HAMPSHIRE’S cricketing stars took to the crease in Andover last weekend as part of a special benefit season for popular club captain Jimmy Adams.

The Winchester-born batsman, who has scored more than 16,000 runs in over 380 games for Hampshire Cricket Club, is being rewarded with a benefit season after 13 years of playing for the county.

The year will comprise of several different events, which included a special 20- over match against Andover at London Road on Bank Holiday Monday.

Stars such as former England batsman Michael Carberry, Sean Terry and Adams himself all kitted up for the game, but Andover gave a good account of themselves The Andover and Hampshire teams pose for the camera despite facing such highquality opposition.

Having seen the county side reach a mammoth 212-5 from their 20 overs, Andover seemed to have a mountain to climb in order to avoid defeat.

However, despite the game being a friendly fixture, the Southern League outfit refused to give in, dispatching the ball to all parts on their way to securing a dramatic tie.

There were plenty of attractions going on alongside the cricket, with coaching masterclasses, live music from Echotape, and a barbecue and bar available throughout the day.

Hampshire won the toss and elected to bat but a good start from Andover saw bowlers James Knight and 50 Andover Advertiser 29 May, 2015 andoveradvertiser.co.uk/sport Aidan Jansen take two quick wickets.

Captain Adams, nicknamed ‘Bison’, quickly steadied the ship however, teaming up well with the likes of Carberry to smash the ball around the ground.

Hampshire set a huge target of 212-5 for Andover, but the home side dug deep.

Ali Hooper, Darron Augustus and ex-Hampshire batsman Dave Taylor all managed to reach scores in the 20s and 30s.

However, it was Max Souter who stole the show, as he made a brilliant unbeaten century.

The game ended in remarkable fashion, with Souter hitting a huge six off the final ball of the innings to not only bring up triple figures, but also tie the game.