There was a sense of great anticipation when Chiang Mai CC met Chiang Mai Lanna at Prem on Saturday 16th February as CMCC had selected a very strong side to face the current leaders of the Chiang Mai Senior League in a 25-over aside match but in the event it was a one-sided contest as CMCC coasted to victory by eight wickets.
CMCC had been unable to take part in the Chiang Mai Senior League this season but had been hoping for a stern contest at Prem Oval and the four best Lanna batsmen were all in the team, so a total of 150 or more was on the cards when they were put in to bat by CMCC.
Ryan Sherman has been a consistent scorer all season and made a disciplined 42 against some accurate bowling but Tim Woolls with two league fifties to his name could only make 7 and Richard Cowles who had also been in fine form was caught for 7 as his luck ran out. Liam Woolls made 30 but the rest of the batting fell away quickly and Lanna were bowled out for 122 in 24.1 overs.
The bowling honours were evenly shared with eight bowlers, four pace and four spin, being put through their paces. Makki claimed the best figures with 3 for 16 while Siddharth took 2 for 23.
Lanna’s only hope was to make early inroads with the new ball and Liam Woolls did his best as he had Amar caught at slip for nought but Monty continued his rich vein of form and was well supported by Asif in a partnership of 77 for the second wicket.
Asif was run out for 41 but there were no further breakthroughs as Monty completed his fifty just before the end. Siddharth who has played in the Bangkok Cricket League looked a very classy player in making 20 not out and Monty finished unbeaten on 52 to claim the player of the match award.
Chiang Mai CC won by eight wickets with more than 10 overs to spare and showed they will be a force to reckon with in the Chiang Mai Senior League in future seasons. Chiang Mai now has good depth in senior and junior talent and it is hoped that this will help Thailand men’s cricket to progress as far as the women’s has.