by Peter Cummins

It was, indeed, a day of exciting and memorable cricket being played at the Chiengmai Gymkhana Club, with two of yesterday's 13 matches outstanding. Top of the pile was the game between the Kiteboys and the Nomads. According to veteran cricketcaster Ric Davis, the Kiteboys had racked up an apparently insurmountable lead, requiring the Nomads to make 24 runs on the last over, to pass their 86. A number of wides and 'no balls' from Kiteboys's pace bowler Nick Knight, placed the Nomads within three runs - and three balls left. The Nomads were one short of victory.

In the second 'thriller', the South African team Almar CC were trailing title-holders the Perth Postels by three runs at the last delivery. A dreadful mis-hit seemed to seal the match; but, lo, the ball, trickling along, deceived the Postels fielder and bounced onto the fence for a 'four' - and an Alma CC win.

A splendid reception, hosted by the Porn Ping Tower and sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, welcomed the more than 30 teams who have come to the "Rose of the North" for this annual festival of cricket - the world's most popular event of its kind.

The Vice-Governor of Chiang Mai, Khun Chidpong Ridhiprasart, opened the Sixes competition, commending the organizers and the competitors, particularly for their support of the burgeoning junior cricket programmes, now known as the Sixes Sawasdee Cricket Cup.

RESULTS, Day 2:

Silver State, 0/70 (Lopez 35 ret.) B.A Dragons, 2/54;
Stockton Seagulls, 1/71 (Hall 30 ret.) Halylt 2/59 (Darbyshire 31 ret.);
Lords Taverners, 2/55 (Field 30) CMW Warriors 4/54 (Ahmad 33 ret.);
Darwin Dilettantes 0/43 (Weckert 33 ret.) Pathan CC. 2/42;
Kelawar 0/89 (Fernando, Kaschula 32 each, ret.) Almar CC 1/72 (Eksteen 31 ret.); Gymkhana Cavaliers 0/44 Bangkok Postels 1/43;
Irish Pub Gang Green 2/61 Wombats 2/57 (Curtis 30 ret.);
Lords Taverners 4/82 (Field 32 ret.) Kirkby Vampires 2/45;
Stockton Seagulls 0/77 (Scott, Price 30 each ret.);
Warbler Bunny Club 2/65 (Wanagura 31 ret.);
Warathais 0/81 (Chappell 30 ret.) Drifters 1/60;
Gloucestershire Gipsies 0/80 Halylt 1/24,