2017 marked the beginning of a reciprocal relationship between the Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC) and the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC).
Plans to bring the two clubs together for a social sporting tour would take six years to become a reality, with a group of MCC representatives recently hosted by members of the RBSC in what was a long awaited tour to Bangkok.
Visitors from the MCC experienced the diverse offerings of the main club at the RBSC which included a range of dining spaces and indoor facilities dedicated to racquet sports. The MCC cricketers ventured to the Asian Institute of Technology to face the Thai National Youth Team, where MCC 1st XI Captain Blake Thompson would provide a number of highlights for the visitors hitting 152 off 96 balls.
Experiencing a full sized 18 hole golf course in the heart of Bangkok was a unique opportunity for all of those involved from the Golf section, while the Bowls section faced their opponents at the RBSC Polo Club.
Deeper understanding about the common practices, experiences and values shared between the two clubs has strengthened the relationship – a trip years in the making proving to be an invaluable experience for all involved.
Special recognition must go to John Wallace (Bowls), Mark Stapleton (Golf) and Peter O’Rourke (Cricket) for their integral role in making this tour possible, along with the MCC Committee and management for its collective effort to ensure the success of this tour.
MCC President Fred Oldfield spoke highly of the RBSC across all aspects of the club.
“Royal Bangkok Sports Club contains wonderful facilities and very welcoming members,” Mr Oldfield said.
“I strongly encourage MCC members to take up any opportunity to visit.”
The MCC welcomes the opportunity to host RBSC at the MCG in the future.