Somerset Tour 2005 - Report
Somerset 2005 will surely go down as one of the great Strollers weekends. Many thanks to Ed and his family for hosting the team. Barn dance, Jim’s beer, hog roast and inbred country band were key ingredients to a fantastic "birthday" event on Saturday night. Breakfast on Sunday morning was organised with military precision, and we couldn't have wished for better weather.
If only the cricket had been as good. The weekend began on a low point with shocking news that loyal captain and founder member of the Strollers, Tom Fletcher, had pulled out at the last minute. He failed a late fitness test after picking an ankle injury dancing over-exuberantly to the crazy frog in a parisenne nightclub. Ed Duffus, despite a dubious knowledge of cricket fielding positions was unanimously elected as the stand in captain. From then on things only got worse
Duffus, clearly suffering after a heavy night on the cider, controversially allowed Mels first use of a pitch that was only going to deteriorate as the match went on. Our opponents made hay while the sun was shining, smacking an ordinary bowling attack to all parts to make 197-7 from their 30 overs. The only pluses for the Strollers were the bowling of Alex Finlow (3-9) and Johnny Allen (2-19). Both were rewarded for bowling at the stumps, a rare skill in this Strollers side. Doug McAndrew also produced a fine spell of bowling after being ousted from behind the stumps by plucky debutante Simon Young.
The Strollers set about this target in a typically cavalier manner, and as usual this resulted in a procession of batsmen returning to the pavilion before reaching double figures. The only saving grace was a captain’s innings from Ed Duffus who made his first Strollers half-century by playing the same shot to every ball. However, once he was dismissed the tail folded and Mels ran out winners by 60 runs.
Despite the loss, it was an excellent game of cricket, played in exactly the right spirit. A lot of credit should go to the opposition for this. Also thanks to the enthusiastic supporters who came along to watch. They proved to be a very knowledgeable crowd, and most agreed that at the end of the day, the real winner was cricket.
Player Ratings
Alex Finlow - 8/10. Bowled an exemplary line and length to rip the heart out of the Mels batting. Some good saves in the field. Got himself out playing one of worst shots seen on a cricket pitch.
Ed Duffus - 9/10. Deserves a lot of credit for organising a fantastic weekend. Scored his first ever half-century, bowled with a lot of heart and was once again exemplary in the field. The jury is still out on his captaincy.
Paddy McGuirk 6/10. Disgraced himself in the warm up by hitting the grounds man square on the head from 60 yards with a cricket ball. Made amends with two great catches, and some tight bowling towards the end of the innings. Needed to bat through if there were to be any chance of victory, but like many of his team mates, played an awful shot when well set. His sledging is always a bonus, although some would say it would be better employed if aimed at the opposition.
Simon Young 4/10. Having looked great in the nets, this was an eagerly anticipated debut. However, after an abject performance from the big man, many will question whether he has the temperament to compete at this level. Certainly looked the part with both bat and ball, but his three overs were expensive and he got himself out just when he was beginning to dominate the bowling. His agility in the field (for his size) will always benefit the Strollers, and he is capable of some high quality sledging.
Johnny Allen – 8/10. An excellent game from Allen. Widely regarded before this match as a genuine social cricketer, he proved that he is more than capable with both bat and ball. Frustrated a couple of batsman out with his excellent line and length, then looked comfortable supporting Big Ed before succumbing to the inevitable agricultural swipe. His size 12s are an asset in the field.
Rick Bristow 4/10. As one of the few cricketers in the side, he will be expected to do a lot better than this in future fixtures. Bowled an erratic first spell which set the tone for the innings, but showed strong resolve coming back at the death to bowl a couple of tight overs and dismiss the well set Mels skipper. Gave a lot of chat in the field, which came back to haunt him when he strolled into bat. Played a typical innings: a couple of classy forward defensives, before mishitting a pull straight to mid wicket. After a season off his throwing arm appears to be back, although the radar appears to be little off.
Doug McAndrew – 7/10. Showed his versatility by batting, bowling and keeping wicket. Was tidy(ish) behind the stumps, but the real plus was his bowling, which was reminiscent of Brendan Julian in his pomp. Supported Duffus excellently with the bat, although critics would say it's about time he started turning his starts into double figure scores. Thrashed by Simon Young at golf (twice).
Fred – 7/10. An inspirational debut for the first American to play for the Strollers. A live wire in the field and he bowled a tight over at the end of the innings. Showed more experienced team mates a thing or two about defensive prods, but was eventually undone by a ungainly swipe and miss, which he probably learnt from Paddy McGuirk.
Pete Mason – 6/10. A very enthusiastic debut from Pete. Proved himself to be adept at conceding a large number of runs off one over, and therefore has the makings of a high class declaration bowler. His chat genuinely lifted the team, although his lack of knowledge of the game was occasionally exposed; in fact some people questioned whether he was even watching the game when he bellowed 'well bowled Youngy' as yet another wide was sent down. Looked like he might be able to play the anchor role while Mcguirk was in full flow, but was unfortunate to be run out by a direct hit.
Scott – 6/10 Out second ball to a dreadful shot, but bowled pretty well considering his lack of experience. An enthusiastic fielder. Appears to have all the traits of a stroller, so could be in line for a second cap soon.
Dave Cran - 6/10. A fairly quiet game from the irishman. Bowled tidily, although was occasional thumped for enormous sixes. Was the only Stroller not to be dismissed, left stranded after a courageous 0 not out. His accent adds excellent variety to the sledging.
Scorecard to follow
RB