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As a schoolboy cricketer, Luke Fletcher was a phenomenon. With the bat, he had it all; shots all round the wicket, style, an icy cool temperament, timing and power. The mauling he gave some schoolboy attacks is rumoured to have ended careers. He could also bowl a line and length so consistently accurate that batsmen, for the want of something more interesting to do, would deliberately get themselves out so they could watch paint dry in the changing rooms. The words 'he's the next Botham' were frequently muttered by awestruck opponents as he stepped onto the field of play.

Unfortunately, like his beloved West Ham, Luke has never quite fulfilled this obvious potential. More Mark Ealham than Ian Botham these days, the only consistent thing about his bowling is the look of delight on the batsmen's face as yet another plump half volley is served up, and his batting has deteriorated into something resembling Phil Tufnell after six pints. The reason for this dramatic slump in form is unclear. Some will argue it is connected to his move to Spain, and his "manãna, manãna" attitude to life. Others have suggested that, after taking several heavy beatings on the golf course, his once legendary icy cool temperament has deserted him, and it is his inability to cope when the pressure is on that has made him a shadow of his former self.

Whatever happens you will often overhear Luke mumbling the words "Form is temporary, class is permanent", and on occasions he has shown glimpses of Fletcher in his heyday. His spectacular 94 against the foreign Office in 2003, and his incredible rearguard innings against Cowden in 2004 immediately spring to mind. Although some have suggested his place in the side is secured through nepotism, the truth is that it is Luke's amazing level of natural ability, coupled with his off pitch banter that make him one of the first names on the Strollers' team sheet.