CRICKET / 10TH HUA HIN SIXES
Hua Hin prepares for Sixes fun

The Hua Hin Sixes celebrates its 10th anniversary early next month and a feast of entertaining cricket is expected at the picturesque ground of the Dusit Resort, Hua Hin.

Scheduled for April 6-10, this year's tournament has attracted 12 teams from all parts of the globe.

Well represented will be defending champions Melbourne Cricket Club with two teams, ably led by MCC vice president Bob Lloyd. The MCC sides have performed strongly in the past and are expected once again to make a big impact in this year's event.

There is also a team from Holland helmed by Roland LeFebvre, skipper of the national side. The Dutch are a strong force in cricket and LeFebvre's side have performed well on previous visits.

Another team who are regular visitors to the Hua Hin tournament are consistent performers Almar from South Africa who are always very competitive.

England is represented by Whitwell CC, a well-established club from Derbyshire. Conducting proceedings will be captain Huw Humphries, GM of the European Youth Orchestra.

One team that can be relied upon to play entertaining, if not always orthodox, cricket at this tournament are the local boys, Hua Hin.

Led by all-rounder Colin Devonshire, they are a very enthusiastic side and last year did well to reach the semi-final of the Plate.

Another team you can never rule out are Thai Thevada, captained by the ubiquitous Tom Karnasuta who is also the joint organiser of the tournament. Using primarily players from the Thai Cricket League, they can be a real force if they can get their best players out and have been champions in the past.

Then there is the Dusit Resort's own team, led by former Australian Test star, Colin ''Funky'' Miller.

A colourful character, Miller played 18 Tests for Australia, taking 69 wickets with his mixture of spin and medium pace. With Miller in the side the Dusit Resort, who were runners-up in the Plate last time out, will fancy their chances this year.

Most of the teams are bringing along large contingents of supporters which should ensure a lively atmosphere throughout the tournament.

The teams will be welcomed with the traditional barbecue dinner at the hotel on Tuesday 5th. Cricket action begins on the Wednesday morning and continues through to Sunday 10th with the finals and the awards dinner, also at the hotel.

It all promises to be a great week both on and off the field, hopefully with the sea breezes from the Gulf of Thailand keeping all participants nice and cool.