AFTER finishing bottom of the NEPL last season Stockton are determined not to let it happen again — and one of the steps they took was to sign Brendon Adams.

Jun 15 2008 by lynsey richardson, Sunday Sun

The South African all-rounder has already made a significant impact with a five-wicket haul and score of 151 to his credit, and with just a third of the season gone Stockton have picked up two league victories — quite an improvement for the Teesside club who only won three in the whole of 2007.

However, Adams believes his best is yet to come: “I’m not particularly pleased with myself yet,” he said. “I’m throwing my wicket away at times and need to improve my consistency.”

Stockton skipper Richard Waite has nothing but praise for his new recruit. He said: “Brendon has made a massive difference for us this season.”

“He is a talented player and at just 24 years old has a great cricket brain and has experience beyond his years.

“He’s brilliant for me as a captain as I can turn to him for advice at any time and off the field he’s been great for the young lads at the club.”

Adams brings with him a more than useful first-class record, averaging 35 for his club Boland with a personal best of 164.

He gained a “franchise” contract with the “Lions” side in 2005 and will return home this winter looking to earn a spot on the “Cobras” team alongside the likes of Jacques Kallis and Herschelle Gibbs.

“I can’t wait to get in the dressing room alongside those guys,” he said.

Should he be successful, Adams will only be one step away from the national side. However, he tempers his expectations. “I’m not a big dreamer,” he said. “I don’t look too far ahead, my only aim at the moment is to do well for Stockton and return home with a solid season behind me.”

Away from cricket Adams can often be found with his head in textbooks, studying for a financial management degree. “The chances of playing first-class cricket are so limited I need something to fall back on if the cricket doesn’t go as I hope.”