BARTON’S outgoing captain Adam Parker has been reflecting on his marathon stint as skipper as he hands over to Steve Lewis for the season ahead.
Parker had 15 summers as 1st XI skipper at Cricketfield Road after taking over from Ian Coulton at the end of the 2008 season.
Only Steve Moore, whose 16-year tenure at Braunton ended in 2002, has probably led a Devon Cricket League side for longer. Moore did 12 years at the helm at Barnstaple & Pilton too!
They are a durable lot the Parkers as dad Jim, currently Barton chairman, spent six years as 1st XI captain and a further dozen summers in charge of the 2nd XI. He has had a 55-year association with the club.
Jim's grandson Riley, who celebrated his14th birthday recently, has already represented Barton 2nd XI and is the third generation of the family to represent the club. On the other branch of the family tree Riley's dad Damon and granddad Arnie Calland were Barton players too.
Although Barton 1st XI see-sawed between the A and B Divisions during Parker’s time as captain, they have enjoyed success under Parker in cup cricket.
And Parker feels Barton are in stronger position as a club, an achievement he is glad to have been part of.
“It’s hard to pinpoint one achievement as there’s achievements outside just winning games that I am proud of,” said Parker.
“On the field 2018 sticks out, when we won the B Division, Corinthian Cup and Aaron Printers Cup.
“During the last five or six years off the field we have transformed our junior section back into a thriving community hub with 80 children enjoying cricket all-year round.
“The cricket club has regained the true family feel which is great to see.
“On the Junior side I am extremely proud of giving numerous Barton colts debuts in the first team – and look forward to watching them develop and have a successful future at the club.”
Also in the future are what Parker described as ‘amazing regeneration plans’ that he intends to work on.
“They will bring the club’s facilities up to the very best and really establish the Barton CC as a focus for the community as a sports, health and wellbeing hub,” added Parker.
Parker said his biggest disappointment as captain is leaving the 1st XI in the B Division, which is one below where they were when he took over.
“But I am confident we are in good shape to get back to where we should be in the near future,” said Parker.
Captains need a support network to help them deal with the ups and downs of the job and Parker said he was fortunate to have dad Jim in his team.
“My dad deserves big thanks for being my support during the whole period,” said Parker.
“I don’t think I would have been able to carry on for so long without the Saturday night pick-me-ups.”
