The northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Lamphun continue to lead the way in the cricket competition at the National Youth Games as the two provinces contested both men’s and women’s finals in the 2015 Chanthaboon Games. Chiang Mai have been the leading force over the last few years but have recently been challenged by Lamphun, with Bunchuai leading the boys to victory in 2014.
Chiang Mai re-asserted their authority in 2015, with Bunchuai now coaching the team, as they won the men’s final by 20 runs, having already won the women’s final by seven wickets after Lamphun were limited to 98 for 7 in 20 overs. Eleven teams contested both boys and girls competitions after a series of qualifying competitions across the country but it is only the two northern provinces that play cricket on a regular basis.
In the men’s competition, Chiang Mai won group matches against Yala and Uttaradit, while Lamphun defeated Lopburi and Pattani, while in the second round Chiang Mai beat Chonburi by 10 wickets and Lamphun overcame Bangkok by nine wickets. The men’s semi-finals were more closely contested as Chiang Mai held off Khon Kaen by five runs, while Lamphun reached the final by defeating Chanthaburi by three wickets.
In the women’s competition, Chiang Mai beat Chainat and Bangkok in the group stages, while Lamhun beat Mahasarakham, then Chiang Mai beat Mahasarakham in the second round, while Lamphun beat Chainat. The simi-finals saw Chiang Mai overcome Pattani by nine wickets and Lamphun defeated Sri Saket by 49 runs.
Thailand’s junior cricketers had a busy week and were given the chance to mixed with athletes from many other sports. The best players from the National Games were invited to stay behind in Bangkok for an Elite Women’s Championship, while a Thailand junior men’s team will play two matches against The Willows CC, a touring team from New Zealand.