The sluggers were out in full force yesterday as the day's first teams, the Moonshine Warathais, made quick work of South Africa's Almar CC, with rookie Warathai Ashley Weekes belting five sixes off six balls. Veteran Warathai Trevor Chappell retired after a good knock of 33 and Ian Liddell retired after a classy 31.

Next up were the Brits, the Ashwell Crusaders, who thrashed the Awali Taverners with 88/0 against 47/1.

Many players and fans at the ground yesterday noticed the six young Thai boys, who have graduated from the ranks of the junior Sawadee Cricket, and are now playing with various senior teams.

"In fact," said Geoff Thompson, one of the tournament organisers, "two of the boys, under Archan Warawut, have already played in international under-13, 15 and 17 teams.

"One lad, Bank, who is also an under-13 and under-15 international, is so enthusiastic for his cricket that he commutes 25km every Sunday to practice and compete."

Veteran Sixes team the Gloucestershire Gipsies scored 75/0 as they defeated the Aussie Southerners (44/4).

A very close tussle developed between Pattaya landlord Kim Fletcher's other team, the Jameson's Dilettantes, who lost by only one run to last year's Cup runners-up the Marchwiel Outlaws.

The sixth game of the day was between Aussie team the Perth Postels and the (in)famously-named Irish Pub Gang Greens. The lads from Oz - in the care of Sixes King Michael "Cat" Maher, quietly annihilated the Irish Pub boys.

The Tokyo team (60/1) also had a tight game with the Surrey Vagrants, whose 62/1 gave them the edge.

The big test of the day was when the Lords Taveners side were pitted against the Divine Fellons. The Fellons eventually won with 65/4 against the Taveners' 52/4.

A second slug-out followed with Yarrambat (66/1) just edging out Darjeeling (65/1), with wicket-keeper Brad Wissink top scoring with 33 retired.

Another close game was between local team the Sugar Shack Postels (45/1) - with a magnificent knock by Imran Indrees of 35 retired - only one run ahead of the Marchwiel Outlaws (44/2).

Play resumes today, with admission to the grounds free. Drinks and food are available.

Phi Cee

The nation

Chiang Mai