The Chris Kays Memorial Rugby Tournament 2009 - Great weekend had by all

What a weekend. (all photos here)

16 teams rendezvoused early on Saturday morning at the Horseshoe Point Resort, a cracking place to host such a tournament. The pitch was in great condition, and despite warnings of heavy rain, the weather couldn't have been better.

The Pattaya Panthers, hosts, put out 2 squads, their 'A' team the Panthers, and their 'B' side, the Exiles. I was lucky enough to play for both teams, as well as put in an appearance for Kaysies Crusaders, the team formed to honour the late Chris Kays, the personal highlight of the weekend for me.

The Panthers had a successful tournament, winning twice and drawing once on the first day to be entered into the cup running. The Exiles were not as successful, but with some fantastic spells of rugby, and from a side made up nearly entirely of new faces, a bright future looks set for the Exiles.

There were very high standards of rugby throughout, despite the various late night tales, and the organisers emphasis on social rugby. The Thai teams looked sharp; whilst walking from one side of the ground to other you would often pass by practicing Thai sides, who are very attuned to 10's style rugby. Despite not being as physically imposing as some of the expat sides, their speed and tenacity more than make up for this. Their tackling is often superb, swiping your legs out from underneath you, leaving larger opponents with only one way to go.

As I left early on Sunday, I'm still unsure as to the overall winners, my guess would be either: the Thai Legends or the Thai Barbarians, possibly the Southerners playing out of Bangkok. If somebody is reading this and knows, please leave a comment.

There are far too many moments to mention, so I will let the photo's do the talking (view all pics here)

The whole experience has been win-win for me, not only have I had a great weekend and met some great people, I have also found myself a new team. From now on I will be travelling down to spend long sunny weekends in Pattaya, meeting with the Panthers to play every few weeks or so.

What a lucky sod I am. (pic top: Pattaya Panthers 2009 Chris Kays Tournament. pic middle top: Hard tackles from the Thai Young Blood's. pic middle bottom: A Pattaya Panther struggles to shake free. pic bottom: A familiar Pattaya Exile getting taken down by 2 Kaysie Crusaders)

Comments

[Paul Crouch]

Good job Ben... nice pictures and report.

The Thai Legends 1 beat the Thai Legends 2 in the final of the cup. The Southerners narrowly lost to Thai Legends 2 in the semi-final.

Look forward to seeing you in Pattaya soon.

Paul
PPRFC

[Ben Shingleton]

Nice one thanks Paul

[dannyboy]

Excellent stuff bennyboy. Have to grab a game (if I make the grade) when I'm out there next.

[Ben Shingleton]

No going back - your name's down.

[dannyboy]

Yeah, I can just about wheeze/fart my way round a pitch.

[Ben Shingleton]

You'll fit in.

[Martyn]

I must agree an excellent report and now you have got a very good reason to visit Pattaya every couple of weeks. Did you try out the food in the Pig & Whistle.

[Ben Shingleton]

Defo going to make a bee-line for it next trip HD.

[lynn]

i love your blog. hoping to move to thailand in august, going near koh samui. your pics are interesting, especially the food descriptions. thanks.

[Ben Shingleton]

Thanks Lynn, I've heard KS is lovely, not been myself, but planning to in the future. Good luck, and will keep tabs with you on your blog :)

[Matt Baker]

great work shinglebum, i'm hoping you'll still be playing for the cru at next years BK 10's?? ;)

[The Thai Pirate]

Mr Baker - the Cru started my Thailand rugby career (career?) I owe everything to them (haha) I hope you will be pulling on a jersey as well mate, fun times ahead :)