Roger Crutchley

Yesterday's games sorted out the lineup for today's semi-finals followed by the finals and the outcome is that cricket fans are in for some mouth-watering match-ups throughout the day.

The semi-finals in the top flight Cup division promise to be real crackers. The Surrey Vagrants will take on the Mighty Spires while Gloucestershire Gipsies will face Lords Taverners. All four teams have a good balance of big hitting batsmen and solid bowling and some tight games are envisaged.

The Vagrants clinched their place yesterday with a convincing win over the Divine Felons. Mark Higgs once again showed good form with the bat with a quickfire 31 (retired) as did Jeremy Hinds with the same score. The Vagrants reached 76-1 and in reply the Felons were restricted to 65-1.

Biggest score of the day was the 114 by Mighty Spires who crushed the Southerners, although they were assisted by some "friendly" bowling by Gary Chatfield in the final over. Suffice to say, Mr Extras top scored for the Spires with 45 runs.

Yarrambat clinched a place in the Shield semi-finals with a convincing win over Darwin Dilettantes.

A fine opening knock of 32 (retired) by Troy Harvey set the foundation for Yarrambats victory as they reached 87-1. The Diletanttes could only manage 69-1 in reply. In the semis the Yarrambat's will face the strong Warathais side featuring former Australian Test star Trevor Chappell and fine all-rounder Steve Christie.

The other Shield semi-final will see Romany take on the Lords Taverners. The Taverners featured in one of the most exciting matches of the day when Darjeeling overhauled the Taverners 73-0 with the last ball of the match, finishing on 74-3.

Unfortunately for Darjeeling the victory was not enough to see them into the semi-finals.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was Chef's match-winning two-ball innings for Maythais against the Stuffed Beavers. Needing one run off the last ball of the innings, Chef cleverly played and missed and then like a gazelle sprinted the length of the wicket to safety, earning the Maythais a dramatic one-run victory.

Chef looked temporarily indisposed after all that exertion but an ice cold can of San Miguel sparked a speedy recovery.

Despite the loss the Beavers made it to the Spoon final where they will face the Udon Thani Richmond Steakies.

In the Plate final Almar will take on the Drifters.

In last night's final game between cricket's senior citizens the Chiang Mai Veterans tottered past the Wombat Elders in what could be politely termed "a low-scoring game."

The Sawasdee Cricket Cup for school teams which is being run concurrently with the main tournament has once again proven to be a great success..

The enthusiasm of the youngsters was great to see and all the participants seemed to enjoy it, win or lose.

Winners of Grade 6 were Chol Prathan Phatek with Prem Center runners-up. Prince Royal's College took third place and Sahagon fourth.

The Grade 5 champions were Chul Prathan Phatek with Prem Center runners-up.

All proceeds from the tournament go towards promoting the game at junior level in Thailand.

Action today begins at 8.30 am and will continue through the day.

For more information, check out http://www.chiangmaisixes.com