Sad Strollers Slaughtered in Folkestone
Strollers struggle to hide their disappointment for the team photo
Off the pitch a fantastic day. Many thanks to the Fletcher's for once again hosting the strollers. This is the third consecutive year Mark and Debbie have welcomed the team into their home, and the third time we have been staggered by the level of their hospitality.
Unfortunately, the prospect of a Thai Curry at Chez Fletcher failed to inspire the strollers on the pitch. In fact, from a cricketing point of view, this was one of the darkest days in the strollers' history. New skipper Luke Fletcher controversially put the opposition in on a pitch that was always going to favour the team batting first. However, the strollers' bowlers responded well, restricting a strong St.John's XI to 105 off their 25 overs. Tom Barham's left arm seam up, Luke Fletcher's slow medium and Guy Winter's slow left arm were particularly potent on a wicket which offered plenty of assistance to the bowlers. Even Rick Bristow astonished the team with a display of reasonably controlled pace.
The Strollers reply never really got going. Andy Morris, in his much awaited return made a brave 6, the former captain Tom Fletcher made a patient 14 but otherwise the strollers were skittled out all too easily, eventually registering a paltry record low score of 53 all out. A number of senior players will have to take a good hard look at themselves after this woeful batting performance.
Player Ratings
Guy Winter 5/10 - Silenced his critics, and banished the memories of Devizes'02 by producing a wonderful spell of left arm over the wicket spin bowling. The St.John's batsmen were flummoxed by his stock ball, the arm ball, and he deserved more than the 2 wickets he picked up. He will probably be disappointed to have got out second ball, but he is still on course to meet his target of 2 runs for the season.
Tom Fletcher 3/10. Having set out to prove a point to the selectors who dropped him for the first two fixtures of the summer, Fletcher will be bitterly disappointed with this performance. His slow medium trundlers, so effective against incompetent batsman and small children failed to produce a wicket on this occasion. Never afraid to score the ugly runs, Fletcher managed a gritty 14 with the bat, but was then dismissed playing an expansive front foot defensive just when he was beginning to look comfortable.
Luke Fletcher 4/10. Skipper for the day, and despite a reasonable individual display, must take some responsibility for the team's atrocious performance. Took 3 wickets, and Invoked memories of that glorious summer of '93 by producing some magical deliveries in amongst the wides and long hops. Blamed the pitch for his third ball dismissal, and although there appeared to be some element of truth in this, a player of his calibre should do better at this level
Young 5/10. Outstanding behind the stumps, and set a new low byes record of just 1, eclipsing the previous record of 16 by a player Youngy introduced to the strollers, A McDougal. Will again be disappointed to get out attempting to chip the infield, a shot he executes so well on the golf course. Very agile for a man of his size.
Tom Barham 6/10. An excellent debut from the local lad. Barham's left arm pace caused all sorts of problems for the St.John's opening batsmen, and he can consider himself unlucky not to have taken more wickets. Outstanding in the field, and the only batman not to get out, Barham can be happy with this performance.
Ed Duffus 3/10. Following a great match earlier in the summer, Duffus will be disappointed with this effort. With the ball in his hand he terrified the St John's batsmen, but only until he actually bowled his first delivery. His slightly one dimensional batting was exposed by St.John's, whose ploy to keep him on the back foot nullified the threat of the Duffus off drive. His frustration soon told and he was dismissed attempting to drive a long hop.
Dave Cran 5/10. The plucky Irishman fielded like a panther in the covers, setting the tone for a surprisingly tidy and competent fielding display by the Strollers. Unfortunately an injury prevented him from adding to his excellent wicket tally, and like many others he'll be disappointed to have been dismissed so cheaply. Performed Kitty Man honours admirably.
Rick Bristow 3/10. A useful opening spell surprisingly devoid of wild deliveries which usually typify his bowling. The pitch certainly helped him but signs were encouraging. Again had fielders scampering to back up with his ridiculous throwing from the boundary and serious questions will be asked about his latest failure with the bat.
Andy Morris 5/10. Having not played for 3 seasons, Maurice looked nervous on his return to the side. In spite of this, he managed a new career top score of 6, and was a live wire in the field. He should be looking to build on this performance for the big upcoming fixtures in Cowden.
Neil Tubman 4/10- Another strollers debutant, Tubman fitted in well to the team. The batsmen were unable to get his bowling away at the death, although this was mainly due to the fact that half his deliveries landed on the adjacent wicket. Looked comfortable with the bat before succumbing to a straight one, second ball.
Graham Willis 4/10 Tidy enough with his bowling at the death and enthusiastic fielding and banter. Batting in his school PE kit, Willis never looked like he would trouble the scorers, and he didn't.
Next Weekend
Strollers will have to up their game considerably if they are to avoid a season whitewash at Cowden next weekend. Surely if anything can bring out the best in this team, it's the prospect of another fiery encounter with the Swan pub.
RB/(LF)