The Asian Cricket Sixes Tour (ACST) 11th Annual Phuket International Cricket Week 2014 is again partnering with Kata Group Resorts Thailand and the Republic Phuket Football Ground to present the “Fun In The Fun” cricket events.
ACST Chairman Michael Maher said last year’s winning teams in the Kata Group International Cricket 7s and Phuket International Cricket Sixes - Wolfpack and wmfb - had returned this year to defend their titles.
“The new re-laid surface of the pitch and upgraded Republic Phuket Football Ground will mean that teams and spectators will see some quality cricket,” Mr Maher said.
“Team members, including Australian Indoor Cricket Team member Will Badger, have said they are looking forward to a high standard of play this year.”
Khun Pramookpisitt Achariyachai, President of the Kata Group Resorts Thailand and Phuket Football Club said the Group was pleased the ACST’s “Fun In The Fun” cricket events would be amongst the first to enjoy the upgraded ground and new facilities.
“The Kata Group Resorts Thailand has a proud five-year partnership with the ACST and the Annual Phuket International Cricket Week,” Khun Pramookpisitt said.
“We are particularly pleased to see some young local players who are funded by the ACST and supporters join Phuket Cricket Club teams.
“The Kata GroupResorts Thailand and the Republic Phuket Football Groundshare the philosophy of support and development of local children and young people through sport – in our case through football.
“We are also proud to be a leader in supporting sport in Phuket through The Kings Cup Sailing, Beach Volleyball, Rugby, Indoor Soccer and of course the Phuket Football Club.”
The Republic Phuket Football Ground, which is owned by the entertainment media creator Republic Phuket, is managed by Mr Pariyawit Achariyachai, a son of Khun Pramookpisitt.
“My team has been working with the ACST to ensure the pitch and the ground are in the best condition to provide teams and spectators with some great cricket,” Khun Pariyawit said.
“Our people have also been working hard to provide a quality off-field facilities for all.”
Mr Maher also thanked long-term supporter of the event, Australian-based Asia Escape Holidays (AEH) and the Phuket Cricket Group for their ongoing contribution to the development of cricket in Phuket.
He said people interested in watching or learning about cricket were invited to the tournaments. Entry is free and refreshments were sold at the ground.
The upset of the first day's action was the Galah Cricket Club defeating last year’s Kata Group International Cricket 7s winners Wolfpack, captained by Australian Indoor Cricket Team champion Will Badger, by 15 runs.
Steve Hancox made up for the loss in the Wolfpack’s next game against the Galahs by claiming three wickets with only three runs scored from his over.
In this game he claimed the wicket of the ACST’s and CBB team member Michael Maher for a golden duck.
The Galah Cricket Club continued their winning streak throughout the day’s play, with David Newham showing great form with the bat.
Later the Rowdies, who are made up of Qatar and Emirates airlines employees, dominated in their match against the CBBs. Dhiraj produced a fantastic innings where he scored 32 runs before retiring.
Will Badger, who has also played A-Grade outdoor cricket for 20 years, said the new field was fantastic to play on.
“I love it,” Mr Badger said.
“The surface is very level and the outfield is playing better than many of the grounds I have played on.”
The ACST’s curator Mr Dixie Joy said the cricket ground had been laid with world class grass and was a beautiful surface for players.
“All the best sports grounds in the world use this grass,” he said.
For information about the tournaments: www.cricketsixes.com and www.phuketsixes.com or e-mail mmaher.padmir@bigpond.com
About Kata Group Resorts Thailand
Kata Group Resorts Thailand has a 32-year reputation for offering high-quality, affordable resort destinations and the world-famous Thai holiday experience.
Kata Group Resorts Thailand currently owns and operates six resorts in Thailand: Kata Beach Resort & Spa, Phuket; Beyond Resort Karon, Phuket; Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa, Phuket; Kandaburi Resort & Spa, Koh Samui; Beyond Resort Khaolak, Phang Nga and Beyond Resort Krabi in Krabi. For more information please visit www.katagroup.com