Former Test Player Tom Hogan Eyes Chiang Mai

Australian Test spinner of the 1980s, Tom Hogan, is glad over two months separates last week's meeting of living Test players and his return to Thailand's Chiang Mai Sixes in early April.

"Sydney was a fairly vigorous affair and I envisage a period of strict abstainance from alcohol in preparation for what will take place at Chiang Mai," Hogan said with deep sincerity this week.

And what will take place according to Hogan who has experienced the unique tournament that is the Chiang Mai Sixes "about three times", is an event designed to suit all calibre of cricketers with the accent on a good time.

"It is a very well organised event - other commitments have prevented me playing in it the last couple of years but I enjoy going there and am happy to recommend it."

Hogan said one of the interesting features was the ground itself.

"An eye opener - you have this cricket wicket in the middle of a golf course which is fairly unique. They remove one of the holes in the golf course and in its place is this turf wicket.

"Around the ground are 30 or more thatched huts where you have guys sitting in these all day having a good time."

Would ex-Test player Tom Hogan compromise his reputation by engaging in activities that may be detrimental to his on-field performance.

"Well, of course, I would be preserving myself for the job at hand and if you believe this you will believe anything," he laughed.

High profile current and former international and first class players like Hogan are allocated to teams in the tournament's main competition as well as playing in the best-of-three game 'Super Cup' contested between the 'All Star' team and the "Best Of" team comprising amateur players from the Cup.

Hogan will be joined by Kenny Jackson, captain of the South African first class provincial team, Boland and former Tasmanian Sheffield Shield and present Papua-New Guinea coach, Errol Harris.

Organisers are hoping that Dennis Lillee will return and are confident Geoff Marsh will make his first visit.

The real highlight of the week is finals day - Sunday, April 9 when the semi-finals of the Plate, Bowl and Cup competitions are played in the morning. The week climaxes in the afternoon when the finals are played, starting with the final of the Spoon followed by the Plate, Bowl, Super Cup (Stars game) and then the Cup Final. Presentations of all awards will then take place.

Meanwhile, the 115 year old Royal Selangor Club from Malaysia has provided the latest news by filling a vacancy in the field caused by the withdrawal of Spain's Javea C.C.

The tournament has also attracted a major sponsor with The PornPing Towers Hotel of Chiang Mai filling the role.

At present, the following teams have nominated for Chiang Mai 2000: 1. MCC(1) (UK), 2. MCC(2) (UK), 3. Thailand Cricket Association (Thailand), 4. Bangkok Postels (Thai/Australia), 5. Silver State C.C.(Malaysia), 6. Lik Lik Wombats (Australia), 7. Ios (Greece), 8. Darwin Dillettes(Australia), 9. Gymkana Club (Thailand), 10. Wombats (Australia), 11.Kirby Malzeard (UK), 12. Zouz-Cern (Switzerland), 13. Perth Postels (Australia), 14. Royal Selangor Cricket Club (Malaysia), 15. Waratahs (Australia), 16. Lamma CC (Hong Kong), 17. SugarShack Postels (UK/Australia), 18. TBA (Thailand), 19. Kiwi Cavaliers (New Zealand, 20. Darjeeling (United Arab Emirates), 21. Drifters (UK), 22. Irish Pub (Thailand), 23. Lords Taverners (Australia) and 24. Schlungers (Wales/Australia).