The Chiang Mai Senior League resumed after its winter break and with defending champions Lanna Thais playing a pair of matches over the weekend Martin Cardno was welcomed into the team for his first league appearances of the season. Saturday’s match saw Lanna Thais take on Lanna and Cardno didn’t disappoint as he made an unbeaten 97 to see Lanna Thais to victory by nine wickets.
Two red taxis had been ordered to bring the two Lanna teams to the David Buck Oval at Prem International School with a mix of 12 adults and 10 juniors that were divided between the two teams. Lanna also had a strong batting line-up but the young Thai opening bowlers were impressive, as Cher deceived Richard Cowles with a slower ball.
Elliot Lodge played the anchor role as he reached 33 from 50 balls allowing Jon Scales to go for his shots as he made an impressive 86 from 75 balls before he was dismissed by Martin Papworth who bowled an excellent over late in the innings. Jack Campbell hit 29 but the juniors from Lamphun, Surin, Now and Field bowled well at the end and Lanna were restricted to 168 for 5 in their 30 overs.
Lanna Thais’ batting order didn’t appear to have great strength in depth so a lot depended on the opening partnership and Martin Cardno and Jun didn’t disappoint as they added 86 in 12 overs. Elliot made the breakthrough as he had Jun caught behind for 36.
Choo came in at number three and batted steadily while Cardno hit the ball to all parts as Captain Pete tried out all his bowling options. Nobody could restrict the Kiwi opener as he demonstrated a full range of shots on a very true wicket.
As Lanna Thais neared their target it became a question of whether Cardno would be able to reach three figures and his own person target soon became two sixes or three fours as Chatree bowled what proved to be the final over. Two boundary fours took him to 96 with scores level but his next effort went straight to the fielder on the boundary and just a single was scored as Lanna won by 8 wickets with 8.1 overs in hand.
Another splendid occasion at the David Buck Oval and Lanna Thais had won their first league match of the season and the would face leaders CMCC at Gymkhana on Sunday in confident mood. Cowles and Scales would be strengthening the Lanna Thai batting order and Cardno would be looking for that elusive century once again.