Established in 1996 and based in Bangkok, the Thailand Tigers play competitive intra-club matches throughout the year. The 'Blues' and the 'Reds' battle it out weekly for the honor of holding up the prestigous 'Bob & Gerry Cup', named after the clubs founders. Their names, believe it of not, are Bob & Gerry.
A pre-season draft is used to select teams and this initiative has been a huge success resulting in increased numbers, more competitive matches and greater comraderie. The Tigers also play against teams from the South East Asian region, the highlight being an annual ANZAC commemorative match in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, the home of the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai. Regional tours are conducted twice annually.
The club has since expanded into supporting a Tigers netball team. This has not only increased our membership base but has added an extra, and most welcome, dimension to our social scene. Matches are played on a weekly basis. The Thailand Tigers play the majority of their football games at Bangkok Patana School, Soi 105, Sukhumwit (map). Matches are held, usually, on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. The ground has an excellent surface and remains firm, even during the wet season.
Our club doyen, and full-time columnist, Noodles is the property steward and his efforts on game day are to be commended. Sometimes he even gets a few helpers to set up the goalposts. The number of players for our intra-club domestic matches varies from week to week but the turnout is usually around 20 players, a dozen or so supporters and, if we're lucky, two umpires. Howard and Alistar (we normally just call them Maggot 1 & 2) must be masochists to wanna run around in the blazing hot sun whilst getting abused by all and sundry. They don't even get the thrill of kicking the occasional goal. Future plans have them being used as step-ladders just so they feel that their participation is valued. To be honest, without their unbiased contributions the club would be at a loss.
So if you are keen to have kick, a beer, or you just wanna yell your head off, visit the Bangkok Patana Sports Complex, Sukhumvit Soi 105 to get your dose of Aussie Rules action. Post game beers, kept ice cold by Noodles' minions, are guaranteed.
