We are delighted to announce that all-rounder James Thompson has agreed to join Dartford Cricket Club ahead of the 2025 season.  

This is an exciting addition to our membership that has been under consideration for some time. It should be viewed by our members as an important first step towards the development of the “Strategic Plan” that Dave Webb and his Cricket Committee will be putting into action during the 2025 season.

The core ambition of the Strategic Plan is to create a higher performing team at 1XI level, supplemented by strength in depth throughout the Club. This includes the development of clearly-defined pathways for talented, emerging cricketers, maximising the great work done within the junior section, led by Junior chair Surge Birring-Singh, junior head coach Ron Turner and all other members of the Junior Committee.

James has an impeccable cricketing pedigree and has competed at the highest level of club cricket in Kent for many years. He has been an integral part of Championship-winning sides at both Hartley and Minster Cricket Club and has earned selection for Kent’s 2XI. Across 350 league games, James has racked up nearly 9,500 runs, at an average of just under 40, and claimed 346 wickets at an average of just 23.   

James has been asked to bring his vast knowledge of the game to support Elliott Alger and Alex Cullingham (1XI captain and vice-captain respectively) and get the best from our 1XI, on and off the field.

Dave Webb, Chairman of Cricket, said: “I’m really pleased to announce the signing of James. His experience and record within the Kent League is outstanding and he is the perfect person to support and guide our young players, not just in the 1XI but throughout the rest of the club too.

“James and myself share the same ideas on how we want to take the club forward and I look forward to working with him during the 2025 season and beyond to build on our successes from last season.”

Elliott Alger, 1XI captain, continued: “I am absolutely thrilled to welcome James to the Club for the 2025 season. James is one of the Kent League’s most successful and highly-regarded players and his record speaks for itself.

“His experience and knowledge will be invaluable both on and off the field. I have no doubt that James will integrate seamlessly into the squad and become an integral part of the DCC family over the coming years.”

Harry Bright, Club Chairman, added: “The playing strength of a Club is usually associated by the strength of its 1XI. For some years now, the Club has not been able to push forward with a 1XI that is able to challenge for promotion into the Premier League.  

“This is at odds with other senior sides at DCC, who have all achieved promotion to higher leagues in the last three years. Part of the success of our lower sides has come from blending our experienced DCC cricketers, who bring wisdom and energy, to the skills of some of our younger players. 

“There is now an opportunity for the Club to capture the benefits of this progression and further integration with our junior section by developing pathways that can, over time, help the Club thrive both on and off the field.

“Having been handicapped in recent years by the impact of Covid-19 and high energy prices we now have, with the considerable support of our sponsor community, the capacity to deliver a noticeable change in fortune for our 1XI.

“I am confident that James has the all-round quality to make a difference to our Club and I firmly expect James to become an integral part of the DCC family over the coming years.”

James Thompson said: “I am absolutely delighted that I will be joining Dartford Cricket Club ahead of the upcoming season. After five fantastic years at Minster Cricket Club, where I’ve been fortunate to grow both as a player and a person, this new opportunity is one that truly excites me.

“It is a privilege to be joining such a big club with a fantastic infrastructure and an incredible history. Dartford has a reputation for excellence and I am thrilled to be a part of its journey moving forward.  

“We are looking to build something really special here — something rooted in the pure enjoyment of playing cricket and the camaraderie of playing for each other as a team. I firmly believe that if we can develop as a club, remain strong together, and keep our vision aligned, then success will never be too far away.

“I can’t wait to enjoy each other’s successes throughout the club and be a part of us pushing forward together as one club.

“The standard of cricket here is exceptional and has only become stronger over the past few years. I am eager to challenge myself and contribute to the success of the club as a whole.  

“I am also looking forward to getting involved with all the members, working together, and playing my part in making this a fantastic chapter for Dartford Cricket Club. Here’s to an exciting 2025 season. See you on the pitch or, even better, in the bar… first one is on me!”