Terrific Tillcock is fighting back after Notts snub
ADAM Tillcock may have been released by Nottinghamshire at the end of last season, but the all-rounder will not be out of the professional game for long if his purple patch continues at Lincolnshire.
The 22-year-old starred in the Unicorns Championship for his new side, whose bid for the Eastern Division title gathered further momentum as they beat Norfolk with aplomb.
The left-arm spinner took 3-108 as Norfolk were dismissed for 339 in their first innings before he hit a superb 153 not out off just 171 balls. Three more wickets and another unbeaten half-century followed in their six-wicket win, confirming that Tillcock has what it takes to succeed after a wobbly start – which ended four weeks ago when he scored a century against Hertfordshire.
“He started pretty slowly, but all of a sudden he has taken off, he’s done a really good job,” said Lincolnshire director of cricket Mark Fell, whose side now sit just four points behind division leaders Northumberland.
“Some people will tell you he’s a batting all-rounder, while some will tell you he’s a bowling all-rounder, but I think he’s equally good at both.
“After leaving Notts he had a few trials and then decided he wanted to play in Minor Counties. That’s perfect for me because he’s a young lad from a neighbouring county. He fits what we’re looking for.”
Carl Wilson’s men made 338 in their first innings before turning a probable draw into potential victory as they bowled Norfolk out for 192, thanks to fast bowler Alex Willerton’s four wickets and 3-49 from Tillcock.
Lincolnshire then raced to their target of 194, with Conrad Louth (54) and Tillcock (50no) giving them real momentum the final two rounds of fixtures.
Should Lincolnshire go on to top the division they would play for their first national title since 2003, with defending champions Cumberland next up at home in Grantham.
Elsewhere, either Hertfordshire or Buckinghamshire are likely to pick up their first win of the season when they face off this weekend.
Third-placed Staffordshire travel to Suffolk in hope of keeping their slender title hopes alive, while Cambridgeshire are favourites ahead of their clash with Bedfordshire – who are also yet to win this season.
In the Western Division, the battle at the top between Cornwall and Berkshire could reach a conclusion as they meet at Grampound Road.
Cornwall hold a slender onepoint advantage and the winners will take a giant stride towards the national final, though third-placed Shropshire will still hope to deny them.
They visit Cheshire, who sit directly behind them in fourth – albeit 12 points adrift.
Shropshire lost to Berkshire last time out, with Andrew Rishton’s 92 and Chris Peploe’s 69 steering them to victory.
Dorset and Wales Minor Counties meet in a mid-table clash, while last year’s runnersup Oxfordshire play fellow strugglers Devon.
Oxfordshire are yet to win this season following three defeats and one draw, and their form has shown little sign of improvement after their ten-wicket defeat to Herefordshire.