Folkestone 2008: Weekend Report 
As the players took to the field on a glorious sunny afternoon in Folkestone any predictions of a comprehensive Strollers victory would have seemed extremely far-fetched. The already depleted 8 man Strollers team was initially further reduced to 7 as Tom put country before Strollers for the second game running, prompting a decision to let the Strollers bat first.
The team could not have got off to a worse start, as Bristow entrusted by his captain to open the batting in the misguided belief that the extra responsibility might lead to a more disciplined improved performance was dismissed first ball for a duck. At the other end however, Simon Young was continuing his early season form, making steady progress on his way to the retirement score of 25 and dominating a partnership with Tim Neale who provided able support before being bowled for 2. The Fletcher brothers were then brought to the crease and looked comfortable before Tom was the victim of a brilliant direct hit when called for a quick single. Luke retired on reaching 25, a score Andrew Carey (21 ) looked all set to reach as well before a rush of blood to the head resulted in a spooned catch to Alex Finlow. With just a few overs to go the captain's target of 150 off 25 overs looked optimistic but a swashbuckling, quickfire 25 not out from the much improved elder statesman of the team Johnny Allen as well as contributions from John Fletcher (6n.o)and the returning Luke Fletcher (30n.o) after Youngy was bowled for 28 attempting to switch hit, pushed the Strollers score up to a respectable 136-5.
After a delicious cream tea courtesy of Mrs Fletcher, the Strollers took to the field with a spring in their step and were quickly amongst the wickets as Carey ripped through the St.John's top order in a hostile 3 overs, taking 3 wickets before being prematurely withdrawn from the attack due to objections from the opposition about the pace of bouncers being bowled and concerns for batsman's safety. From the other end Bristow bowled a tight but wicketless spell before being replaced by the spin of Allen and Luke, who took his first wicket as a spinner and produced a smart (scintillating?) bit of fielding to run out another St.John's batsman. However,it was left to Tom, the master of bowling at the tailend, to finish St.John's off with a devastating spell of 4-1. The sight of 3 Strollers fielders failing to take a simple catch which would have given him a hat trick was perhaps the comic highlight of the day, followed closely by Tom's failure an over later to take a simple catch to give John Fletcher a much-deserved second wicket. Despite a late flurry of runs from Rick's dad, prompting bewilderment as to Rick's incompetence with the bat, St Johns were eventually dismissed for just 63.
After the presentation ceremony the Strollers plunged into the sea for a bracing victory dip before warming ale in The Ship, curry and the inevitable extensive post match analysis, which resulted in the following player ratings being awarded:
Simon Young - A confident and elegant knock from the big man. Rapidly becoming one of the Strollers most consistent performers with the bat. However, needs to guard against complacency and attempted “switch-hit” led to his downfall. Glovework still leaves a bit to be desired and questionable positional sense will have Maurice chuckling to himself as he flies back from 2 years in the Strollers wilderness. 7/10
Rick Bristow - Disappointing once again. Failed to take opportunity with the bat and questions about his temperament will no doubt resurface. Played second fiddle admirably to Carey but finished wicketless, doing little to justify “Strike bowler” tag. On the positive side, he took his first ball LBW dismissal with good grace (though some would say he seemed a bit too keen to get back to the pavilion and question how much he cares), and refused to grumble about bowling uphill. A debut sea swim slightly redeemed an otherwise forgettable day. 3.5/10
Tim Neale - Proved a good foil to a swashbuckling Young to see off opening bowlers. Outstanding choice of swimming trunks for sea swim. Few have been able to wear Tom's schoolboy trunks with the perished underpant lining with quite the same degree of casuality. Great PR and enthusiasm though dropped catch which denied Tom hat-trick. 6.5/10
Luke Fletcher - First victory as captain leaves Paddy as the only remaining Strollers captain never to have won a game. Top scored with 30 n.o though made call which resulted in Tom's run out. Marshalled troops reasonably well though perhaps naïve in his expectations of Rick's potential. Dealt with potentially controversial incident diplomatically, withdrawing hostile strike bowlers when bouncers threatened to bring game into disrepute. Who said the spirit of cricket was dead ? Run out, caught and bowled wicket and sea swim. 7.5/10
Tom Fletcher - Despite another late arrival, redeemed himself by returning outstanding figures of 4-1 ripping through the tail end and removing St.John‘s captain for first ball duck. Might even have had hat-trick were it not for some comical Strollers fielding. Unfortunate to be run out though this was no excuse for slight hesitation in acknowledging square leg umpire Rick's raised finger. 2 dropped catches and made phone calls during game. Sea swim. 7/10
Andrew Carey - Showed typical Australian ruthlessness and aggression to produce arguably the quickest most hostile spell of bowling in Strollers history to rip through the St.John's top order and prompt requests from opposition skipper to remove him from attack. Strollers batsman won't relish facing him on a bouncy Regents Park pitch. Almost banished demons in the field and hit 21 useful runs before becoming the first overseas Strollers player in the sea. 9/10 Man of the Match
Johnny Allen - Retired after swashbuckling 25 not out which included his first ever 6 and provided proof of the benefits of pre-season nets. The Strollers elder statesman can now claim to be a genuine all-rounder. His challenge now is to maintain this level of consistency. Clear diction for LBW appeals, good PR, sea swim, though refused to accept responsibility for dropped hat-trick catch. 8/10
John Fletcher - Hit a blistering boundary in his 6 n.o which could have been more if teammates running between wickets had been better. Took a wicket with his first ball and should have had another were it not for Tom's dropped catch. No sea swim as the Strollers were using his trunks but made up for it with entertaining chart rundown. 8.5/10
LF