View from the Perch
Issue Three - 4th October 2005
Greetings fellow Parrots
October brings down the curtain on the first season of existence for the
Siam Cricket Club. An excellent first year for our fledgling (thankfully the
last time I use this pun) club and one that has seen us lay the foundations
for many more sixes, fours, wickets, vodkas and a few laughs thrown in for
good measure.
20/20 Tournament
While the rains have prevented us from playing too much cricket of late, in
June The Parrots competed in the first Southerners Guinness 20/20 tournament
held over 4 weekends. We grabbed a couple of trophies for our burgeoning
trophy cabinet (resists the urge to compare with Aus trophy cabinet) at The
Green Parrot Bar and Grill, but more importantly, we blooded a number of new
players and overall it was a very enjoyable comp.
Special mention must be made for our second ever Parrot century. Fittingly
el Prez - Gary Chatfield - smashed 100 off about 15 overs demonstrating pure
brute force shrouded with elegance in such a manner that only the Prez can
display! Great to watch.
Vs Tigers at Hua Hin
During July we played the Thailand Tigers Aussie Rules Football Club at the
Dusit Resort in Hua Hin. A fantastic weekend with about 28 players and
families enjoying all the trimmings of the Dusit and a hard fought social
match that saw the Tigers just pip their highly vaunted opponents in the
last over and hence, take possession of "The Bat". A top weekend (to be
repeated) and a great platform to launch a long friendship between the two
clubs.
Penang Sixes
In September, five of our Parrots travelled to Penang, Malaysia, to take
part in the Penang Sports Club International Sixes Tournament. I'm pleased
to report that while not faring too well on the pitch the Parrots were
always the last to leave every function and were ever vigilant ensuring no
alcohol was left behind or left unopened. It is this attention to detail
that forms the glue that binds this great club. Congratulations to DC,
Sledge, The Prez, Nick, Slatts and of course, the lovely Tip.
Parrot Prize giving
August saw the club host our first Parrot Prize giving with a BBQ, pool
party and celebration at Tony "who's got the ashes?" Slatter's place.
Prize-winners for 2004/05
Batting Aggregate: Justin Barret (317 runs)
Ru : Richard Bowater (312)
Bowling Aggregate: Tony Slatter (16 wickets)
Ru : Dave Currie (13)
Batting Average : Steve Penney (159 runs)
Ru : Justin Barret (45.29)
Bowling Average: Tony Slatter (19.38)
Ru : Dave Currie (24.77)
Player Of the Year (3,2, 1 voting system) : Justin Barret (10 points)
Ru : Tony Slatter (7)
Parrot of the Year (player that best embodies the SCC ethos and spirit): Jon
Danby
Parakeet of the Year (Female equivalent of above) : Nutchie (Tony Tree and
Pim's daughter)
Presidents Award (services to SCC) : Liam Hammer
Galah Award (for services to SCC humour): Dave Currie
Fielding Award: no award this year as everyone was shit!
Congratulations to all winners and on behalf of all players we thank you for
setting such high standards and look forward to surpassing your achievements
this season.
NB. The above does not apply to Dave's Galah award. It'd take an horrendous
effort to surpass your benchmark mate!
AGM
The AGM was held in August at The Green Parrot Bar and Grill where the
President delivered a very positive report outlining our Colonels Cup
success, Plate victory in the 20/20 comp, the highly enjoyable Tigers game
in Hua Hin, Justin's first Parrot century, donations and support from the
club to junior cricket development in Khon Kaen, contributions from our
excellent sponsorsand an _expression of thanks and gratitude to all members
for their support and contributions to the Siam cricket Club.
Committee Appointments:
President : Gary Chatfield
Secretary : Richard Bowater
Treasurer ; Liam Hammer
Tours : Tony Tree
Sponsorship: Nick Chomonter
Chiang Mai Rep: Jon Danby
Statistician : Wendy Wimbush (aka Dave Currie)
Playing Captain: Richard Bowater
Members
We currently have 65 members comprising 19 playing members, 44 social
members and 2 Honorary Members (our Patron, Dave Dufall and Roger Crutchley).
Same old story, the more the merrier, if you know anyone who is interested
in Cricket in the Kingdom - please pass on our contact details.
Upcoming Events
Bangkok Rugby Sevens: On behalf of our club Patron, Dave Dufall, I'd like to
remind you all about the Bangkok Sevens Rugby Tournament to be held on the
weekend of October 28 - 30. A popular event in it's 11th season featuring
teams from all over the world and a good day of rugby, food, friendship and
a few cold beers thrown in for extra comfort.
http://www.bangkoksevens.com
On a cricket front we will be embarking on our first overseas tour to the
beautiful democracy that is Myanmar. We have made contact with some expats
in Yangon and Tony Tree is currently finalising details for our match on
November 12. Anybody interested in becoming a "Parrot Pioneer" on what will
surely be a memorable trip - please let me know.
Also in the pipeline...
- Fixture versus the Bangkok Bangers Golden Oldies Rugby Club,
- A return to Khon Kaen to add to our efforts at developing junior cricket
for those delightful wee fellas (and fellases) we met last January,
- Traditional Intra-club match with our Chiang Mai mates,
- Special invitation matches against the Royal Bangkok Sports Club
- Rematch with those sneaky Tigers who currently have possession of "The
Bat"
- The Thailand Cricket league will be starting again in November I'll let
you know more details soon,
- A friendly 20 or 30 over game with Southerners in order to send off Thommo
back to Oz on October 15.
- and a few more cunning plans...
Farewell but not goodbye...
Unfortunately we will be without the services of our line and length lefty
for league games this season. Dave has agreed to help the RBSC with their
cricket section this year. Thailand cricket depends greatly on support from
the RBSC for grounds and facilities and it is with a mind to strengthening
cricket in Thailand that led to Dave making this tough decision. He is, and
always will be, an integral member of the Parrots and will continue to play
non league games. We wish Dave all the best in the league and myself and all
our batsmen look forward to facing a few of his "nude" balls this season.
Sponsors:
Green Parrot Bar and Grill
Global Turf Consulting
Big Chilli Magazine
Thanks to all Sponsors for your support and we hope our partnerships can
continue:
Special Mention to Steve Hatherell, Proprietor of Fanny's, Moonshine Joint,
Jungle Jim's and Toy Bar for his unfaltering support and generously offering
SCC members and cardholders discounts in Soi Cowboy.
Finally, I'd like to thank all members of the Siam Cricket Club for your
contributions and interest. We greatly value your input and support and hope
we can continue on together in the future.
New memberships will be available from November and (as always) if you have
any questions, concerns or suggestions, please let me know.
Cheers
Bye for now
Kiwi Richard
PS. I found this one quite amusing...
Donald Rumsfeld is giving President George Bush his daily briefing.
Rumsfeld concludes by saying: "...
and yesterday, 3 Brazilian soldiers were killed in an accident".
"OH NO!" the President exclaims. "That's terrible!"
The President buries his face in his hands.
His staff sits stunned at this display of emotion, nervously
watching as the president sits, head in hands.
Finally, the President looks up and asks..........
''How many is a Brazillion ??!'
