A Staffordshire XI banked a five-wicket victory in a friendly at Wales today.
Staffs fielded a youthful team alongside senior NCCA players James Kettleborough, Matthew Morris and Reeve Evitts.
Teams playing the ECB National Club Championship meant that head coach Andy Carr could take the chance to cast his eye over squad players and those who have emerged from the Development XI.
And it proved to be a handy workout as Staffordshire secured the win at St Asaph.
Wales won the toss and opted to bat first in Sunday’s meeting.
They made decent-enough progress with the bat as they managed to amass 233-7 from their 50 overs.
Ben Beaver top-scored with an unbeaten 49, while Jac Kennedy (32), Dan Evans (30), William Ryan (29), Nathanael Scott (25) and Mathew Ryan (22) providing support.
Morris was the pick of the Staffordshire attack with his off-spin yielding 3-39, while there were a couple of wickets for Meakins seamer Amaan Tariq.
‘Good start’
Ockbrook & Borrowash opener Ethan Berlusconi handed Staffs a rapid start to their chase with a breezy 39.
However, it was Morris who anchored proceedings as Staffordshire kept well ahead of the rate.
Captain Kettleborough chipped in with 37, with Alfie Bonehill (21), Niall McHale (15) and Ryan Roberts (12no) making contributions.
It was Morris, though, who guided the visitors past the post with an unbeaten 83.
Morris struck 10 fours in his innings as Staffs crossed the line with more than six overs remaining.
Sam Aplin picked up two wickets for Wales, but couldn’t prevent Staffordshire from claiming a comfortable victory.
Attention now turns to first-team matters for Staffordshire after they sat out the opening weekend of the Knockout Trophy campaign.
Staffs start with a clash against Herefordshire at West Bromwich Dartmouth on Sunday before welcoming Suffolk to Bignall End on Bank Holiday Monday.
Admission is free to both home matches and all spectators are welcome to attend as Staffs look to commence their white-ball season in style.
Main image: Matthew Morris was in the runs and wickets as a Staffordshire XI beat Wales. Picture: Pete Stonier