AFTER their hugely successful campaign last summer, Farnham have been putting the finishing touches to their preparation for Premier cricket in the Surrey Championship. They will be looking for an improvement on the last time they were in the top flight. In 2002, immediate relegation followed promotion and the Black Caps will be anxious to avoid a similar fate this time around. The signs are certainly promising. There is an air of stability, confidence and a real sense of progression within the club. All of the promotion- winning side returns, the only notable absentee being overseas player Aubrey Steyn, who has joined Camberley. His spot should be competently filled by Rupes Kitzinger, a 6ft 7ins seam bowler picked up from relegated Old Emanuel. Kitzinger, who made his debut for Dorset in the Minor Counties championship last season, should be an ideal foil for main strike bowler Peter Dickinson who captured 40 wickets last year. Another Dorset player, Tom Hicks, starts his third season as captain and will be heartened by the news that his brother, Guy, is available for 2005. "I feel confident that as long as availability is not a problem we can more than hold our own in the top league," said the former Oxford University captain "Having Guy around all year is a big boost and our batting looks strong, although another quick bowler might have been nice." He has reason to be confident in his bowlers though, as he himself and fellow spinners Danny Kirkland and Tom Caines, all showed good form in 2004 and have all had Premier experience. "Some have said we will struggle, but with the amount of experience and genuine talent we have in our best eleven, we should be able to prove any doubters wrong." The Farnham club as a whole looks in great shape. Interest from local people and businesses is vitally important, especially given the raised profile of the first XI. Cook of Farnham have become the new shirt sponsors, while Wadham & Isherwood continue their excellent support. Ian Thorpe and Andy Speed remain captains of the second and Academy XIs respectively. The Academy venture and impressive youth programme are beginning to pay dividends, with several young players moving up to senior level. Ones to watch closely this year will be Ben Ungaretti, who last year became the youngest player to score a league hundred for the club, and the pace duo of Mark Henderson and Matt Peacock. Farnham's season begins this Saturday when they take a side to Wokingham for a friendly. The following week, there will be an intra-club match at The Park before the first league game on May 7 – at home to Spencer. For more information about playing for Farnham CC, contact [email protected]">[email protected] For information about sponsoring the club and details of events, contact [email protected]">[email protected] Farnham CC website: farnhamcc.com
