Falkland 3rd promoted, as Seddon bids farewell to club in style

As the only Falkland side with something still at stake this week, Falkland 3rd made the trip to Aldershot 2nd on Saturday.

Aldershot were already promoted to Division 5, looking to cement their position as champions, whilst Falkland needed just 5 points from the game to guarantee back to back promotions.

Aldershot’s sloping ground had been punished by the heavy rain of the previous 48 hours, and it was touch and go whether any play would be possible.

A gap in the clouds presented an opportunity, with the game shortened to 36 overs per side.

Skipper James Bloodworth lost the toss on his 450th Falkland appearance, with his side made to bat first.

A damp outfield and slippery batting strip made things difficult, but this wouldn't stop Ollie Hamlin and Charlie Mabbatt, as they partnered to score 51 and 32 respectively, leading their side to a total of 163, securing four of the five points required.

Needing just one wicket to secure promotion, Ted Brown was handed the new ball, with which he took the wicket of Prakrit Bhagat and secured a long awaited promotion.

Despite some valiant fielding, Aldershot clawed their way over the line with just 10 balls remaining to solidify themselves as worthy league winners

Falkland 3rd were playing level seven cricket just twelve months ago. They will begin their 2025 campaign in level five, a remarkable achievement which was reached with at least seven youth players in the side every week.

For Falkland 1st, business was all wrapped up.

Their win last week was enough to secure the title, as rivals Tring Park lost their game to Boyne Hill.

This week, the leading pair faced each other in what could've been the title decider.

Falkland won the toss and chose to field, a decision they would come to regret as Tring’s Brogan Hayman smashed 102, Scott Rolfe hit 63 and Tom Weymes made 50 for a total of 364.

As the chase began, it was Falkland’s overseas stars who stepped up to the mark yet again.

Lachie Field arrived at three to hit a calm 39, before Kiwi Elliot Seddon, playing the last match of his Falkland spell, went out with a bang.

64 runs from 50 balls saw four fours and four sixes, but it wasn’t to be enough as his side were bowled out 210 runs short.

They won’t mind though, as they set their sights towards next season and a return to the Home Counties Cricket League.