When Club President Peter Adams died, this is what we put on our website:
We are sad to report that Club President Peter Adams passed away last week. Below is a copy of the club's press release and personal tributes.
Peter Adams
1932 - 2014
Tributes have been pouring in for one of Bideford Cricket Club’s ‘true gentlemen’, Club President Peter Adams, who has passed away.
Peter has been a part of the Club for 67 years having made his debut just after the War in 1947 at the age of 15. An off spinner who turned the ball prodigiously, he went on to represent Devon and played in teams with the likes of David Shepherd and Jack Davey. His best match figures were 8-66 against Cornwall.
Peter captured around 1,900 wickets for Bideford in 5,100 overs in almost 700 games, taking ten wickets in an innings twice. He averaged 11.92 per wicket. Against a Nomads Select XI on June 21st 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. He took five wickets in an innings 89 times and 100 wickets in a season on seven occasions.
Club Chairman Kevin Fishleigh 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.’
Club Treasurer Andy Davies kept wicket to Peter for over 40 years. He said, ‘He could be a devil to keep to as he always turned the ball so much. He 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 First XI win promotion to the A Division, but he knew they were close. The club won’t be the same without him.’
Ex club captain Ian Hayter 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.’
Other tributes have been posted on the club’s Facebook page and include:
Alec Hodges - Such sad news. A lovely man who had time for everyone and with a great knowledge of the game. An honour to have known him.
Russ Eastley - A great character, it was a joy to play and talk cricket with him
Paul Argyle - A privilege to have known the man. As a player his numbers were - are - staggering!!...So much so he has to go down as the club’s greatest bowler of all time.
Chris Luxton - A true cricket legend. Always made time to talk to any and everyone. He told many great stories and passed on a lot of tips and knowledge.
Chris Newton - A man much respected, for on and off the field exploits.
Peter’s funeral will be held at North Devon Crematorium on 11th September at 11am, with a gathering of friends and family at the Commodore Hotel, Instow afterwards.
Peter has been a part of the Club for 67 years having made his debut just after the War in 1947 at the age of 15. An off spinner who turned the ball prodigiously, he went on to represent Devon and played in teams with the likes of David Shepherd and Jack Davey. His best match figures were 8-66 against Cornwall.
Peter captured around 1,900 wickets for Bideford in 5,100 overs in almost 700 games, taking ten wickets in an innings twice. He averaged 11.92 per wicket. Against a Nomads Select XI on June 21st 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. He took five wickets in an innings 89 times and 100 wickets in a season on seven occasions.
Club Chairman Kevin Fishleigh 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.’
Club Treasurer Andy Davies kept wicket to Peter for over 40 years. He said, ‘He could be a devil to keep to as he always turned the ball so much. He 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 First XI win promotion to the A Division, but he knew they were close. The club won’t be the same without him.’
Ex club captain Ian Hayter 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.’
Other tributes have been posted on the club’s Facebook page and include:
Alec Hodges - Such sad news. A lovely man who had time for everyone and with a great knowledge of the game. An honour to have known him.
Russ Eastley - A great character, it was a joy to play and talk cricket with him
Paul Argyle - A privilege to have known the man. As a player his numbers were - are - staggering!!...So much so he has to go down as the club’s greatest bowler of all time.
Chris Luxton - A true cricket legend. Always made time to talk to any and everyone. He told many great stories and passed on a lot of tips and knowledge.
Chris Newton - A man much respected, for on and off the field exploits.
Peter’s funeral will be held at North Devon Crematorium on 11th September at 11am, with a gathering of friends and family at the Commodore Hotel, Instow afterwards.
