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Welcome to our (revamped)
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So we have finally got around to updating our website after a considerable lay-off; sorry about that; there's certainly been many things happening since we last put fingers to the keyboard. Please take a moment to discover some new bits and perhaps remind yourself of the past stuff too.
This is your very own website for you to enjoy and keep up to date with what the Club is doing. I hope you will find this site useful and your feedback will be welcomed.
Check out the updated Events & Tour News with plenty of things to add to your diary.
Let us know what you think by sending an email to the editor here.
Please also take the time to fill in your Player Profile here.
Thanks, Ian.
This is your very own website for you to enjoy and keep up to date with what the Club is doing. I hope you will find this site useful and your feedback will be welcomed.
Check out the updated Events & Tour News with plenty of things to add to your diary.
Let us know what you think by sending an email to the editor here.
Please also take the time to fill in your Player Profile here.
Thanks, Ian.
Dates for your diary
April
Friday 6-Wednesday 11; Hua Hin Sixes, Thailand
Friday 13; vs HK Teachers XI; Mission Road
Saturday 14; vs KCC Tartars; KCC
Saturday 14; Lamma CC Ball at HKCC
Thursday 19-Monday 23; Phuket 7's, Thailand
Saturday 21; vs Taipans; PKVR
May
Friday 4; vs HKJC at KCC
Saturday 5; KCC Bollywood Ball; KCC
Saturday 19; vs Spartans; PKVR
Further information will be coming to you from your Events Manager nearer the times by our usual communication channels of WhatsApp and TeamSnap.
Friday 6-Wednesday 11; Hua Hin Sixes, Thailand
Friday 13; vs HK Teachers XI; Mission Road
Saturday 14; vs KCC Tartars; KCC
Saturday 14; Lamma CC Ball at HKCC
Thursday 19-Monday 23; Phuket 7's, Thailand
Saturday 21; vs Taipans; PKVR
May
Friday 4; vs HKJC at KCC
Saturday 5; KCC Bollywood Ball; KCC
Saturday 19; vs Spartans; PKVR
Further information will be coming to you from your Events Manager nearer the times by our usual communication channels of WhatsApp and TeamSnap.
Lamma CC Cricketers Ball 2018 - Save the date!
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I expect by now you know that LCC are putting on The Cricketers Ball on 14 April at the Hong Kong Cricket Club.
The Ball Committee of Simon Ward, Royce McDonald, Mads Shankar, Andy Scott and Ian Harling, and ably led by Benny "The Ball" Cooper, are all working hard to make it the great success it has been in past years. The newly refurbished function room at the HKCC can hold 120 people and we are looking to fill it so make sure you come and bring your partners and friends, you won't regret it. To see pics of our earlier Cricketers Balls click on one of the links below: Cricketers Ball 2015 I Cricketers Ball 2014 I Cricketers Ball 2012 I Cricketers Ball 2006 The tickets are $1,500 each and include live entertainment, DJ, a sumptuous menu and open bar until midnight. A coach will be laid on to take the party-goers on to Wanchai and the ferry pier at 12.00mn. You will be able to get tickets from any of the Ball Committee, ExCom or Brad Tarr at The Island Bar. Raffle prizes, cricket auction items, bands, sound systems and DJ's are being looked into and if you think you can help with any of this, then please get in touch with any of the Ball Committee, we'll be most happy to hear from you. |
Thailand - Here we come again!
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Hua Hin Hearkens
LCC are back in action in Thailand to attend the very popular Hua Hin 6's. The Club entry has been made and booking are done for this family oriented trip, staying at the fabulous 5 star Dusit Thani Hotel which - believe it or not - has the cricket pitch on its grounds! We fly out on 4 April and return on 11 April. There's a few slots still available so get in quick on TeamSnap and inform Rob, who is organising this trip. Check out the Dusit here www.dusit.com/dusitthani/huahin/ |
Cricket action in the hotel grounds at the Hua Hin Sixes 2017
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League Team hammers second placed KCC Tartars to continue their fine run, now 8 wins out of 9
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LCC vs KCC Match Report and then some
By Royce McDonald
Oh what a day ... Legendary some might say!
Started with a key cricket match for Lamma vs KCC.
Things happen in 3s, good news/ good things - first one we won the toss, second Najeeb confirmed not playing, third we won.
But the story does not end here, nor should it!
The Game
Nikhil bowled amazing, KCC were not good enough to be able to even edge him, pressure mounted. Vinnie slipped on “corridor “ and struck getting first two wickets. The second to a great Mads slips catch, or should I say juggle.
Next a run out due to our opening pair pressure, direct hit Brenton. Akbar and yours truly added to the pressure to drinks. 3-70 balanced game.
Enter Brenton, first ball sharp caught behind by Boots and from there bang-bang-bang, 7 wickets. Woodsy added pressure so the KCC batsmen attacked and got out. Cashman amazing job telling all.
Batting, we lost two quick wickets, enter Akbar and Justin, tough going but then Akbar said enough this is our game after seeing off Afzal and promptly sent two straight boundaries. From there it was like watching a batting clinic.
Have to add thank you to so many club members coming to support the game. I understand we had over 200 beers in various eskies and cold boxes. Were they all drunk?
Lamma CC crushing win!
Part 2 of the battle
Forbes...
I finally arrived about 7 pm with 18 Lamma soldiers at the ready.
Woodsy said Roycey, I have never seen you drunk in 8 years at the club - a first was happpening.
18 tequila shots and 18 Long Island ice teas set the tone. One by one the Lamma soldiers fell, Mads claiming he had to drive at 9 pm but would be back later - MIA not to return. Others similar with curfews bent or broken. Saffers claiming Brad Bester's spot then boom, gone home and it’s only 10 pm!
The call is made for Barco by Chucker and then to Wanchai.
4 veterans taxi to Wanchai.
Arrive at The Wanch, packed good music, 4 More Long Island iced teas with a warning - these are really strong.
Two smoke bombs later, boom, Becksy gone round the corner, we go there he has disappeared better than Houdini.
So Owen, Samay and yours truly drink, I blink, Poof! Another Smokey; Owen has disappeared too! But somehow Boots appeared, must have had Andy Scott beam him there for Owen.
Two soldiers move on and we gain a friend Jack who now wants to join Lamma, I turn around, Samay is on the phone, poof, he has gone!
Alone I fall asleep on the steps of a bank, not realising I had ordered an Uber! He rang me to say are you asleep at the bank! Oh yes.
In the Uber, Samay calls to check I am ok, what a mate!
I guess 1 beer, 2 tequila shots and 7 Long Island iced teas plus one half finished that broke was for me a just enough celebration.
Thank you all Lamma for a wonderful day and celebratory night.
Thanks to Samay who ensured I was safely going home.
Let’s win our next 3 games and then we can really celebrate ...
Started with a key cricket match for Lamma vs KCC.
Things happen in 3s, good news/ good things - first one we won the toss, second Najeeb confirmed not playing, third we won.
But the story does not end here, nor should it!
The Game
Nikhil bowled amazing, KCC were not good enough to be able to even edge him, pressure mounted. Vinnie slipped on “corridor “ and struck getting first two wickets. The second to a great Mads slips catch, or should I say juggle.
Next a run out due to our opening pair pressure, direct hit Brenton. Akbar and yours truly added to the pressure to drinks. 3-70 balanced game.
Enter Brenton, first ball sharp caught behind by Boots and from there bang-bang-bang, 7 wickets. Woodsy added pressure so the KCC batsmen attacked and got out. Cashman amazing job telling all.
Batting, we lost two quick wickets, enter Akbar and Justin, tough going but then Akbar said enough this is our game after seeing off Afzal and promptly sent two straight boundaries. From there it was like watching a batting clinic.
Have to add thank you to so many club members coming to support the game. I understand we had over 200 beers in various eskies and cold boxes. Were they all drunk?
Lamma CC crushing win!
Part 2 of the battle
Forbes...
I finally arrived about 7 pm with 18 Lamma soldiers at the ready.
Woodsy said Roycey, I have never seen you drunk in 8 years at the club - a first was happpening.
18 tequila shots and 18 Long Island ice teas set the tone. One by one the Lamma soldiers fell, Mads claiming he had to drive at 9 pm but would be back later - MIA not to return. Others similar with curfews bent or broken. Saffers claiming Brad Bester's spot then boom, gone home and it’s only 10 pm!
The call is made for Barco by Chucker and then to Wanchai.
4 veterans taxi to Wanchai.
Arrive at The Wanch, packed good music, 4 More Long Island iced teas with a warning - these are really strong.
Two smoke bombs later, boom, Becksy gone round the corner, we go there he has disappeared better than Houdini.
So Owen, Samay and yours truly drink, I blink, Poof! Another Smokey; Owen has disappeared too! But somehow Boots appeared, must have had Andy Scott beam him there for Owen.
Two soldiers move on and we gain a friend Jack who now wants to join Lamma, I turn around, Samay is on the phone, poof, he has gone!
Alone I fall asleep on the steps of a bank, not realising I had ordered an Uber! He rang me to say are you asleep at the bank! Oh yes.
In the Uber, Samay calls to check I am ok, what a mate!
I guess 1 beer, 2 tequila shots and 7 Long Island iced teas plus one half finished that broke was for me a just enough celebration.
Thank you all Lamma for a wonderful day and celebratory night.
Thanks to Samay who ensured I was safely going home.
Let’s win our next 3 games and then we can really celebrate ...
The Division 2 juggernaut that is Lamma CC rolls on to remain top of the table and in the box seat for promotion to Division 1, a long term goal of the Club.
With the remarkable success of the Club, it has brought our batsmen and bowlers to the fore in the Division 2 averages too, nice work fellas!
With the remarkable success of the Club, it has brought our batsmen and bowlers to the fore in the Division 2 averages too, nice work fellas!
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Ten interesting facts about South Africa, maybe
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With the recent influx of Saffers drawn to our fine Club, I thought we might want to know a little more about them and their home. Here's a little taster so we can impress them with our knowledge of SA:
- SA's national team colours are the same as Lamma CC's.
- Brad Bester is only recently the second SA player to play for LCC (Andrew Minnit has the privilege as the first, back in 2006). Now there are heaps.
- South Africa is the only country in the world to have hosted the Cricket, Football and Rugby World Cup.
- Quinton de Kock, the current SA w'keeper, is really good at upsetting David Warner.
- South Africa’s drinking water is rated 3rd best in the world for being “safe and ready to drink”. I think it is called ‘Castle’.
- South African brewery SABMiller ranks – by volume – as the largest brewing company in the world. Saffers love their beer…but the real reason the brewery is so big? SABMiller also supplies up to 50% of China’s beer.
- South Africa’s Cape Winelands have around 560 wineries and 4,400 primary producers. Included in the Cape Winelands region is Route 62, considered the longest wine route in the world.
- South Africa is home to the highest commercial bungi jump in the world at 710 feet. Try getting holiday insurance for that.
- There are more than 2,000 shipwrecks off the South African coast, most dating back at least 500 years. If you visit SA, make sure you go by plane or train.
- The South African Rovos Rail is considered the most luxurious train in the world. Another good reason not to sail there.
And a lesser known fact on one of our LCC Members ...
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Who would have guessed that our very own West Indian, Club Secretary and regular umpire, Phil Daniels, is the curator of the West Indies Cricket Heritage Museum, (or "High Five" as it is also known).
Located in the National Stadium, St George's, Grenada, it is the only museum in the West Indies that fully represents the great sporting deeds that their individuals and once mighty team achieved. To know more about it, please click on the link www.windiescricketheritage.com |
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Boomshakalaka
I love it when a plan comes together.
Once again some great work by your ExCom to secure such an opportunity. Particular thanks has to go to Mr Royce McD who has put in most of the ground work behind the scenes on this one, thanks Royce.
Let me tell you more.
Lamma CC has swooped on an opportunity to hire the ground at KCC to allow Lamma to host TWO 'home' fixtures. These two fixtures will be played on Friday afternoons. I will be wanting a 12.30 meet for a 13.00 start.
Gents to make this happen obviously there are costs involved, mainly the ground hire which will be covered in your match fee of $250 per person. I am in negotiations with KCC regarding KCC's usual F&B lasagne, curry, etc. and possibly a beer or two. If I can get this at the right price, the Club will cover the costs of the F&B. For this to be possible Gentlemen, I ask you to doff your caps in respect please for our sponsors, iTrust, HK Electric, Ashford Benjamin, The Island Bar and Forbes 36.
The first fixture ...
Friday March 2nd
We have invited HKU to be our first opponents on such an auspicious occasion, mainly out of respect and as a thanks to HKU for their continued support of Lamma CC.
Cricket v HKU always brings out the best from both sides, it is becoming stuff of Lamma history, a local derby; it reminds me of big fixtures such as Man U v Man City, how about Liverpool v Everton? possibly Crystal Palace v West Ham even. Then the real big one, the war of the Roses, Yorkshire v Lancashire.
This promises to be a great day, nothing short of a win will be expected, thanks gents.
Our Chairman would like to suggest that we create a trophy for all HKU social fixtures, so every time LCC play HKU we're playing to win or retain the (insert name here) cup/shield/plate.
We have an awesome opportunity for the trophy to be presented for this inaugural fixture.
Please add your suggestions for the trophy name here the Google Doc https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CMzy6lUETBB8SyGtlycsgGawptEYbzJdD5sYVTEdikw
The second fixture ...
Friday May the 4th (be with you)
An opportunity here for Lamma to invite and play a team that wouldn’t normally feature in the fixture card. A great chance to raise the profile of the Club and make new friends in HK. It’s for those reasons that we chose to invite Hong Kong Jockey Club (and possibly the chance of a reciprocal visit to HKJC to participate in their sport of horse racing, drinking and gambling; I can’t condone this but I have been spotted at Happy Valley on previous occasions)
So there you have it gents, 2 more fixtures for your diary.
Cheers,
Riggers
Once again some great work by your ExCom to secure such an opportunity. Particular thanks has to go to Mr Royce McD who has put in most of the ground work behind the scenes on this one, thanks Royce.
Let me tell you more.
Lamma CC has swooped on an opportunity to hire the ground at KCC to allow Lamma to host TWO 'home' fixtures. These two fixtures will be played on Friday afternoons. I will be wanting a 12.30 meet for a 13.00 start.
Gents to make this happen obviously there are costs involved, mainly the ground hire which will be covered in your match fee of $250 per person. I am in negotiations with KCC regarding KCC's usual F&B lasagne, curry, etc. and possibly a beer or two. If I can get this at the right price, the Club will cover the costs of the F&B. For this to be possible Gentlemen, I ask you to doff your caps in respect please for our sponsors, iTrust, HK Electric, Ashford Benjamin, The Island Bar and Forbes 36.
The first fixture ...
Friday March 2nd
We have invited HKU to be our first opponents on such an auspicious occasion, mainly out of respect and as a thanks to HKU for their continued support of Lamma CC.
Cricket v HKU always brings out the best from both sides, it is becoming stuff of Lamma history, a local derby; it reminds me of big fixtures such as Man U v Man City, how about Liverpool v Everton? possibly Crystal Palace v West Ham even. Then the real big one, the war of the Roses, Yorkshire v Lancashire.
This promises to be a great day, nothing short of a win will be expected, thanks gents.
Our Chairman would like to suggest that we create a trophy for all HKU social fixtures, so every time LCC play HKU we're playing to win or retain the (insert name here) cup/shield/plate.
We have an awesome opportunity for the trophy to be presented for this inaugural fixture.
Please add your suggestions for the trophy name here the Google Doc https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CMzy6lUETBB8SyGtlycsgGawptEYbzJdD5sYVTEdikw
The second fixture ...
Friday May the 4th (be with you)
An opportunity here for Lamma to invite and play a team that wouldn’t normally feature in the fixture card. A great chance to raise the profile of the Club and make new friends in HK. It’s for those reasons that we chose to invite Hong Kong Jockey Club (and possibly the chance of a reciprocal visit to HKJC to participate in their sport of horse racing, drinking and gambling; I can’t condone this but I have been spotted at Happy Valley on previous occasions)
So there you have it gents, 2 more fixtures for your diary.
Cheers,
Riggers
Thailand beckons ...
Prem, probably the best ground any of us had ever played on
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It's been a very busy weekend for Lamma C.C. There's been the T20 Blitz, a social game against our old friends and foes, HKU, and for a lucky group, there was the Chiang Mai long weekend tour to Thailand.
We played a 35 over game on turf on the Saturday at the Prem International School and a couple of shortened format games on the Sunday at the Gymkhana ground. Both grounds were excellent, we were very well hosted by our friend and ex-LCC player, Chris Coombes and his Club. Match report by Leigh Powell follows ... |
Lamma Cricket Club tour of Chiangmai, Thailand
February 9-11, 2018
Players: Chucker, Boots, Phil, Richie, Zika, Duncs, Tarry, God, Lethal
Fan base: Rajen
FRIDAY
It was strangely out of keeping with LCC’s heady tour to Chiangmai that the trip was bookended by two plane rides in which alcohol was prohibited. Tour organiser Ian “Chucker” Harling blemished his copybook at the earliest opportunity, booking outbound flights in the tee-total emergency exit seats, leaving the thirsty tourists to rely on sleight of hand by Duncs to supplement the 16 Coca-Colas they had to order. The group was travelling light with the exception of God, whose kit bag was truly Almighty. But the boys arrived in good spirits, with Richie “a little bit” Abbott housing a bushy ginger Tom Selleck on his upper lip.
Chucker’s reputation was partially restored via the primely located Top North Hotel, whose pool bar kept Tarry & co happy with long island iced teas. As the group settled, Chucker and Lethal travelled to Tescos to pick up tour shirts, inexplicably buying eight green and one blue for the group of 10, with Ian compounding matters with his leisurely use of the facilities.
A late lunch at the friendly Archer’s restaurant enabled the group to become acquainted, with a choice selection of northern Thai cuisine washed down with Singhas in the company of local resident and Lamma stalwart John Fox. Chucker came in for some special attention from fines master Duncs, whose mixed choice of spirits left him feeling “rather queasy”. Craig “Boots” Davies arrived and played catch-up at the United Nations Irish Pub as the boys fraternised with the Chiangmai team including former LCC statesman Chris Coombes. Lethal’s plan to trick them into drinking too much seemed to backfire, however, while Tarry batted on downstairs unaware of where his mates were. A solid start.
SATURDAY
Brilliant sunshine and a ropey hotel breakfast greeted the team on match day. A 45-minute journey to the Prem school ground didn’t aid the group’s constitution. Rajen “front seat” Gohel was encouraged to get the beers in and delivered after a few mis-steps to lift spirits before arrival. The ground was large and resplendent, with pre-match pleasantries featuring Leo beers drunk through a Thirstbat, notably for the tour’s ageing virgins Duncs, Phil “have we met before” Daniels and Lethal. Also unveiled were a horse’s head for a player to wear who had a mare in the field and a Parore shirt, wig, and keeper’s gloves for the worst drop.
Chiangmai vs LCC
Cap’n Richie elected to bowl first, with Chucker and God keeping their top order in check with an accurate opening burst. Chucker was moving it away with a skill hitherto unknown to him or anyone else. Richie rang the changes, backed up by energy in the field from Phil and Duncs in particular. A couple of their batsmen wriggled free to make 50s, while Coombes looked back in anger at a “leg-side strangle”. Duncs was in uncompromising mood, up-ending the genteel surroundings with some colourful self-remonstrations but stealing the plaudits with two wickets and a “Mankad” runout. Chiangmai ended 35 overs on 220, which given the large, slow outfield was worth a shade above that. A silver service lunch on starched white tablecloths followed in the pretty school ground’s restaurant.
LCC opened up with Duncs and Lethal, who rattled along towards a 50 stand in quick order. After some healthy blows, Lethal took one risk too many but Duncs persevered. God promised much with some sweet timing only to be caught, while Zika laid down a manly marker with the game’s first six over long-on. He perished to bring Brad “class act” Tarr to the crease. Batting with patience, he and Duncs worked hard. But LCC slipped from 50-1 to 100-4 as Duncs’ vigil was finally ended. Tarry and Boots kept the chase in hand, with the former intent on seeing off their wily spinner. But off the final ball of his spell Tarr looked to give him a send-off and perished at the attempt. Boots and Cap’n Richie had a good couple of overs after drinks, picking the bad nuts. It took an excellent delivery from the opening bowler to dismiss Boots lbw. Cap’n Rich powered on in the company of our two Thai lads, who were full of heart. Cap’n Richie launched the day’s biggest six over cow corner to keep the flame flickering, before Chucker came and went. Support for the skipper came from nonchalant Phil, who carried his bat admirably. But with about 20 needed off the last over, Richie smacked one to long off, who held a one-handed catch to hand LCC a valiant 18-run defeat. The teams got together for the post-match pleasantries, with Richie picked as Lamma’s man of the match for his sterling efforts with the bat. Duncs donned the horse’s head for his fielding mishaps and God bagged the Parore for shelling a sitter.
The bus ride back was raucous, with Zika and Richie strumming the ukulele and the boys sticking it to the man with some hoary renditions including the LCC song donned in Lamma blazers. Rajen got the beers in. It’s the abiding memory of the tour, LCC brothers in arms howling in stripy jackets. The boys freshened up before heading to the superb Riverside restaurant for Thai food and Singhas. We found a bar for a lock-in to catch the England v Wales rugby match. What happened after remains a mystery known only to a few tuk-tuk drivers who’d seen our sort before.
SUNDAY
A slow start received a pick-up with a sherry in Phil’s room followed by pre-match Leos in God’s palatial suite. Lethal was required to unpick the lock to the hotel room he was sharing with Chucker, who had gone walkabout with the key. The team headed out on the mercifully short ride to the Gymkhana ground. Rajen got the beers in. Our tardy arrival ensured we watched our rivals battle out a hard-fought encounter while enjoying some extra preparation time at the bar, where LCC racked up a healthy tab. Thirstbat saw lots of action.
Match 1
Lanna CC vs Lanna Thais
(eight-a-side, 12 overs per innings)
Lanna CC (144/3) bt Lanna Thais (94/7)
Match 2
Lanna Thais vs LCC
LCC batted first, with Zika smacking a couple of lusty blows and Tarry ably supporting. Some quick wickets left the innings in need of a sprinkling of ginger magic from Richie, who crashed four boundaries in 11 balls. LCC posted a healthy 115-7 after 12 overs at a shade under 10 an over.
Lanna Thais' opener and no3 retired out, but God kept LCC in touch with an excellent spell of 1-14 in his two overs. Boots and Richie helped to keep it tight, in-between some iffy pies thrown by Lethal. Lanna Thais cracked the final ball of the match for four to finish on 119-4 for a famous win. LCC licked their wounds with some lunch-time refreshments.
Match 3
Lanna CC vs Lamma CC
Cap’n Boots stuck with the tried and tested openers Tarry and Zika, who got us up and running. Class act Tarr in particular showed his mettle, running low on partners as he romped to retire out on 30. But the total of 82-6 was comfortably below par. It was left to Chucker Harling to pick up LCC’s only wicket as Lanna raced to the target with overs to spare in a mercifully quick kill. The early finish enabled Lamma’s four Sunday leavers to make their dry flight with time to spare. Rarely can a Monday at work have felt so hollow, with bodies broken and PE cupboards retreated to.
Many thanks to Chucker for organising; to the Chiangmai players as excellent hosts and expressing interest in a return fixture in Hong Kong; and to all the LCC boys for being superb and breaking in three tour virgins in true LCC style.
Lethal
Players: Chucker, Boots, Phil, Richie, Zika, Duncs, Tarry, God, Lethal
Fan base: Rajen
FRIDAY
It was strangely out of keeping with LCC’s heady tour to Chiangmai that the trip was bookended by two plane rides in which alcohol was prohibited. Tour organiser Ian “Chucker” Harling blemished his copybook at the earliest opportunity, booking outbound flights in the tee-total emergency exit seats, leaving the thirsty tourists to rely on sleight of hand by Duncs to supplement the 16 Coca-Colas they had to order. The group was travelling light with the exception of God, whose kit bag was truly Almighty. But the boys arrived in good spirits, with Richie “a little bit” Abbott housing a bushy ginger Tom Selleck on his upper lip.
Chucker’s reputation was partially restored via the primely located Top North Hotel, whose pool bar kept Tarry & co happy with long island iced teas. As the group settled, Chucker and Lethal travelled to Tescos to pick up tour shirts, inexplicably buying eight green and one blue for the group of 10, with Ian compounding matters with his leisurely use of the facilities.
A late lunch at the friendly Archer’s restaurant enabled the group to become acquainted, with a choice selection of northern Thai cuisine washed down with Singhas in the company of local resident and Lamma stalwart John Fox. Chucker came in for some special attention from fines master Duncs, whose mixed choice of spirits left him feeling “rather queasy”. Craig “Boots” Davies arrived and played catch-up at the United Nations Irish Pub as the boys fraternised with the Chiangmai team including former LCC statesman Chris Coombes. Lethal’s plan to trick them into drinking too much seemed to backfire, however, while Tarry batted on downstairs unaware of where his mates were. A solid start.
SATURDAY
Brilliant sunshine and a ropey hotel breakfast greeted the team on match day. A 45-minute journey to the Prem school ground didn’t aid the group’s constitution. Rajen “front seat” Gohel was encouraged to get the beers in and delivered after a few mis-steps to lift spirits before arrival. The ground was large and resplendent, with pre-match pleasantries featuring Leo beers drunk through a Thirstbat, notably for the tour’s ageing virgins Duncs, Phil “have we met before” Daniels and Lethal. Also unveiled were a horse’s head for a player to wear who had a mare in the field and a Parore shirt, wig, and keeper’s gloves for the worst drop.
Chiangmai vs LCC
Cap’n Richie elected to bowl first, with Chucker and God keeping their top order in check with an accurate opening burst. Chucker was moving it away with a skill hitherto unknown to him or anyone else. Richie rang the changes, backed up by energy in the field from Phil and Duncs in particular. A couple of their batsmen wriggled free to make 50s, while Coombes looked back in anger at a “leg-side strangle”. Duncs was in uncompromising mood, up-ending the genteel surroundings with some colourful self-remonstrations but stealing the plaudits with two wickets and a “Mankad” runout. Chiangmai ended 35 overs on 220, which given the large, slow outfield was worth a shade above that. A silver service lunch on starched white tablecloths followed in the pretty school ground’s restaurant.
LCC opened up with Duncs and Lethal, who rattled along towards a 50 stand in quick order. After some healthy blows, Lethal took one risk too many but Duncs persevered. God promised much with some sweet timing only to be caught, while Zika laid down a manly marker with the game’s first six over long-on. He perished to bring Brad “class act” Tarr to the crease. Batting with patience, he and Duncs worked hard. But LCC slipped from 50-1 to 100-4 as Duncs’ vigil was finally ended. Tarry and Boots kept the chase in hand, with the former intent on seeing off their wily spinner. But off the final ball of his spell Tarr looked to give him a send-off and perished at the attempt. Boots and Cap’n Richie had a good couple of overs after drinks, picking the bad nuts. It took an excellent delivery from the opening bowler to dismiss Boots lbw. Cap’n Rich powered on in the company of our two Thai lads, who were full of heart. Cap’n Richie launched the day’s biggest six over cow corner to keep the flame flickering, before Chucker came and went. Support for the skipper came from nonchalant Phil, who carried his bat admirably. But with about 20 needed off the last over, Richie smacked one to long off, who held a one-handed catch to hand LCC a valiant 18-run defeat. The teams got together for the post-match pleasantries, with Richie picked as Lamma’s man of the match for his sterling efforts with the bat. Duncs donned the horse’s head for his fielding mishaps and God bagged the Parore for shelling a sitter.
The bus ride back was raucous, with Zika and Richie strumming the ukulele and the boys sticking it to the man with some hoary renditions including the LCC song donned in Lamma blazers. Rajen got the beers in. It’s the abiding memory of the tour, LCC brothers in arms howling in stripy jackets. The boys freshened up before heading to the superb Riverside restaurant for Thai food and Singhas. We found a bar for a lock-in to catch the England v Wales rugby match. What happened after remains a mystery known only to a few tuk-tuk drivers who’d seen our sort before.
SUNDAY
A slow start received a pick-up with a sherry in Phil’s room followed by pre-match Leos in God’s palatial suite. Lethal was required to unpick the lock to the hotel room he was sharing with Chucker, who had gone walkabout with the key. The team headed out on the mercifully short ride to the Gymkhana ground. Rajen got the beers in. Our tardy arrival ensured we watched our rivals battle out a hard-fought encounter while enjoying some extra preparation time at the bar, where LCC racked up a healthy tab. Thirstbat saw lots of action.
Match 1
Lanna CC vs Lanna Thais
(eight-a-side, 12 overs per innings)
Lanna CC (144/3) bt Lanna Thais (94/7)
Match 2
Lanna Thais vs LCC
LCC batted first, with Zika smacking a couple of lusty blows and Tarry ably supporting. Some quick wickets left the innings in need of a sprinkling of ginger magic from Richie, who crashed four boundaries in 11 balls. LCC posted a healthy 115-7 after 12 overs at a shade under 10 an over.
Lanna Thais' opener and no3 retired out, but God kept LCC in touch with an excellent spell of 1-14 in his two overs. Boots and Richie helped to keep it tight, in-between some iffy pies thrown by Lethal. Lanna Thais cracked the final ball of the match for four to finish on 119-4 for a famous win. LCC licked their wounds with some lunch-time refreshments.
Match 3
Lanna CC vs Lamma CC
Cap’n Boots stuck with the tried and tested openers Tarry and Zika, who got us up and running. Class act Tarr in particular showed his mettle, running low on partners as he romped to retire out on 30. But the total of 82-6 was comfortably below par. It was left to Chucker Harling to pick up LCC’s only wicket as Lanna raced to the target with overs to spare in a mercifully quick kill. The early finish enabled Lamma’s four Sunday leavers to make their dry flight with time to spare. Rarely can a Monday at work have felt so hollow, with bodies broken and PE cupboards retreated to.
Many thanks to Chucker for organising; to the Chiangmai players as excellent hosts and expressing interest in a return fixture in Hong Kong; and to all the LCC boys for being superb and breaking in three tour virgins in true LCC style.
Lethal
What the Blazers!
|
Have you gone for the blazer fitting yet? If not, get moving!
The material is in, the badges are embroidered and the buttons are pressed with our logo on them. All for the LCC subsidised bargain price of $950 paid to Lamma CC. Why not call up your buddy and get down there soon, it’s only a 10 minute job. The address to go is: Wing Lam Room L, 2/F, King’s Centre 193-209 King’s Road North Point (Nearest MTR is Fortress Hill with a 3 minute walk) Call before dropping in on 2887 3856 or 9457 8500 and make your appointment soon! |
Minutes of Annual General Meeting, 2017
Forbes 36, 36 Forbes Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
7.25pm, Thursday 29th June, 2017.
1. Chairman’s welcome and thanks to the Executive Committee and all Members for making it the successful season that it was.
2. Confirmation of the 2016 AGM Minutes were agreed with the proposal by Ian & seconded by Brad.
3. Reports from LCC Executive Committee:
Haider – League Captain’s report
We reached our goal of finishing in the top 5 and had a very successful season overall.
Improvements
Work in progress
Rob – Social Captain’s report
Social matches of 35 overs, 6 in total
Tours and Events, 4 in total
Future
Tours
Options of entering KCC 6’s, Beijing 6’s, Hua Hin 6’s, and the Phuket 7’s.
Outstanding stats
Dave – Treasurer’s report
As at end-May 2017 the club is in a sound positive financial position.
Particular thanks for this position go to the efforts of external sponsorship totalling HK$111,000 from iTrust, HK Electric, Forbes 36 Bar, The Island Bar and Ashford Benjamin.
Warm thanks for Ben Cooper for taking the reins of this sponsorship effort.
Current position:
The club is in the black by approx. HK$220,000 but noting that some collections remain viable but outstanding. All full-year membership payments are paid to some HK$22,000.
The club has approx. HK$155,000 in bank and cash in hand and a significant amount owed to the club of over HK$70,000.
These outstanding items include:
Key expenses:
The Club has provided a number of subsidies to tours and events such as the Kowloon Corporate 6’s, Forbes Xmas party, Phuket 7’s, HKU dinner, this AGM, Mongolia Tour, etc.
Some subsidies remain to be reimbursed.
Mongolia has raised approx. HK$17,000 to date. Proposed subsidy was HK$22,500 therefore the Club is covering HK$5,500.
Other key activities:
A seemingly-simple task of obtaining Internet Banking has taken the best part of a year, and Ian Harling and I have put a lot of time and effort in getting the banking streamlined. At the last stage of a number of obstacles, we hit the wall of the Hong Kong Licencing Police. The quest will continue. A future Opera will be written about this event with the help of Andy Fullard.
Key focus for financial year 2018:
Royce – Manager’s report
Lamma CC training and coaching at HKCC went well until HKCC stopped our coach, Scott, from the great work he was doing with LCC, late in 2016. We managed to maintain nets at various locations, including HKCC on personal membership accounts.
Recently we have re-secured the services of coach Scott, who is now head coach at the KCC.
In 2017-18 we will explore if HKCC can provide further coaching and nets there.
Regarding the selection committee, we had a few dilemmas during the season, but overall retained a policy of playing the strongest team available.
During the season we also had 2 recruiting cycles.
Getting 3 recruits from Taipans has yielded us depth plus it brought 2 further connections in Vivek and Nikhil, both talented league players.
Going forward, a clearer policy or a wider understanding of our membership/playing policy needs to be made.
I think every club member should be proud that we as a Club are improving the League team.
For the 2017-2018 season, I believe we will have a very competitive team and will challenge top 4 unless changes to Premier League rules by Cricket HK bring more Sunday League players to the Saturday League, in particular, Division 2 clubs.
I thank every player for their support in 2016-17 season.
Benny – Sponsorship & Marketing Manager’s report
Thanks were passed to all our sponsors, three of which were at the venue – with Suman, manager of Forbes 36, Brad, owner of The Island Bar and our own S&M Manager, Benny, as MD of Ashford Benjamin.
Major appreciation went to Mat Davies of iTrust for the financial support they give us and it is anticipated that they will commit to another 2 years of sponsorship when the current contract expires.
HK Electric continues their long commitment to Lamma CC and do not look for any recognition as such.
The Club is of course always looking for further sponsorship and any possible openings we ask that Benny is informed to follow up.
Tom – Events & Tours Manager’s report
5 stars and a wish ...
Star #1: Dinners
Star #2: Piss-ups
Star #3: Tournaments
Summarised in 3 words each
Star #4: CHK attended events
Helped to build connections with CHK.
Great to see Max and Matt at the LCC Quiz.
The fact that we let them win means that they will be back at The Island Bar for more.
Star #5: Mongolia tour
We could not be the first to Mongolia as Craigengower CC were to beat us by a few weeks, but the consolation was that there was a drinks ban for 2 of the 3 nights they were there!
Thanks to Richie for getting this happening.
Wish #1: More support for non-cricket related events
While altogether a terrific year socially, it would be great to get some more support for non-cricket related events. Some events and tours were cancelled this season due to lack of numbers and time was spent trying to chase attendance at other events. Let’s get more bums on seats. This will help us to be a club as opposed to a couple of cricket teams playing in parallel.
4. Thanks were again given to the outgoing ExCom
5. Nominations for election of new Executive Committee officers for 2017-18 season went unchallenged and were thus welcomed as the new Executive Committee for the coming season:
6. Chairman’s acceptance speech – abridged version.
My three goals for 2017-18; solidarity, sustainability, pride.
i. Solidarity
Supporting the youth development programme. We need to do this if we want to keep our voting rights. In terms of Lamma CC’s longevity, it makes sense.
iii. Pride
Growing Lamma CC pride though celebrating victories, singing the team song, wearing our beloved blazers, and most importantly looking after our mates.
Gents, I am very proud to stand before you as the newly appointed Chairman of this great Club.
The Lamma Cricket Team is the best cricket team!
7. AOB:
The AGM drew to a close at 8.45pm and the Club’s End of Season Awards presentations were held.
Awards presented were:
7.25pm, Thursday 29th June, 2017.
1. Chairman’s welcome and thanks to the Executive Committee and all Members for making it the successful season that it was.
2. Confirmation of the 2016 AGM Minutes were agreed with the proposal by Ian & seconded by Brad.
3. Reports from LCC Executive Committee:
Haider – League Captain’s report
We reached our goal of finishing in the top 5 and had a very successful season overall.
Improvements
- Won 7 matches of 9 teams in the league, losing only against the top two teams.
- On average, scored over 200 when batting first and 150 when chasing. Compare to 2015-16, when average was 180 & 105.
- Significant reduction in wides per match, 19 in season 2014-15, 12 in 2015-16 & 9 in 2016-17.
- Immense improvement in the field. Maximum 5 catches in 2015-16, this season 5 players took 5 or more and maximum of 9 catches by 3 players.
- Special mention to new members – Vinny, Godfrey, Rishi, Nikhil and Vivek who fitted into the Club and competed very well.
Work in progress
- Improvement in run rate (all teams except the Chinese teams had a better run rate). This was one of the reasons two teams with fewer wins were above us on total points as they secured more bonus points due to better run rates.
- Attendance to practice nets from mid-season onwards.
Rob – Social Captain’s report
Social matches of 35 overs, 6 in total
- HKU at Sandy Bay – all 4 very tight games played 4 won 1.
- HKCC Taverners at HKCC – another tightly fought game but a loss.
- KCC Knights at KCC – big win.
Tours and Events, 4 in total
- Beach Cricket
- KCC 6s – resounding success for the Club on and off the field raising the profile of LCC.
- Bangkok 6’s – the opposite of the KCC event.
- Phuket 7’s – new event and reached the cup final. Recommended for future events.
Future
- A first with 2 confirmed fixtures at KCC against their Knights.
- A request has been sent to HKCC requesting a fixture against their Taverners and they’re usually good for one game a season.
- The Club’s strong on-going relationship with HKU should yield another 3-4 games, perhaps even 5 games.
- The KCC 6’s is confirmed for the November tournament.
- CHK’s Matt Stiller confirmed that Gin Drinkers will be online sometime in this coming season. Unfortunately, he would not guarantee any weekend slots but I do believe with a little persuasion we could secure the ground for one weekend to re-establish the Lamma Sixes Tournament. At the very least the ground will be available Fridays and some public holidays, so definite social fixture opportunities for the coming season.
Tours
Options of entering KCC 6’s, Beijing 6’s, Hua Hin 6’s, and the Phuket 7’s.
Outstanding stats
- Richie for his 5 overs 49 for 3 and a 56 not out at HKCC.
- Becks and Barrett with a 96 run opening partnership at Sandy Bay. And of course all without hitting any sixes.
Dave – Treasurer’s report
As at end-May 2017 the club is in a sound positive financial position.
Particular thanks for this position go to the efforts of external sponsorship totalling HK$111,000 from iTrust, HK Electric, Forbes 36 Bar, The Island Bar and Ashford Benjamin.
Warm thanks for Ben Cooper for taking the reins of this sponsorship effort.
Current position:
The club is in the black by approx. HK$220,000 but noting that some collections remain viable but outstanding. All full-year membership payments are paid to some HK$22,000.
The club has approx. HK$155,000 in bank and cash in hand and a significant amount owed to the club of over HK$70,000.
These outstanding items include:
- Net fees outstanding – HK$44,000
- Mongolia tour due remittances – HK$23,000
- Saturday league fees to be collected – HK$4,000
- Merchandise items outstanding – TBC
Key expenses:
The Club has provided a number of subsidies to tours and events such as the Kowloon Corporate 6’s, Forbes Xmas party, Phuket 7’s, HKU dinner, this AGM, Mongolia Tour, etc.
Some subsidies remain to be reimbursed.
Mongolia has raised approx. HK$17,000 to date. Proposed subsidy was HK$22,500 therefore the Club is covering HK$5,500.
Other key activities:
A seemingly-simple task of obtaining Internet Banking has taken the best part of a year, and Ian Harling and I have put a lot of time and effort in getting the banking streamlined. At the last stage of a number of obstacles, we hit the wall of the Hong Kong Licencing Police. The quest will continue. A future Opera will be written about this event with the help of Andy Fullard.
Key focus for financial year 2018:
- Clean up and collect outstanding items.
- TeamSnap housekeeping.
- Your assistance and co-operation will be very appreciated.
- Organisation and money collections must be improved.
- Possible assistance from an accountant within the Club.
Royce – Manager’s report
Lamma CC training and coaching at HKCC went well until HKCC stopped our coach, Scott, from the great work he was doing with LCC, late in 2016. We managed to maintain nets at various locations, including HKCC on personal membership accounts.
Recently we have re-secured the services of coach Scott, who is now head coach at the KCC.
In 2017-18 we will explore if HKCC can provide further coaching and nets there.
Regarding the selection committee, we had a few dilemmas during the season, but overall retained a policy of playing the strongest team available.
During the season we also had 2 recruiting cycles.
Getting 3 recruits from Taipans has yielded us depth plus it brought 2 further connections in Vivek and Nikhil, both talented league players.
Going forward, a clearer policy or a wider understanding of our membership/playing policy needs to be made.
I think every club member should be proud that we as a Club are improving the League team.
For the 2017-2018 season, I believe we will have a very competitive team and will challenge top 4 unless changes to Premier League rules by Cricket HK bring more Sunday League players to the Saturday League, in particular, Division 2 clubs.
I thank every player for their support in 2016-17 season.
Benny – Sponsorship & Marketing Manager’s report
Thanks were passed to all our sponsors, three of which were at the venue – with Suman, manager of Forbes 36, Brad, owner of The Island Bar and our own S&M Manager, Benny, as MD of Ashford Benjamin.
Major appreciation went to Mat Davies of iTrust for the financial support they give us and it is anticipated that they will commit to another 2 years of sponsorship when the current contract expires.
HK Electric continues their long commitment to Lamma CC and do not look for any recognition as such.
The Club is of course always looking for further sponsorship and any possible openings we ask that Benny is informed to follow up.
Tom – Events & Tours Manager’s report
5 stars and a wish ...
Star #1: Dinners
- CHK Awards Dinner
- KCC Ball
- HKU curry buffet
Star #2: Piss-ups
- Mui Wo Beach Cricket with thanks Riggers.
- Xmas#1 @ Tarry Towers with thanks to the IB and Brad.
- Xmas#2 @ Forbes with thanks to Forbes and Suman.
- Woodsy’s 40th (if the Sharks hadn’t have won the Grand Final the theme would have been Lamma green and gold).
- Joint head-wetting for Benny and Sarge (welcoming Charles and Thea into the world).
Star #3: Tournaments
Summarised in 3 words each
- BKK 6’s – never, ever, again
- KCC corporate 6’s – back, this, year
- Phuket 7’s – best, tour, ever
Star #4: CHK attended events
- HK v Netherlands
- T20 Blitz
Helped to build connections with CHK.
Great to see Max and Matt at the LCC Quiz.
The fact that we let them win means that they will be back at The Island Bar for more.
Star #5: Mongolia tour
We could not be the first to Mongolia as Craigengower CC were to beat us by a few weeks, but the consolation was that there was a drinks ban for 2 of the 3 nights they were there!
Thanks to Richie for getting this happening.
Wish #1: More support for non-cricket related events
While altogether a terrific year socially, it would be great to get some more support for non-cricket related events. Some events and tours were cancelled this season due to lack of numbers and time was spent trying to chase attendance at other events. Let’s get more bums on seats. This will help us to be a club as opposed to a couple of cricket teams playing in parallel.
4. Thanks were again given to the outgoing ExCom
5. Nominations for election of new Executive Committee officers for 2017-18 season went unchallenged and were thus welcomed as the new Executive Committee for the coming season:
- Chairman Tom Woods
- League Captain Adrian Sargent
- Social Captain Rob Rigby
- Secretary Phil Daniels
- Treasurer Dave Ziehlke
- Manager Royce McDonald
- Sponsorship & Marketing Benny Cooper
- Events & Tours Ian Harling
6. Chairman’s acceptance speech – abridged version.
My three goals for 2017-18; solidarity, sustainability, pride.
i. Solidarity
- Increasing numbers at non-cricket related social events.
- Cut out the niggles and have each other's backs. Let’s ensure we’re a Club, more than just a couple of teams playing cricket in parallel.
Supporting the youth development programme. We need to do this if we want to keep our voting rights. In terms of Lamma CC’s longevity, it makes sense.
iii. Pride
Growing Lamma CC pride though celebrating victories, singing the team song, wearing our beloved blazers, and most importantly looking after our mates.
Gents, I am very proud to stand before you as the newly appointed Chairman of this great Club.
The Lamma Cricket Team is the best cricket team!
7. AOB:
- Newly elected Events & Tours Manager, Ian, mentioned that a number of tours will be under consideration, not just a single main tour. Strong consideration will again be given to Chiang Mai, a first time tour to Singapore and a return to Ho Chi Minh due to their low cost of flights, short travel times, plentiful flights and ease of arranging. There are also a number of 6‘s events around Asia and I expect to be working with Rob on these.
- Social events will be looked into to see how to improve participation. A survey will be prepared to garner feedback and attempt to tailor event preferences.
- A LCC flag was unveiled for flying at the HKCC and KCC when playing at these venues, the hotel and/or general display when on tour.
- A further addition to Club tours is the new mascot, the Lamma llama, complete in Club colours and all the way from Peru, courtesy of Muk Gopalan.
- Finally there was a presentation of LCC’s new playing shirt and training shirt and shorts design, also by Ian. All items were warmly received.
The AGM drew to a close at 8.45pm and the Club’s End of Season Awards presentations were held.
Awards presented were:
- League Club Captain’s Award of the Year – Haider Bukhari
- Social Player of the Year – Godfrey Mitchell
- Fielder of the Year – Haider Bukhari
- Bowler of the Year – Tom Woods
- Outstanding Bowling Award – Tom Woods
- Batsman of the Year – Brenton McDonald
- Player’s Player of the Year – Brenton McDonald
