FALKLAND CRICKET CLUB ON TRACK FOR LORDS SHOWDOWN

Berkshire champions, Falkland Cricket Club, progressed to the Regional Finals of the ECB Indoor 6-a-side National Cricket Championship following a thrilling two wicket victory over last year's beaten finalists Brighton and Hove Cricket Club. The match played at Bradfield College on Sunday 20th February saw Brighton restricted to 89 for 5 off their scheduled 12 overs due to tight bowling from Julian Wood, Mark Baker and Richard O'Toole. Falkland's reply got off to a terrible start with ex-Hampshire CCC player Wood run out for nought and O'Toole and Baker falling cheaply.

Chris Brown repaired the damage with some lusty blows, but the real heroes were Captain Andrew Townsend (16 not out) and Neil Gunter (27 not out) who took the Brighton attack apart in the final overs ensuring a victory with 3 balls to spare.

Falkland now go on to the National Quarter Finals at Canterbury on Sunday March 5th where they will play Essex champions, Braintree. With both Mark Baker and Neil Gunter absent on holiday, seasoned campaigner Nigel Trumper and Berkshire CCC youngster James Morris look favourite to get the nod. Success here will lead the Club to the Semi-Finals and Final which will be played at Lords on Sunday March 12th.

Following this exciting victory, Falkland continued their unbeaten run in the current Championship with comprehensive wins over Bradfield CC and Peppard CC.

Falkland CC Squad members are Andrew Townsend (Captain), Mark Baker, Julian Wood, Richard O'Toole, Neil Gunter, Chris Brown, James Morris, David Harrison and Nigel Trumper.