James Bird happy with progress ahead of Falkland Cricket Club season opener

Falkland Cricket Club captain James Bird believes his side are in good shape ahead of the new season.

Last year Falkland’s first team were promoted from the Thames Valley Cricket League.

The challenge of the Home Counties Premier Cricket League now awaits, and Bird’s squad have been put through their paces in pre-season to prepare for the new season.

Friendlies against the 2nd XI, Burbage and Basingstoke have not yielded positive results, but Bird is unconcerned with the scoreboard for now.

“We lost, but the performances have been really positive,” he said.

“It’s difficult to get back into the swing of things.

“When you’re bowling properly again outdoors, there’s an adjustment.

“But we’ve got runs and overs under our belts now.

“It’s been really positive.

“The results aren’t the end of the world to be honest.

“It’s about getting in some practice ahead of the league season.”

Pre-season provides an opportunity for members of the squad to get themselves noticed, with a few platers standing out in the captain’s eyes.

“Seb Chapman has had a really good start,” he revealed.

“He’s scored runs and he’s still seventeen.

“He’s made that step up into adult cricket and I think he’ll have a really good season.

“Bobby Brown is another one who is really young.

“He’s improved over the winter and has a lot of coaching with Berkshire and Hampshire.

“He’s improved a hell of a lot and I think he’ll have a good season for us.

“Matthew Bond has bowled really well in pre-season.

“He was injured last year, but has come back really nicely.”

Bird has made a point not to set strict targets or expectations for this season.

Many members of the squad will be playing at this level for the first time, and Bird is taking each game as it comes.

“There’s no reason why we can’t be competitive in the league,” he explained.

“But staying up is priority number one.

“Halfway through, we’ll see where we’re at.

“Once we’ve played everyone we’ll have a good idea of the league.”

Falkland kick-off their league season away to Wokingham on Saturday 10th, something Bird can’t wait for.

“I’d imagine they’ll be a strong side,” he admitted.

“They got relegated from the Home Counties Premier, so they’re going to be up there.

“I think it’s good to face someone that challenging early on, to get a real good idea of how the season could go.”