After six years at the helm of Wycombe Cricket Club, Dan Marles has taken the decision to move on from the club and return to his local side, Finchampstead.
“It’s a decision I’ve been thinking about for a while. It’s obviously much closer to the home Louisa and I have just bought. It makes a lot of sense and is an exciting project.
“It’s a good time for a change. Finch is my home club; I moved from there to Wycombe and loved my time. I’ve still got lots of friends and close people at Finch. “
During his time for High Wycombe, Dan Marles raised three titles, including a record-breaking undefeated season in 2023, which he says was a particular moment of pride for him.
“From a personal side, the year we went unbeaten was incredible. To be a captain of that side of proper cricketers and enjoy it on and off the field was great. There aren’t many sides that go unbeaten in a year.”
It was an eye-watering moment when he looked back on his 6-year tenure:
“I’ve made some friends for life.”
“Thank you to everyone. It’s been such a pleasure playing for the club. You get made to feel good there, and people put in a lot of work behind the scenes.”
But his decision to step away from the club comes from an inability to get stuck into his cricket. Commuting took its toll on Marles, being unable to train as frequently and spending a lot of time away from home.
“I need to get into the nets more than in previous years. I’ll be trying to have regular hits.”
Dan Marles has consistently been a top run scorer in the league during his time at Finchampstead and High Wycombe. But when it comes to his new side, he describes how different they are.
“It’s a real different side to Wycombe. It’s a young and inexperienced side where I feel I can add value, bat in the top four and help the young lads.”
The right-handed bat will surely fit into a side he has formerly played at for years. But given he left the side 6 years ago after being captain and once again captained High Wycombe for the best part of 5 years, would captaining once again be on the card for Marles?
“My first thought is to be a player, score runs, and play cricket. I will always be there to assist, but I haven’t given captaincy much thought yet. They had Chris Britz, a fantastic player and a great captain.”
Whilst he hopes to continue to play at a high standard, scoring plenty of runs in Division One, he did add some insight into his anxieties for next season.
“I’m worried about the away fixture and entering the wrong changing room. I think it will be strange, and I’ll get some abuse from the boys when we play.”
With Finch securing Dan Marles, after performing poorly at the back end of last season with Chris Britz absent, possibly losing the title, the right-hander will be a valued addition to the side.
“I’d love to be a part of a title-winning side again.”
