Thailand Juniors finish on a high

Under 19 in Elite Cup in Malaysia

Bunchuai was the opening batsman / wicket-keeper and Nikom opened the bowling - both hill tribe boys who are part of the hill tribe program.

Richard Lockwood
The Thailand Under-19 team has just returned from Malaysia after taking part in the ACC Under-19 Elite Cup. The boys learnt some harsh lessons as they discovered the great strength of junior cricket in countries across Asia but they showed great heart and determination in winning their last match by defeating Qatar by 34 runs to finish in ninth place.
The four matches Thailand played in the group stages were all against stiff opposition with strong league set-ups in their countries and more opportunity for playing 50-over matches.
Thailand competed well for much of their opening match against Hong Kong as their opponents made 250 for 5, the batsmen also struggled in the next match against Saudi Arabia as Thailand were bowled out for 53, 13-year-old Sufi Wani top-scoring with 11 but at least Nikom Mayer and Vishnu Ramesh claimed two wickets apiece as Saudi Arabia lost four wickets before gaining victory.
Thailand’s task grew ever more difficult as their next two matches came against Afghanistan and United Arab Emirates who have both qualified for the next Under-19 World Cup and are countries where the best junior cricketers get the chance to play in first-class cricket.
Afghanistan posted a total of 421 for seven in 50 overs and dismissed Thailand for just 26 to record victory by 395 runs, and next day UAE made 346 for 9 and bowled out Thailand for 67 to win by 279 runs as the Thai boys endured two very dark days.
It is to their great credit that after finishing bottom of their group and suffering relegation to the ACC Challenge that the boys picked themselves up, enjoyed two days without playing, and gave their best efforts in their final match against Qatar who had also struggled to make an impact in the competition.
Thailand’s total of 123 was their highest of the competition and gave them a chance of a morale-boosting victory. Nikom Mayer took a wicket in the first over of Qatar’s innings but it was the spinners who won the match for Thailand.
Seven of the Thailand juniors came from Chiang Mai and others came from Bangkok and Khon Kaen and the opportunities for them to play cricket of this high standard are very rare indeed.
Walking around the parks of India and elsewhere in the Sub-Continent, particularly somewhere like Oval Maidan in Mumbai, you see hundreds of children playing cricket each morning with perfect techniques as they have grown up in a cricket culture.
Every Indian child knows who Sachin Tendulkar is but most of the Thai juniors have had much more limited opportunities to learn about and watch cricket. They should be proud of their efforts in Malaysia and use the experience as a stepping stone for their future cricket careers.
 

Thailand International Watercross Grand Prix 2013 in Chiang Rai

Governor Pongsak Wangsamer joins jet ski athlete Nakorn Silachai on the jet ski at the opening ceremony.

Chiang Mai Mail reporters
The 2nd round of the Thailand International Watercross Grand Prix (Jet Ski) opened at Chiang Rai’s Nong Bua Lake at Rajabhat University on May 11 with Chiang Rai Governor Pongsak Wangsamer presiding over the grand opening. Other attendees included Sanit Worrapanya, President of the Jet Ski Association of Thailand, and Salakjit Tiyapairat Chiang Rai PAO President. Chiang Rai is one of the two locations in the four round official tournament.
Governor Pongsak Wangsamer said that the competition gave Chiang Rai people and tourists a chance to see competitive jet skis in action, something rarely seen in watersports in the North. He noted that this second round of the Thailand International Watercross Grand Prix 2013 would not only increase enthusiasm for the sport but also help promote Chiang Rai internationally.

Lanna Tigers top Division 2 table

2 wins in a row

Chiang Mai FC’s Toure Ousmane (right) avoids Uthai Thani Forest on May 4 at 700 years stadium to win the game 2-1.

Nopniwat Krailerg
Chiang Mai FC is in top form after two wins propelled them to the top of the AIS Regional Football League 2013 North Zone Division 2 table as the team continues their charge to qualify for Division 1 at the end of the season.
Their first win was at home against Uthai Thani Forest on May 4 at the 700 Year Stadium where they beat the visitors 2-1. Toure Ousmane Kader kicked the game off in high gear with the Tiger’s first goal in the 2nd minute of the match and then Chathchai Nakwichit followed with the team’s second goal in the 45th minute. Uthai Thani managed to score one goal but couldn’t manage to equalize the match.
The Tigers beat Khamphaeng Phet FC on their home ground with a decisive 3-1 win which pushed Chiang Mai FC to the top of the table with 28 points. Phitsanulok TSY FC follows closely with 27 points. The Tigers played number 4 Lampang FC on the 18th at home.

Pool League results

Chiang Mai Pool League results for the first week of the new season, the week ending May 10. There is room for one more team in Division 3. Interested people please contact denisdixon008@gmail.com, facebook; chiangmaipoolleague, or phone 087 579 3301 to get more details.

Thailand Juniors finish on a high

Thailand International Watercross Grand Prix 2013 in Chiang Rai

Lanna Tigers top Division 2 table

Pool League results