Devon Cricket Board - Ton-up Adams makes the difference

Ton-up Adams makes the difference

QASSIM Adams hit an unbeaten century as Heathcoat won on the chase by two wickets at Cornwood.

Wind the clock back to 2005 and Adams was an up-and-coming all-rounder learning all about English cricket in his first spell with Heathcoat.

Fast forward to 2014 and Adams is now an established member of the Northerns’ Provincial team and the Titans Super-Sport and T20 sides.

Adams is averaging more than 40 with the bat in First Class cricket and the early 30s in the 50-over format.

So when Heathcoat dipped to 76 for four chasing Cornwood’s 235 for seven, Adams was a handy man to have in the side.

Adams, who came in at 36 for two, batted through for an undefeated 118 as Heathcoat clinched a thrilling win with three balls left in the match.

Adams scored at run-a-ball rate withn11 fours and two sixes.

Along the way he shard in key stands of 86 for the fifth wicket with Ned Menheneott and 56 for the sixth with Ben Pitkin.

Although Cornwood skipper Jason Hall kept the lid on at one end with figures of two for 19 from 10 overs, the bowling was more profligate at the other.

Opening bowler Byron Langley had three for 58 in two spells and broke the stand between Adams and Pitkin when he had the latter caught behind.

Earlier, Cornwood’s total had been put together around a fine knock of 84 not out off 90 balls from Hall.

Cornwood’s prospects didn’t look too bright at 40 for three with Chris Parker, former Bradninch run machine Jackson Thompson and Matt Skeemer all missing out, but Hall dropped anchor and the rest batted round him.

Chris Harris stayed in to make a long 58 in a rescue stand of 100 with Hall.

Veteran Duncan Boase came in with seven overs to go and chipped in with 39 not out off 31 balls in an unbroken stand of 59 with his skipper.

Heathcoat’s bowling was tidy with Jamie Drew (2-23) and Pitkin (2-33) the most effective.

Sam Smith, the Heathcoat captain, said the team had been reshuffled before the game and the changes had come off.

“Jason parr took the new ball for the first time and knocked over Thompson cheaply, which was a big wicket early, “ said Smith.

“Jason bowled with great control and pace and I hope it's a role he will take on for the rest of the summer.

“Ben Pitkin got through his 10 overs in the middle economically and never let the run rate get out hand.

“Toby Lochead stood up and got us off to a great start this allowed Qaasim time to get set and in combination with Ned Menheneott they put on a match winning partnership of 90 in the middle.

“Q's innings was top class and great to watch, hopefully the first of many big scores for him. “

Smith despite the win at Cornwood he wants to see some improvements against Plymouth at Knightshayes this Saturday.

“Cheap dismissals, death bowling and fielding all need work this week,” said Smith.

“Our school boys are available as it is half-term, which will make selection even more competitive.”

Nick Goodliffe, who chairs Cornwood’s selectors, said it was a disappointing way to lose having been so close to winning.

“When Menhenniot fell to Langley the match was in the balance with Cornwood sensing they were into the tail,” said Goodliffe.

“We hadn’t, bargained on an outstanding batting performance from Adams, whose contribution was the telling factor in this thrilling encounter.

“Despite an inspired captain’s performance from Hall with bat and ball, we just missed out, but had the consolation of a nine-point return.”

Steve Lambert staked his claim for a call up to the 1st XI, with a century in the 2nd XI win at Budleigh Salterton, which also saw Robin Dart take six wickets.

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