Warathais lift Bromley Shield; Thai Angels in heaven after Ladies victory

ROGER CRUTCHLEY, Chiang Mai

The Avos had put up a respectable score of 74-0 with both openers unbeaten, Graham Crawford on 25 and Stuart Tomilson 27. The innings accelerated at the end with 49 coming off the last two overs. In reply the Vagrants struggled in the initial stages, losing two early wickets, but then Cameron Eve took over, hitting an excellent 30 (retired) ably supported by Steve Naylor (17 n.o). They eventually grabbed victory with a bye on the last ball.

The Vagrants were presented with the Cup trophy by H. E, the South African Ambassador, Douglas H.M. Gibson.

The Vagrants had reached the final with a close victory over the Mighty Spires while the Avos had done well to dispose of defending champions the Gloucestershire Gipsies.

The Moonshine Warathais lifted the prestigious Bromley Shield with a good all-round performance against the Lord's Taverners. Former Australian star Trevor Chappell and Steve Christie got the Warathais off to a good start putting on 48 for the first wicket before Chappell was run out for 12. Christie followed soon after for 17 but Ian Liddell (12 n.o,) and Warren Pugh (12 n.o) saw the Warathais reach 79-2.

Facing tight bowling from the Warathais, the Taverners struggled with the run rate and despite a spirited 28 not out from Hashan Tillekaratne, fell 10 runs short, finishing on.69-0. ''We're very happy with that,'' said a delighted Christie after the game. ''We bowled and fielded well.''

H. E. the South African Ambassador Douglas H.M. Gibson (right) presents the Cup to the Surrey Vagrants yesterday. — JUSTIN MOSELEY

In the Bowl final the Silver Stars won a close game against the Tokyo Wombats. The Wombats compiled a challenging total of 82-1. However the Silver Stars scored quickly in reply and overhauled the Wombats score in the final over. Top scoring for the Silver Stars was Amal Silva with 22.

The Joe Carpenter Plate final saw another close finish with the South African side Almar defeating the Drifters on the last ball of the match. The Drifters struggled with the bat, making just 42-2. Almar also found it hard to make quick runs, but a solid 18 by Ray Blatherwick set the foundations for a narrow win as Terry Eksteen hit the winning runs off the last ball.

The last match of the day was the Spoon final which saw an entertaining battle between the Stuffed Beavers and the Udon Thani Richmond Steakies.. Some fine batting from Leigh Whitten (22) and George Hamilton (26) gave the Steakies an impressive score of.76, The Beavers gnawed away bravely but fell short, reaching 61-2 and the title went to the Steakies.

Winning in the Ladies final were the Thai Angels who put on a great all-round display to beat the Panthers from the Prem school. The Angels bowled well and took a couple of great catches for a well-deserved victory. It is hoped these youngsters will get continued support for their fine efforts.

The tournament, organised by Maurice Bromley, was once again a tremendous success played in an admirable spirit by all teams, both on and off the field.