FALKLAND READY FOR FIRST MEN'S SCOTTISH CUP FINAL

Falkland have never been in a Cricket Scotland Men’s Scottish Cup final since the competition began back in 1966, so it is no surprise to hear that they will have a large backing in Edinburgh on Sunday.

 

The Fife side from Scroggie Park will be taking on five-time winners Heriot’s at Watsonians’ Myreside ground from noon and it promises to be a great occasion.

 

“We’ll have a large travelling support at Myreside on Sunday, I imagine the most we’ve ever taken to an away match,” Falkland president Robbie Nellies said.

 

“We’ve got two busloads coming and there’ll also be a good number arriving by car and train. Many of our juniors will be there too inspired by the team’s performances and they, like all of us, are becoming increasingly excited as the day approaches.

 

“The support we’ve received from the local community and beyond this season has been fantastic and I’d like to very much thank everyone for getting behind the club.

 

“I couldn’t be prouder of what this club has achieved and it’s really hard to believe that a village side like ours has an opportunity to lift our first national trophy in over 20 years (Falkland won the SCU Trophy in 2002 in a final versus St Boswells).

 

“It’s terrific reward for all the hard work that has gone in across the club, not just this year, but over the last few years.

 

“The squad has been brilliantly led by Jack Henderson with different players chipping in during the Cup run in each round. It’s been great to witness a real bond within the group both on and off the park which has no doubt contributed to their success.

 

“It would be a remarkable achievement if we were to create history and lift the trophy on Sunday night.”

 

To get to this stage Falkland, who like Heriot’s play in the Eastern Premier League, have defeated Ferguslie, Prestwick, Arbroath and Forfarshire.

 

 

Skipper Jack Henderson added:  “It has been a remarkable Cup run, started off by beating some strong sides from the West such as Ferguslie and Prestwick which is always a challenge.

 

“We then had to overcome a strong Arbroath side in the quarters, but the highlight so far has to be the semi-final against Forfarshire.

 

“We posted a low total, but our performance in the field was really special.

 

“The crowd got right behind us and we really felt it on the field, the support carried us through and helped us overcome a strong batting line up (in the end 169 all out played 112 all out).

 

“I moved to Falkland when I was 17 from Strathearn in Perth who are now part of Perth Doo’cot, so I have been with Falkland for a long time with a few years in New Zealand in between.

 

“We are a very small club with limited resources so to be able to get to the final of the Scottish Cup is a huge achievement for us and it’s an honour for me to be able to lead the team on Sunday.

 

“The boys have been great this summer, we have arguably had one of the best seasons in the club’s history and it is down to the hard work and the togetherness of the squad as well as the support from the wider club. 

 

“The most pleasing thing is that at different times different players have stepped up and contributed to our victories, we haven’t relied on the same person every week.

 

“As I said, the support this season from the wider club and the local community has been fantastic and it has been noted by the players.

 

“We want to thank the supporters for turning up week in week and we look forward to seeing them on Sunday.”