2007 AGM Round-up
Overview
The early part of the evening focusing on Rick Bristow's failings as an organisational force within Stroller history including the $(Aussie)10,000 spent by players reaching the Ashes match he cancelled last summer at 2 hours notice. Discussion moved onto Luke Fletcher – his poor attire and appalling behaviour in deserting his team-mates in a desperate bid to rekindle a failed relationship with an old flame.
Simon Holliday arrived at c. midnight , some hours after Luke had departed. It was noted that Brace was the first Stroller to organise a dinner and then not attend himself. True former Stroller behaviour. The waitress noted that the Strollers did not have even an XI for their annual dinner. Rick offered her his phone number, she declined.
Awards
Despite the rain-soaked 2007 season, the debate around award winners was heated and at times confidentiality of voting was permitted. No voting proxies were allowed.
Champagne moment award
2007 winner: Paddy McGuirk
For a dive, stop, turn and runout in one movement vs FCO.
Award for Unsportsmanlike Bahaviour
2007 winner: Jon Allen
Possibly the most talked about award of the evening.
Jon was pushed close by Youngy and his FCO foul-mouthed abuse towards a shivering square-leg umpire. Ultimately though Allen's 30 seconds lingering at the crease in Folkestone was a unanimous selection, not least due to his ironic email rant regarding sporting behaviour that preceded the match. Not aided by his refusal to answer his mobile to make an acceptance speech.
Player of the Year Award
2007 winner: Unawarded
"Nobody" joined the doomed ranks of former winners as votes flooded in for no winner in 2007. Hollers made an impassioned speech seeking to claim the award himself - this was shot down by Rick with references to the lack of match-winning performances – something for Simon to work on in 2008.
Much coveted Player's Player of the Year Award
2007 winner: Andy Carey
Carey had not been identified in pre-dinner speculation regarding possible winners. Those commentators had clearly not considered the man's passion for all things Strollers and his unique oratory skills.
As debate raged on possible winners and justifications, Kolpak signing Andrew took to the microphone and made a speech that had seasoned Strollers reaching for tissues. Possibly the finest orator since Tony Greig, Big Andy reached for parts of the Strollers history that not even members of the out-ed "Inner Circle" could match. The man loves the Strollers, he adores the founding principles, he rejects all things Australian. He is more English than Stuart Law and more Stroller than Tom Fletcher. A deserved winner.
Andy is also an early favourite to retain the title. His first act as Player's Player was to force his girlfriend to go out and bring him breakfast in bed to recognise his achievement.
Paddy McGuirk