On Saturday December 19, nine “darts players” from the Bamboo Bar set off for a match against old rivals Ryan’s Resort in Surin Province. This encounter was going to be a little different as a number of wives, girlfriends and family made the trip. Many of the team had also decided to accept Ryan’s proprietor Gary Thomas’ generous rate for an overnight stay.
The format was to be nine singles, four doubles, a captains match and a team game, so eight wins was the magic number required for victory. Once everyone had sorted themselves out the match got under way with the singles and Ryan’s raced into a 5-1 lead. The Bamboo rallied a little but still found themselves 6-3 down after the singles.
The Bamboo made a great start to the doubles, winning the first three matches to level the score. However Ryan’s took the remaining doubles match as well as the captains match and the team game to record a 9-6 victory . This gives Ryan’s Resort a 4-1 lead in the series.
It was a very enjoyable match played with the usual camaraderie and many games were extremely close. However, it has to be said that the finishing was not of the highest standard with a few games, particularly the team game, seeing the spectators almost losing the will to live !! One or two players who will remain nameless also found just hitting the board difficult and some of the Bamboo team put it down to jet lag !
Everyone then settled down to a few drinks and were “entertained” by a duo who apparently are regulars at Ryan’s. The Aussie singer/guitarist provided some interesting renditions of a couple of well-known songs as well as completely bemusing the Thais by playing the spoons ! Who said live entertainment was dying ?? Buriram’s own Dave Dittmar also did a couple of numbers on an electric piano that Gary kindly provided.
The main event of the evening was the barbecue and Gary and his staff put on a fantastic spread which included chicken, burgers, pork on the bone, salmon, cottage pie, baked potatoes and rice. Saying it was value for money doesn’t even come close to doing it justice. Simply the best to quote the song.
Most bars in Thailand have a bell and the Ryan’s bell was rung three times in the evening. First by one of the Ryan’s team whose young lady was celebrating her birthday and then my the rather emotional birthday girl herself. Later on the winner of the killer pool competition also sportingly gave up most of his winnings by giving the bell a ring. Eventually, the merry revellers began making their way home or to their rooms to end what had been a great day and night. Thanks to all involved especially Gary and his good lady. One lady who deserves a special mention is June who worked in the bar. She never stopped and I’ve never seen a barworker put in a shift like she did. And I happen to have been in quite a few bars !! Absolutely amazing !!
Just a footnote , on returning to the Irish Bar in Buriram we were singing the praises of the barbecue and proprietor Rod Young was heard to say, “What barbecue ? ” Like I said, a good night.