SIAM CC - 20/20 CHAMPIONS!!
Greetings Parrots
Yep, it's time to cue the vastly over-used Freddie Mercury ditty (not the
-"Mama, just killed a man, put a gun against his head..." one - the other
one) because as of last Sunday, the Parrots' long awaited date with destiny
arrived in spectacular fashion.
We won the Guinness 20/20 Cricket Tournament Cup Final by 2 wickets and have
a brand new "Ming Dynasty" Cup proudly sitting in the Trophy cabinet of the
Green Parrot Bar and Grill
Losing the toss and bowling first with another sodden outfield the Siam CC
fellas didn't have it all their own way, coming back from a mid order flurry
to dismiss the 'Chicha Boys XI" in the 20th over for 142 runs. Slatts and
Vicky opened up admirably as always with Slatts claiming another wicket to
give him four match figures of 11 overs 7 wickets for 16 runs spanning the
entire tournament. Deano, Nick and JD picked up vital wickets during the
middle and DC and Gurpreet halted the run rate and eventually scuttled the
last five batsmen as the Parrots finished strongly.
In a classic sporting tale, the bane of the Parrots existence to date - our
catching - was simply superb. The Prez took two catches on the boundary with
consummate ease, Strunky held onto another running catch that surprised
everyone at the ground except for us Parrots who are aware that he catches
as well or better than anyone around, Slatts took a screamer at deep mid off
whilst evading ankle deep water and a diving Deano and Vicky and Gurpreet
each took comfortable grabs along the way.
143 to win - the largest total we've faced thus far
Nick and the Prez opened up and ran well between the wickets before Nick
missed the ball and was out caught behind. The Prez whacked a couple before
being caught - 2 for 18. Kiwi and Raja then set about running frantically
between the wickets and timing some good shots on their way to a splendid
100 run partnership before Kiwi holed out for 60 and Raja followed soon
after run out for 38 in the 16th over with 30 odd needed for victory. DC,
Deano, Slatts and Gurpreet each put on a few as the Parrots began to look a
little shaky and the lads in the pavilion kept asking the score every 20
seconds, as one does in a nail biter. 8 down with half a dozen or so to get
in the last over and everyone feeling the pressure except for Strunky and
Vicky who calmly brought home the silverware with a couple of balls to
spare.
Kiwi picked up the Man of the Match prize and the Ming Dynasty Cup was
presented to the team who duly filled it with booze (it was deemed too
"priceless" to drink slammers from), got out the vodka, smiled a lot, patted
each other on the back a lot and headed back to the Green Parrot to present
our winnings to Dik, who promptly rearranged the cabinet wherein lies our
first Championship Cup!
Special mention must be made to the Southerners Cricket team who stayed
behind and cheered the Parrots to victory. Very entertaining and humorous,
(even a little naughty) - Much appreciated.
Speaking of Southerners, this 20/20 tournament was the brain child of
Southerners President Vaughan McClear, who organised everything seamlessly
and raised a lot of money for junior cricket in Thailand. Thanks Vaughany
and your assistants.
Overall an excellent four match tournament in which all Parrots contributed
on and off the pitch, the kids got some much needed funds, the fellas played
some quality cricket, had many laughs along the way and now we have a cup to
defend as well!
Great effort from all of the players and supporters - Khob khun mak krap
(thank you very much).
Cheers
Kiwi
