A year to the day that one Chiang Mai boy represented
Thailand in the Tuanka Ja’afar U13 Tournament between Malaysia, Hong Kong
and Singapore, this time there were seven Chiang Mai boys, four Khon Khaen
boys and 5 Bangkok boys representing Thailand in the tournament.
Thailand’s
side receive their winning ‘plate’ in the tournament.
Last year the Thailand side was bowled out for 23, 53 and
102 in their games and the opposition were thinking the same might happen
this year. What a difference a year makes!
With all the hard work that has been achieved in the
provinces, a team was molded to take on the might and power of the visiting
opponents. These teams had their managers, coaches, dieticians, and
physiotherapists, and they had been touring other countries prior to the
tournament. It is a credit to the boys of Thailand that, with very little
resources and facilities, they managed to perform with such passion.
The first game Thailand played against Singapore was the
first time Thailand had put together a side consisting of all Thai
nationals. Although they lost, Thailand were not bowled out and reached 99
for 7 in 30 overs. Singapore reached their target in the overs to win the
first game.
This was followed by a fantastic game against one of the
favourites, Hong Kong, who scored 143 for 7, the Thailand side made a brave
effort in scoring 128 for 7 in reply.
Against the favourites Malaysia, Thailand scored 118 for
8 losing to Malaysia’s 121 for 5.
The Plate final was for 3rd and 4th position between
Singapore and Thailand.
Singapore batted first and scored, what was thought, an
unbeatable target in 25 overs. Throughout this tournament, the Thai side had
shown some fight, and it was never more apparent than in this game. The
opening batsmen, Nattinan and Arnab went about attacking the Singapore
bowlers, to which it has to be said, Arnab hit and Natinan consolidated.
After 8 overs Thailand were 75 for no wickets and the
crowd were beside themselves with joy and encouragement. Arnab played the
innings of his life, hitting two of the biggest 6’s on the ground! Both
the openers set up the most improbable victory seen in Thailand.
When Arnab went out, followed quickly by two quick
wickets, it was left to Anshu Tewarni, who had previously scored 50 against
Hong Kong, and the Thailand Captain, Yotsakorn Chaiprom.
With 27 needed in 4 overs, the winning hit was made by
the captain, a four over cover to win in 23.5 overs. Anshu was 29, which
just showed the immense value he was to the side.
To understand the emotion at the end of the game, you
would have had to be there. The tears of grown men and women when Thailand
achieved the very first international win ever recorded in junior cricket
was something to cherish.
Chiang Mai should be proud of their young players, and
Chiang Mai Schools Cricket Alliance would like to thank all their supporters
and sponsors for helping the boys not only financially, but with moral
support.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and look forward to the
challenges of 2005.
For further information on junior cricket please contact Linda Buck on
thaibucks2003 @loxinfo.co.th
Hill
tribe women pull hard in the tug-of-war.
