JULIAN TURNER

Chiang Mai The action really heated up at the 19th Chiang Mai Cricket Sixes yesterday, although the temperature proved too much for one of the lady scorers who fainted in the soaring temperatures. On the pitch, the Shanghai Dragons enjoyed the biggest total of the day with 92/3 in the Shield. That put paid to the Southerners (90/1), although there were several deliberations over the new wide regulations before the final ruling.

Silverstate (69/1) beat Divine Felons (68/1) in the same division with Amal Silva top-scoring for the victors with 32. Also in the Shield, Awali Taverners (64/1) sunk Jamesons Dilettantes (63/3) and the irrepressible Tokyo Wombats (54/1) proved too much for Irish Pub (52/4). The Wombats adeptness at finishing several vodka bottles during the day also drew widespread appreciation from the connoisseurs in the crowd.

In the Bowl, Brad Wissink (27 no) and Greg Moses (31 no) propelled Darjeeling to a 74/0 victory over the Drifters (71/0) while The Lords Taverners (62/2) were too strong for the Marchwiel Outlaws (57/1).

In the Plate, the Taranaki Taverners (74/1) beat Blythswood (61/3). Local boy Soe hit 18 not out for the Taverners. Encouragingly, Soe is one of nine local players taking part in this year's competition. The Taverners weren't as successful against Almar, when they were thumped for 93/1 to their 29/3.

Sapa CC also had fluctuating fortunes when they beat Almar by 10 runs (45/3, 35/3) but then were scuppered by Blythswood.

The score in that game was 69/4 to 52/2 with Raj Boparai hitting 30 before retiring for Blythswood.

In the Spoon, the Cavaliers easily beat BKK Postels while Camel Bar Humps romped past the Armadillos.

Action continues today at 9am. For further information see www.chiangmaisixes.com