James Bird, The Skipper Of Falkland, Has Spoken Of The Club’s Return To The Home Counties Premier League For The 2025 Season.
Bird’s side returned to the league after eleven years following their 2024 Thames Valley Cricket League, Division One title win.
2024 Thames Valley Cricket League, Division One – Final table
The Falkland captain is looking forward to the new challenges that are facing his team.
The club is very excited for the upcoming season in the Home Counties, as the last time the club was in the league was back in 2014.
When I took over the captaincy in 2021 the aim was to get promoted within the next five seasons, so I’m very pleased to have done so!
Reflecting on their title winning season in 2024, Bird knows that it was very much a team effort.
The most pleasing thing for me from last season was how many different players contributed to winning games of cricket in our side!
Bird’s winter planning has involved both practicing skills, plus building on a good team spirit, as they get ready for their return to the Home Counties.
We’re preparing in the same way as we have done in previous years, with nets starting. We’ve made more of an effort to try and socialise out of the season too, to keep the momentum and morale from last season!
Falkland’s close season recruitment has seen a major boost the captain explained.
We’ve made one signing from last season with Gurjit Sandhu joining the club from Twickenham. Gurjit has moved to the local area recently and he has first-class experience with Middlesex, so hoping he can really boost our side!
In addition, Falkland have announced this week that they have retained the services of their overseas player, Elliot Seddon. The Kiwi claimed 29 poles and scored 349 runs in the 17 games he played in last season.
With many positives as the club looks to step up a level and compete, what are Bird’s hopes?
The season’s aim is to really challenge in the Home Counties. I think we can take inspiration from how well Stoke Green have performed after getting promoted from the Thames Valley. We don’t know too much about the league, and will be coming up against new opponents, which is an exciting challenge we’re looking forward to!
We would like to thank James for his time and wish him and Falkland well for the forthcoming season
