The weather gods were smiling on the first day of the Phuket International Cricket Sixes being played at Karon Stadium, Phuket, Thailand today as glorious sunshine blessed the tournament.

The days action got underway at 8.30am with the fancied Long Dong Wongs of Hong Kong taking on fellow debutantes to the Sixes, the Custom Cockatoos of Australia. The Cockatoos, sporting the most colourful uniforms in the tournament, posted a total of 49/3 from their overs which the Hong Kong team raced to beat off just 15 balls, making their intentions for the tournament clear.

The Long Dong Wongs feature a number of current and former Hong Kong internationals in their side including skipper Manoj who also captained the Hong Kong national team at the Hong Kong International Sixes.

Later in the day the Long Dong Wongs made similar work of the Perth Postels, reaching their target of 51 in just 17 balls.

Bahrain Camels posted the highest total of the day when they made 87/0 in a comfortable win over the Cockatoos, with Ashwini retiring on 30 not out and captain Sanjay making 27.

Lamma CC of Hong Kong, ever presents at the Phuket Sixes and boasting former Australian Test star Trevor Chappell in their line up, suffered two defeats which sees them looking at the possibility of a safe berth in the Spoon. Toorak Prahan CC of Melbourne downed the Hong Kongers in the morning, and the afternoon saw Worcestershire Police just pipping the Lamma boys off the last ball of the match in a very tight finish.

Top performer of the tournament so far with the bat is Dyan Spicer of Weraroa CC from New Zealand who was the only batsmen to retire in his first two matches.

Former champions the Corner Tigers from Pakistan had a good start to their 2009 Sixes campaign with a fine win over Baulkham Hills CC from Australia. The Baulkham batsmen made 56/2 which the Tigers polished off using 19 balls.

Other teams to watch out for, having won both their first matches are locals the Karon Sea Sanders, the CBB Postels and the crowd favourites the Wildmen From Borneo 1. Teams will enjoy the Sixes Welcome Party in the gardens of the Green Man this evening and Day Two play of the Sixes will commence at 8.30am tomorrow with an all India clash between the Mumbai Islanders and this year’s beach cricket champions Royal Maratha. “It’s been a fantastic day at Karon Stadium, loads of action, plenty of entertainment and superb weather,” said Tournament Director Brad Tarr.

On Friday evening the charity fundraising Sixes Twenty20 match will be played, featuring all the best players in the tournament in an entertaining evening under floodlights at Karon Stadium. The match starts at 6.30pm.

Entry for spectators throughout the Sixes is free and food and drinks are available at the ground.

For assistance or further information contact:
Mark Burns, Media Director, Asian Cricket Sixes Tour.
Tel. +852 9636 5545 or e-mail