest discovery, Khun Aye, who put in an impressive debut by beating
‘Machine Gun’ Garry. Undoubtedly, the performance of the night came from
the frightening but lovely Sa beating Chris on the black. Considering she
started work with all seven balls on the table after Chris had missed his
chance on the black, she was the only choice for Wo-Man of the Match! In a
blurry instant she had recovered from a possible seven-balling to a classy
victory.
Any shades of over confidence by No Name were now well
and truly dissolved in the Carlsberg, which is maybe why Frank rallied to
victory against David No 1 (“he’s too gentle”) and noisy Paul totally
out-classed David number two to prevent a walk-over and raise the
visitors’ hopes.
At 4-2, the visitors were now left needing all three
doubles games to claim victory and top the league. Unfortunately for
Frank’s boys it was not to be. The all-Thai duo of Dang and Sa didn’t
give Steve and Chris a chance in the first doubles and the No Name pairings
fell like skittles in the remaining games. Having been so hell bent on a
crucial victory, No Name lost heart as it slipped so quickly from their
grasp. December had claimed their best ever victory at 7-2. What a great,
sporting match, just the way it should be, and what a shame December’s
manager Graham couldn’t stand ‘em all a round. Being back in Oz was no
excuse, mate!
(Wo)man of the Match – Sa – Back from seven balls
down, she’s impossible to write off.
For the rest of the league’s results, please turn to
page 30.
Results 12-Sep
Home To Roost 6-3 Viking Bar
Blue Sky 4-5 Out Back
O’Malley’s Bye
December Bar 7-2 No Name Cafe
Rock Harder Post Rock Hard
41 Rajabhat Institutes plan their final inter-institute games
December 21-27 at Chiang Mai 700 year anniversary sports complex.
Pichitpon Tongtuek
There are 41 Rajabhat Institutes in Thailand, covering
every region. These forthcoming Games will be the final competitions for
them in this format as next year all Rajabhat will be under the supervision
of the Ministry of University Affairs and the athletes will compete in the
University Games.
The Wiang Ping Games are aimed at increasing good
understanding, harmony and the sporting abilities of the students who study
in all the Rajabhat Institutes. This year, Chiang Mai will be the host of
the 14th and final games with Friendships and Relationships as their theme.
The Games logo is “the pitcher”, the ceramic water
jug of the northern people. The mascot is “Chon Cha Nak”, the name of
the Naga serpent and was chosen because of most Lanna people believe that
Naga brings happiness and the peace and is beautiful in shape and movement.
The Wiang Ping Games covers many sports, including
football, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, lawn tennis, badminton,
swimming, sepak trakraw, tae kwan do, judo, Thai chess, petanque, amateur
Thai boxing, handball, footsol, snooker, cycling, weight lifting, beach
volleyball cheerleader contests, and step dancing contests. There will be
something for everyone!
The
Games logo is “the pitcher”
The
mascot is “Chon Cha Nak”
Chiang Mai
HHH Corner - “On On!”
CH3, the oldest hash club (males) in Chiang Mai is picked
up from the “ONON” pub (Moon Mueng Soi 1) at 16.00 once every 2 weeks.
Pick up can be arranged from Fish and Chips shop as well.
CSH3 is a mixed Saturday hash which is picked up from the
H3 Pub on Moon Mueng Road every Saturday at 15.30. Pick up can be arranged
from Fish and Chips shop as well.
CUMH3 is a male hash which runs from the “ONON” Pub
every consecutive (from CH3) Tuesday. Pick up is at 16.00.
BH3 is a female hash (Harriettes) that runs once a month
on the last Sunday of the month.
All information either from Fish and Chips, H3 or
“ONON” Pub. Or look at the websites at: http://www.thai-american.com/hhh/
It’s great fun and you surely get value for your money
plus you get to meet all the long-time expats here!
Cycling around Chiang Mai with Don Lee:
Biking Up Doi Suthep - Doi Pui
This begins a series of articles describing cycling
routes - roads and mountain biking trails in the Chiang Mai area. Reference
will be made to the excellent new book: Fun & Genuine Mountain Bicycling
- Biking on Your Own by M.L. Chititewan Pete Devakul. This book contains
trail descriptions, maps and GPS (global positioning satellite/system)
coordinates for biking the Doi Suthep - Doi Pui National Park and the
highway that circles the park. The book, as well as GPS equipment, bikes,
parts and repairs, are available at Top Gear Bike Shop (at the bend in the
middle of Chang Moi Road, near Soi 2).
Directions to the base of
the
mountain
From the NW corner of the old city moat - take Huay Kaew
Road westbound. Pass Kad Suan Kaew (Central Dept Store Mall) and the CM
Orchid Hotel, continue west on Huay Kaew Rd past Amari Rincome Hotel on the
left (at the corner of Nimmanhaemin Rd/Super Hwy). Continue past the Canal
Road (pass Dunkin Donuts on the left). Another 500 meters and you’ll be
passing the Chiang Mai University north entrance gate. Another kilometer
along the same road is the Zoo entrance on the left. Then the road curves to
the right and starts up the hill.
Biking up Doi Suthep to
Phu Ping Palace
(11 to 16 km)
This road is all smoothly paved highway (OK for road
bikes as well as mountain bikes). It’s a long ride up, but not too steep
and it flattens out often enough to give you a break. There are many rest
stops, temples, waterfalls and side trails along the way. Of particular
interest is Monthathan Falls, fee entrance on the right about 3 km above the
zoo, and the View Point on the left at about 6 km up. Just beyond Wat
Phrathat Doi Suthep there is a National Park Headquarters on the right, with
hiking trails starting from the back of this complex.
 This
road is all smooth paved highway. It’s a long ride up, but not too steep
and it flattens out often enough to give you a break. There are many rest
stops, temples, waterfalls and side trails along the way. Of particular
interest is Monthathan Falls on the right about 3 km above the zoo, and the
view point on the left at about 6 km up.
From the zoo entrance at the bottom of the hill, to the
base of the steps of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is 11 km, one hour if you’re
in good shape and pushing it (some riders do it in less). One and a quarter
to two hours with rest stops is standard. At the temple parking area there
are many shops to buy water, drinks, food and souvenirs.
The ride up this far is enough for most people. Many
local riders do it regularly for exercise. If you are going to turn around
and ride down, it’s a fast road. Be sure your bike and especially the
tires and brakes are in good condition. A helmet is highly advisable. Be
aware of uphill-bound vehicles crossing into your lane while passing. If
you’re not sure about your bike, pay for a songtaew ride down.
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep to Phu Ping Palace is 5 km (30 to
45 minutes) to the tourist entry gate and shops. It’s the same kind of
road and grade as before, but less traffic, denser forest and cooler,
cleaner air. In the rainy season be prepared, in the cooler season you may
want a jacket.
The ride above is described and mapped as Route 4 in Pete
Devakul’s book, Fun & Genuine Mountain Biking - Biking on Your Own.
Next week we take you further up Doi Pui to the summit
and the off road trails.
Swimming pools and swimming lessons in Chiang Mai
700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Sports Complex (Sanam Jet Roi Pee)
Don Lee
This is a modern sports complex, built for the 1995 SEA
Games and named to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the founding of
Chiang Mai. Sanam jet roi pee (for local drivers) is located at the base of
the mountains on the west side of the irrigation canal road, 4 kilometers
north of Huay Kaew Road. This is a multiple stadium sports event complex and
community sports and exercise facility operated by the Sports Authority of
Thailand.
 Swimming
lessons are available on Saturdays and Sundays. Classes commence the 1st
Saturday of each month. Instruction is provided by young Thai physical
education graduates.
The swimming pool is a 50-meter, 8 lane Olympic pool.
There is an adjacent diving pool with springboards and platforms. The pool
water is clean, clear and well maintained. There are toilets, showers and
changing booths. The shallowest part (each end) is over one meter deep, so
it’s not the best choice of a pool for very small children or
non-swimmers.
The pool is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. It’s inconveniently closed from
noon to 2 p.m. Tue-Sat and noon to 1:30 on Sunday. It’s also closed
Mondays and sometimes for holidays and events.
Entrance fee is 40 baht for adult non-members, 20 baht
for members. Children (through high school or 20 years old) are 1/2 the
adult fee.
Distance swimmers note that there are no designated times
or lanes for lap swimming, avoid late afternoons and evenings when it is
most crowded, but from opening through mid-day, especially non-holiday
weekdays, there are few people using the pool.
Swimming lessons are available on Saturdays and Sundays.
There are four, two-hour time slots on those days. You can book lessons from
8 a.m. - 10 a.m., 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., and 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
The cost is 1300 baht for one student for 8 sessions, a total of 16 hours of
instruction. The fee decreases for each student, up to 4 maximum enrolled in
the same group. There is also a 10 baht entry fee for each student each day.
Classes commence the 1st Saturday of each month. Instruction is provided by
young Thai physical education graduates, according to a standardized
teaching program.
The Chiang Mai Sports Complex has membership available.
It’s 500 baht per year individual or 1000 baht for family membership (up
to 5 persons). There are also special student and group rates. Apply at the
pool entrance desk. You need 2 photos (1") and ID. Membership allows
you discounted entry to most of the paid activities. They have a website:
www.cmsports700.com, the membership information is in English but most of
the site is in Thai.
Chiang Mai Pool League Roundup
The rest of the story...
Dave Lister
With the kind help of Rock Hard, December, Outback and No Name Bars and Good
Morning Chiang Mai News
Blue Sky 4 - 5
Outback
After losing last week’s “battle of the minnows” to
Home to Roost, Outback were desperate for an away victory against fellow
strugglers, Blue Sky. The atmosphere was electric as the string-vested Tung
broke off proceedings against Outback’s Nick. Both teams were seemingly
leading with their big guns but the Blue Sky table, with a level surface and
small pockets did not lend itself to Nick’s lightening game.
However, the visiting captain astutely slowed his game
down and, thanks to a lucky last stripe he came out victorious in a tense
opening game.
Next Outback threw in Chard for his Outback debut. The
ever-dependable Julian had got lost in the rainstorm, meaning Outback were
having to bring in reserves. Poker faced Francois five balled the nervous
newcomer. Then Rob, who claimed he hadn’t won a game on the table, despite
practising all day, hurtled into a comfortable lead over Graham. Despite the
visitor’s admirable efforts of a comeback, Rob potted the black from a
snooker to give the hosts the lead.
Paul, now on ten in a row (singles and doubles), who had
earlier questioned Nick’s decision to sand down the team queue, played a
thoughtful game to level proceedings.
Then in a close nervy game, Dave, reinstated to the
Outback side despite being a no-show the previous week, managed to finally
sink the black on his fifth attempt.
Noi, the match’s sole female presence, despite a
largely feminine audience, then lost the last of the singles games to a
shocked Kong. Noi looked like she was cruising for victory as Nong’s
hard-hitting game failed to reap dividends but the home crowd roared in
dismay as the white followed her black into the pocket.
This left Outback needing only one doubles match from
three to secure their first victory since the opening day of the season.
Would they crack under the pressure of being so close to the finish line?
Kong and Chard couldn’t claim the victory as the
experience of Francoise and Tung closed the score to 3-4. Tonight Nick had
the bit between his teeth though, and knocked down five stripes on his first
visit. Rob and Jan tried a safety game in playing catch up but after a drawn
out game of misses and fouls, the visitors sunk the black.
It had been so long and the relief of a long-awaited
victory resulted in jubilant celebrations. The final game, rendered
relatively meaningless, was an anti-climax with Dave and Graham feebly going
down to Bam and Noi.
Outback are still bottom but have broken their long
running duck just in time to face the league leaders next week, but in this
game, anything is possible.
Home to Roost 6 - 3 Viking
Bar
With Outback surging to victory across town, Home to
Roost had to win this home game in order to make sure they didn’t drop to
the bottom of the league. They made it an impressive two wins in a row,
however, with this victory over the Viking Bar who are now losing ground on
the league leaders. Home to Roost remain level on games won with Outback but
have one more match victory to their name.
So all in all it was a strange week of upsets and
postponements, giving the league table a tighter look this week. It remains
to be seen whether the current underdogs of the league can continue their
recent improvements. Make your way to one of next week’s matches to find
out. Who knows, with so many teams having depleted squads, you might even
get a game!
(For other pool league results and league table, please
see back page this week.)
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