2013. Preview & Radio Interview

Preview for Phuket Sixes 2013

Later this week amateur sportsmen from around the globe will arrive for the tenth consecutive year to play against each other and local based sides in Phuket at the game of six a side cricket. The Asian Cricket Sixes Tour (ACST) first brought an event to the island in 2004 and over the years has brought enjoyment to hundreds of players and supporters alike as they live out the cricketing holiday of a lifetime.

The ACST has also raised hundreds of thousands of baht for the development of junior cricket in the area while working alongside the Phuket Cricket Group, through the generosity of those attending the events.

The second tournament was put in severe doubt owing to the tragic tsunami, but the ACST were determined to go ahead and show the world that Phuket really is the place to visit and to assist in the rebuilding of its economy. Through hard work alongside the local authorities, this was achieved; even picking up an ICC award for its endeavours.

The tournament has continued to prosper, even to the point of an additional tournament; The Kata Group International Cricket 7s being introduced. That will be played before the Songkran Bank Holiday before the main event kicks off.

As ever there will be several quality functions surrounding the cricket as well as a separate afternoon’s cricket on the shore of Karon Beach. While there will be some extremely competitive and high class cricket on offer, the main objective of making friendships through cricket will repeatedly come to the fore.

As ever the ACST are most grateful to their many sponsors including the Kata Group and Asia Escape Holidays as well as the people of Phuket, without which the tournament would struggle to continue. Despite several obstacles along the way, the ACST continues to flourish and aims to continue to support cricket in Phuket for many years to come. It would take a brave man to bet against them celebrating their twentieth anniversary on the island.

Here’s to friendships through cricket over the next two weeks!

Listen below to a radio interview on Phuket Radio 91.5 from the lunchtime show on Tuesday 9th April 2013, featuring ACST Chairman Michael 'Cat' Maher and Rob 'Chops' Bernard.

In fond remembrance of former umpire Martin Flynn -

'Hi

I'm Gill Flynn, daughter of Martin Flynn who has umpired at Chiang Mai on occasion. I wanted to let you know the sad news that my Dad was diagnosed with cancer in February and his health declined very rapidly thereafter. He passed away on 15th April at home with all his family present. There was an obituary in the local papers here and on the Carlton Cricket Club website. I know he thoroughly enjoyed umpiring in Thailand and indeed he was umpiring in Scotland only last summer. He was 82.

Best Regards

Gill'

'Dear Gill,

Thanks very much for your e-mail. I am most sad to hear of the passing of Martin, a man who I always got along well with. He was a man with passion for life and for cricket.

I am sure that he will be both missed a lot within Carlton CC and Scottish cricket generally.

All of my very best to you, all the family friends and cricket contacts on behalf of the Asian Cricket Sixes Tour (ACST).

Michael Maher'

 

2013 Phuket International Cricket Sixes to move venue

The ACST 2013 Phuket International Cricket Sixes, to be staged from 18-21 April 2013, has a new venue.

It will be played at the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG), north of Phuket Town and not Karon Stadium as originally intended as the ASCT has been told the venue is no longer available.

The ACG is a world-class venue that has been used for international matches by well-known clubs such as the Marylebone and Singapore Cricket Clubs.

The facilities are excellent and the two-storey pavilion contains changing rooms and showers on the ground floor, plus a restaurant, bar, cable TV, wi-fi and a superb viewing gallery.

The ground’s artificial wicket is of the highest quality and the feedback from the players who are currently competing in the ACST’s Kata Group International Cricket 7s has been positive.

ACST apologies for the change of venue and the additional travelling time that will be required, however can reassure you that you will enjoy the ACG’s beautiful setting and first-class facilities.

We would like to thank Alan Cooke and the Phuket Cricket Group for their valuable assistance in securing this new venue and we look forward to a successful 2013 Phuket International Cricket Sixes competition.

A full briefing will be provided at the captains and officials meeting.