Devon Cricket Board - Tributes paid to bowler who took 1,900 wickets

FORMER Bideford and Devon cricketer Peter Adams – one of the most durable players in the county – has died aged 81,
Adams, the club president, had been a part of the club for 67 years having made his debut just after the War in 1947 at the age of 14.
An off-spinner who turned the ball prodigiously, he played for Devon in the mid-1960s with the likes of David Shepherd and Jack Davey, who went on to play for Gloucestershire, and future pros John Solankey (Glamorgan) and Jeff Tolchard (Leicester)
Adams’ best match figures were eight for 66 against Cornwall in his last game, which was at Truro in 1968. He took four for 52 in the first innings and four more for 16 in the second.
Devon beat Cornwall by 94 runs in the game to finish second in the Minor Counties Championship – their highest finish since 1954.
Adams always knew he wasn’t a first choice spinner for the county side so cherished every game he played, five in the Minor Counties Championship and a handful of friendlies.
“I was well aware my career at this level was not going to be a very long one due to my age, so the best thing to do was savour the moment,’ said Adams in his privately published 2003 reminiscences Not Out – Impossible!
Among the memories Adams (pictured) treasured was a game against Somerset at Taunton as preparation for the Gillette Cup game against Hertfordshire in 1968.
“Here was the ground I had visited regularly in my teens as a spectator, idolising the players who emerged from the old, wooden pavilion to entrance the crowds packed into this intimate ground,” said Adams in his privately published 2003 autobiography.
“Simply to go through the wrought-iron gates carrying a cricket bag was something else.
“Rain stopped play mid-afternoon, but I could say I had played against Somerset on the County Ground and bowled against the great Australian Greg Chappell.”
Adams’ Devon career extended from 1965 – he was 32 then – to 1968. He took 16 wickets at 18.50 runs each.
For Bideford his form was prolific. Peter captured around 1,900 wickets in 5,100 overs in almost 700 games, taking all 10 wickets in an innings twice. He averaged 11.92 per wicket.
Against a Nomads Select XI on June 21, 1959 he had figures of 17.1-8-10-22 – the finest individual bowling performance by any player to have represented the club. That season he took 154 wickets.
Adams took five wickets in an innings 89 times and 100 wickets in a season on seven occasions.
Kevin Fishleigh, the Bideford chairman, said: ‘Peter’s enthusiasm for cricket was unbelievable, he was willing to talk to anyone about the game.
“If you asked a question, especially about bowling, you would soon be blown away by his wealth of understanding of spin, a true master of the art.
“Bideford CC was certainly a passion for Peter. I have been fortunate to serve on our committee for a number of years where Peter was always a leading voice.
“The legacy he leaves behind is certainly helping to keep our club moving in the right direction.
“I will miss seeing Pete at Westward Ho! We had numerous conversations about cricket and I am deeply saddened by his passing and that I will never be able to remember all that we spoke about.”
Few team-mates knew more about Peter Adams than Andy Davies, who was his wicketkeeper for more than 40 years.
“He could be a devil to keep to as he always turned the ball so much,” said Davies, now the club’s treasurer.
“Peter would out-think a batsman and many times they shouldered arms to a wide ball, which darted back sharply to take the top of off. He was no mug with the bat either.
“Peter was a fine administrator for the club too – he had stints as secretary, chairman and president. Sadly he didn’t live to see the 1st XI win promotion to the A Division this season, but he knew they were close. The club won’t be the same without him.”
Ian Hayter, an ex-Bideford captain, added: “Peter was a quality bowler still taking wickets 55 years after making his debut.
“I remember trying to persuade him to play for me in the Saturday 1st XI in 2003 – at the age of 71!
“Since retiring on the pitch, he could always be found off it on match days, supporting the team come rain or shine.
“He will be very much missed.”
Among the other tributes paid are two from current players, Bideford’s Chris Luxton and Braunton’s Alec Hodges.
“A true cricket legend,” said Luxton. “He always made time to talk to any and everyone. He told many great stories and passed on a lot of tips and knowledge.’
Said Hodges: “A lovely man who had time for everyone and had a great knowledge of the game. An honour to have known him.”
Peter Adams was a good footballer – he played for Bideford – and spent a couple of seasons playing rugby for Bideford.
After leaving Bideford Grammar School at 16, and two years National Service in the Royal Artillery, Adams spent 14 years in local government.
A mid-life switch to estate agency opened up a new career in auctioneering and house sales and qualification as a chartered surveyor.
Peter Adams’ funeral will be held at North Devon Crematorium on September 11 at 11.00 am, with a gathering of friends and family at the Commodore Hotel, Instow afterwards.
He is survived by wife Nan and the couple’s two children and grandchildren.