2013. 7's Daily Reports

Kata International Cricket 7's 2013

Daily Reports

Wolfpack hunt down the Phuket Cricket Group to lift the Cup

Finals Day Wrap - Thursday 11th April 2013

The Western Australian outfit led by Will Badger deservedly lifted the cup yesterday afternoon at the majestic Alan Cooke Ground, after overcoming the local based side in the final.

The PCG had earlier defeated both Wolfpack and the CBB’s in two exhilarating finishes, but they had no answer to the batting of Player of the Final and Player of the Tournament Jack Joy who retired on 30, and then Scott Maitland who closed the game out with two enormous hits as they chased down 59 in the final showdown. Syed Hussein had earlier retired in his sides knock.

The Bowl remained on the paradise island of Phuket as the local Dabangg Boyz overcame the Galah CC of NSW after they posted just 41 after some economical bowling. The Boyz won with just four balls to spare thanks to a fine innings from Sameer Khan who was crowned Player of the Final.

There was plenty of other fine play on show throughout the day, as well as many fine moments that highlighted the fun side of an ACST event. Play had gone ahead an hour earlier owing to the previous days rain, but thankfully the cricketing weather God’s were looking down on the ACG for Finals Day.

The Player of the Day cap awards went to Jeremy Smith of the ACST side who took 2 for 6 in one over and to Neil Quail of the PCG for a fine all round performance. ACST Chairman Michael ‘Cat’ Maher awarded the coveted Spirit of Cricket Award to Garry Rowe of the Galah’s for his brilliant attitude both on and off the pitch, which was typified when he donated his playing kit to Pao, a local youngster and guest player.

In closing Mr Maher said “How special it has been to play cricket in Phuket at a world class venue,” as well as thanking the Kata Group and all the other sponsors, and officials who made the tournament possible, before the friendly after play party got under way as the Wolfpack deservedly enjoyed their victory.

Woolfpack lead the way on a rain affected Day One at the ACG

Day One Wrap - Tuesday 9th April 2013

Play got under way on a glorious Wednesday morning at the second running of the ACST’s Kata Group International Cricket 7’s at the Alan Cooke Cricket Ground on the paradise island of Phuket. Teams flocked from Australasia and Asia to join the local entries, to play in matches consisting of matches of five overs per side.

Tournament Director Brad Tarr paid tribute to the facilities on offer. “The ACST are greatly indebted to Alan Cooke for allowing the use of such a magnificent venue and to the Phuket Cricket Group for their huge assistance in staging the event.” The ground, which has recently hosted the MCC and Singapore CC looked in perfect condition, and the teams made use of the excellent playing surface with some scintillating play.

The Wolfpack from Perth looked to put in the early running with a fine total of 81 against the PCG, who in turn replied with a brave 72, as Jack Joy and Scott Smith scored the runs to secure victory. Andrew McMillan’s 23 runs for the PCG were not quite enough.

Galah’s CC of NSW defeated the ACST by restricting their opponents to 48 from 5 overs before David Newham and guest local youngster Pao led the Goulburn side to victory despite Jeremy Smith taking 2 for 6 in his over.

The CBB’s chased down the 43 made by the local Dabanng Boyz with Stuey Kaschula opening the reply with a huge six into the lake at the bowlers end.

The Wolfpack looked well on their way to victory with some lusty blows flying out of the sumptuous venue from the leaky ACST bowling. Scott Maitland was forced to retire on 35, which was probably as well for the panic stricken attack. In the paired match The Galah’s scraped together 46 as Tim Christie bagged two wickets against the CBBs.

Unfortunately, the weather took a turn for the worse, with the arena being hit by heavy rain, leading to an early conclusion to the days play. As a consequence, the action will begin an hour earlier at 10.30am tomorrow.

After enjoying superb hospitality last night at O’Tools of Karon, the players headed to an evening function at the Australia Bar and Grill in Kata to continue making friendships through cricket after play.