Mells 2006 - Player Ratings
Hollers – 9 (out of ten). Disappointing bowling from a so-called all-rounder, mitigated by a streaky 147 not out, the highest individual score in Strollers history. His betting book gives a new angle to the Strollers, but it is worrying to see so many players backing teammates to fail.
Paddy – 7. Answered his critics by producing an excellent spell of controlled leg spin bowling. Started okay with the bat, but played a woeful shot when well set. His energy in the field is always a bonus, although his tendency to persistently sledge his teammates remains a concern.
Luke - 7.5. Having been thumped to all parts of the ground in his first spell, came back strongly to bowl 4 tight overs at the death. Banished the memories of 2005 with the bat by making a gritty 40. Question marks remain over his fielding, as he spilled yet another sitter.
Youngy – 7. Great performance with the bat, finally fulfilling his much talked about promise. Solid in the field as ever. His “special relationship” with Doug McAndrew has raised eyebrows in some quarters.
Big Ed - 6.5. Recovered well from losing the toss with some Brearley-esque captaincy. In particular, his rousing speech during the tea interval gave the Strollers the belief they needed to go on and win. Looked out of sorts with both bat and ball, prompting some pundits to question whether the burden of captaincy is too much for him. Ten out of ten for hosting the weekend.
Jonny Allen – 5. Strollers’ premiere spin bowler had a weekend to forget. One fantastic stop on the boundary was not enough to make up for his expensive bowling, dropped catch and golden duck. Knows that Cowden will be critical as he looks to defend his position as the players’ player.
Aussie Andy – 8. A natural Stroller, despite being Australian. Bowled with good aggressions, batted well when his team needed him the most, and hit the winning runs. An extra half point for going out with McGuirk’s ex-girlfriend, which will be a source of banter in future fixtures. Outstanding debut.
Rick Bristow - 6.5. Last season’s player of the season started woefully with the ball, although a decent comeback left him with respectable figures (which, he would argue is all that matters). Nearly ran himself out first ball, but was there at the end to equal the record for the most not out scores by a Stroller.
Macca - 7.5. Kept extremely well in spite of pressure from both Chris Read and Youngy for his place; even appealed at one stage (although not the one time the batsman was actually out). Was forced to drop down the order, so there was no opportunity to unleash his infamous reverse drive. Suffered more than most from the absence of Tom Fletcher’s uncanny ability to provide refreshments when they’re needed, as heat stoke caught up with him at tea.
Miles from Mells – 6. Battled hard in the blazing sun and made a few excellent stops. Did not get a chance to display his talents with the bat.
Jim "bigger" Duffus – 8. Rolled back the years with an outstanding performance in the field. Without his home brew the night before, most pundits have said that the Strollers would not have had the stamina to last such a marathon game. Outstanding host, and only one match away from the much sought after honorary life membership.