Lives in Cricket No 15 - Michael Falcon

He delivered more than 200 overs and took 39 wickets at an average of just over 17. His best return was seven for 53 against Nottinghamshire II, where the Eastern Daily Press reported that he ‘bowled at a good pace’. There was also evidence of both pace and swing when he took five wickets against Bedfordshire. Cricket magazine also described Falcon’s bowling as fast and, in addition, noted the existence of a slower ball. His fielding was also lauded; he was described as being ‘very prominent for fine work’ in the Challenge Match, whilst the Eastern Daily Press described him as a genuine all-rounder, saying that ‘his value to the side did not rest solely upon his batting. He saved scores of runs in the field, and he was also worth playing for his fast bowling alone.’ The sudden emergence of Falcon as a strike bowler who was more or less the finished article is remarkable. There were also signs that, although he was still only 22 years of age, Michael Falcon was already being groomed for the captaincy once Raikes retired. The latter was late arriving for the home fixture with Nottinghamshire II and it was Falcon who tossed in his Varsity Days 23 Norfolk’s championship-winning side of 1910, at Lakenham for their successful match with Nottinghamshire II in early August. Standing (l to r): B.K.Wilson (hon sec), E.Gibson, E.J.Fulcher, G.Williams, G.W.Birkbeck, R.W.Collinson, T.C.Allsopp, C.B.L.Prior (hon sec). Seated: G.A.Stevens, M.Falcon, Rev G.B.Raikes (capt), R.A.A.Beresford, R.W.Thurgar (wk).