Debuted towards the end of the 2005 season in a friendly match. Injured for all of the 2006 season but started playing regularly in 2007 after a ten year break from the game but struggled throughout the season and failed to reach double figures . Hit his first ever six in the friendly against Alnmouth & Lesbury at the start of the 2008 season and consistently scored runs for the 3XI including an unbeaten 49 against Backworth. James finished the 3XI season in 6th place in the league batting averages and was awarded the Tom Barlow Trophy