Devon Cricket Board - Aqeel Ahmed returns to Barton for third stint

Aqeel Ahmed returns to Barton for third stint

GET the batting right and the rest should fall into place.
That’s Barton skipper Adam Parker’s view ahead of the new season in the A Division, which commences on Saturday with a visit from Cornwood.
Barton were seventh out of ten in the division last season, failing to live up to their early season promise.
The Cricketfield Road side were top after four games with three wins in four stars, but only won four of the next 14 outings.
Parker, who missed all but the last month of the season due to injury, had plenty of time to watch from the sidelines.
What he learned from watching he hopes to put into practise.
“Consistency of selection didn’t help our batting as I don’t think we had the same top five two games running,” said Parker.
“It would help to have a settled batting line up so everyone knows what is expected of them.
“Last season we relied heavily on Shaun Needham (457) for our runs, a bit too much at times.
“We don’t have anyone who is going to 500, 600 or 700 runs a season, but we do have capable batters in the top six or seven who can get more than they did last year.”
Parker definitely has a point as the next best after Needham with 273 was Denovan Ekstraal.
Barton have re-signed Pakistani spin bowler Aqeel Ahmed, who is returning for a third spell at the club.
He was last at Barton in 2009 when he topped the bowling aggregates with 48 at 11.52 each, including seven for 34 against Chudleigh.
“Aqeel is part of the Barton family and we are glad to have him back,” said Parker.
A significant signing for Barton is Ben Holmes, who has been opening the bowling for Chudleigh.
If Holmes can get early wickets – another problem area for Barton in the past – the season could be promising.

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