The trip of a lifetime for Bunchuai, Cher and Chanchai has begun in memorable fashion. The boys are in Sri Lanka to visit the Cricket Live Foundation to play, train and coach but their trip began with a visit to the famous R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo to watch the first One-Day International between Sri Lanka and England.
It is the monsoon season and there had been rain in the morning leaving the ground fully covered as the boys arrived but the rain stopped and the covers removed in time for a full 50-over match to be played and what a match the three boys were treated to as over 600 runs were scored as Sri Lanka reached 317-6 in their 50 overs but only won by 25 runs as Moeen Ali hit the ball to all parts to reach his century in just 72 balls.
It was a fantastic occasion for the boys to watch international cricket for the first time and as the Sri Lankan crowd was in high spirits. The Bunchuai, Cher and Chanchai are accompanied by Richard Cowles and girl friend Pern as well as their Lamphun coach Chris Dodd who is taking some wonderful photographs of the trip.
The boys’ great adventure had begun in style and they were all able to recover with a day’s sightseeing which included a visit to the Cricket Club Cafe which is a place to which all cricket fans visit while they are in Colombo. Every item on the menu has a name connected to cricket and videos of famous matches are played continuously.
Funding for the boys’ tour to Sri Lanka has been provided by The Willows CC in New Zealand, Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes and Chiang Mai Lanna Cricket Club and the financial assistance is greatly appreciated.