Bird’s aiming for the top
Falkland are determined to regain their place in the Home Counties Premier League
FALKLAND CC captain James Bird “can’t wait to get started” as his side targets a return to the Home Counties League.
The Enborne Street club is back in action, preparing for an assault on the Thames Valley League Division 1 title.
After an inter-club friendly kicked off the season on Saturday, Falkland play Burbage at home on Saturday, visit Didcot on April 23 and then host local rivals Thatcham on April 30 before the league season gets under way at home to newly-promoted Eversley on May 7.
Falkland finished the 2021 campaign in third place – and they are determined finish in top spot and book their place in the elite Home Counties League next season.
Bird said: “Promotion is our goal, 100 per cent, this season.
“We finished last season strongly and hope to take that momentum into this year.”
Falkland’s hopes have been boosted by the return of two former juniors and top-class players – James Morris and Brandon Gilmour.
Morris, who stepped down as Berkshire captain at the end of last season, having led them to four County Championships, three Knockout Trophies and one T20 Trophy, is a strong top order batsman.
Gilmour also played for the Berkshire first XI and for the Gloucester Academy and Sussex.
Bird said: “Both have played at a high level and their quality should
boost us this season.”
Falkland have lost last year’s overseas player, Zimbabwean Jeremy Ives, but they will replace him with Indian all-rounder Sagar Chabaria.
Chabaria, a batsman who also bowls leg spin, was Falkland’s overseas player two years ago and he returns to the club for a second spell.
Duncan Johnson is also back at Wash Common and takes over from Graham Beal as 2nd XI captain.
And Falkland’s ambition on the
pitch is matched off the field as well.
The impressive new club pavilion is complete and, with thriving junior and women’s sections as well, the future’s bright at Enborne Street.
Thatcham Town begin their pre-season campaign on Saturday when they welcome Wargrave 2nd to Brownsfield Road.
They then visit East Woodhay and Falkland before kicking off their Division 3A campaign at White Waltham on May 7.