Falkland captain proud of strong start in Home Counties Cricket League

Falkland Cricket Club captain James Bird is delighted with his side’s start to the season.

The club were promoted to the Home Counties Cricket League Division Two last season.

So far they’ve taken to the new division like a duck to water, sitting fourth in the league after six games.

Bird has led by example so far, a fact emphasised in Saturday’s win at home to Gerrards Cross.

Bird hit 146 from 164 balls to lead his side to a 122 run victory.

“We got put in to bat on a pretty flat wicket” he said of his hard hitting innings.

“We lost a couple of early wickets, so we had to dig in, but I just kept batting.

“They dropped me a couple of times which always helps.

“We just wanted to stay up in this league, but now we have this momentum to keep going.

“We know how our wicket plays and we know how to win at home.”

The side have won all three of their home games so far, losing two away from home and seeing one called off due to wet weather.

Matthew Bond has played a key role in their success, with Bird praising his contribution.

“Matthew has really come on this year,” said Bird.

“He was injured a majority of last year, but he’s come back fully fit and bowled really well.

“He’s been quick and aggressive at really important times.

“He’s taken some really important wickets.”

Another key figure has been Bobby Brown, a teenage all-rounder who has come of age in recent seasons.

“Bobby has been at the club since he was a kid,” Bird said.

“He’s really developed in the last year and a bit.

“He’s doing some work with Hampshire and Berkshire, who really rate him.

“He’s training three or four times a week. He’s showing a lot of promise.”

As captain however, Bird has a responsibility to keep feet on the ground.

Knowing that tough times are likely to arise over the course of the season, Bird and his dressing room marshalls are keen to guard against complacency.

“When you’re in a good position, you have to tell the lads to keep their foot on the pedal,” he explained.

“You never know what can happen, everyone can bat at this level.

“You have to keep concentration.”

Falkland are back in action on Saturday, as they travel to Horspath looking for their first away win of the season.