Staffordshire’s NCCA Knockout Trophy campaign came to a dismal conclusion after a heavy defeat at the hands of Norfolk.
Staffs travelled to East Anglia needing a minor miracle to have a sniff of qualifying in second place from Group Two.
They needed Shropshire to beat Suffolk – which did materialise – while also taking the points off Norfolk at Sprowston.
A huge run rate swing was also required, but Staffordshire couldn’t even deal with their own business as they slumped to a third successive defeat.
The campaign has been a repeat of last year’s 50-over programme, which saw Staffs open with a win before losing the next three clashes.
And the start of this summer’s schedule saw them beat Herefordshire before coming second best against Suffolk, Shropshire and now Norfolk.
‘Same old story’
It was pretty much a case of different venue, different conditions, different opposition but the same old outcome for James Kettleborough’s men.
Staffordshire were bowled out for 194 after being asked to bat first by Norfolk skipper Sam Arthurton.
And Arthurton, a thorn in the side of Staffordshire over the years, then compiled a century to ease his side to an eight-wicket victory.
Norfolk may have been the holders of the Knockout Trophy, but had lost all three of their group games this year to bring their defence to an early end.
However, you wouldn’t have known it as they outclassed Staffordshire in all departments to add another frustrating chapter to the list of dark days endured by the visitors in 50-over cricket in recent times.
James Kettleborough feels the pain after Staffordshire’s Trophy slump
The same old problems came to the fore once more for Staffordshire as they attempted to sign off another disappointing 50-over campaign with a morale-boosting success.
Staffs have struggled to gain any momentum in the powerplays – and it was another tale of woe for them as Norfolk took a firm grip on proceedings.
‘Early setbacks’
Staffordshire were reduced to 25-3 in the early stages as a familiar pattern began to be played out at the picturesque Sprowston venue.
Callum Hawkins was bowled by the experienced Brett Stolworthy for two, before Tom Moulton was undone by some late swing to nick Joe Everett to Arthurton at first slip.
And Joe Hawkins then departed was he was trapped lbw by Everett to leave the visitors in all sorts of trouble. But we’ve been there before…
Skipper Kettleborough looked to repair that early damage, but after making his way to 16, he was accounted for.
There was little he could do as Callum Metcalf produced a pearler to knock back his off stump to leave Staffordshire on 54-4.
‘Repairing the damage’
A much-needed alliance was then forged by Michael Hill and Matthew Morris to show that Staffs did at least have some fire in their bellies.
They pair navigated their side to drinks on 96-4, but still with plenty of work to do in order to push them up to some sort of competitive score.
There was still the odd ball which misbehaved with unpredictable bounce, but the Staffordshire pair generally negated that as they brought some brief optimism that they might be able to turn the tables.
However, after taking the score to 121, Morris fell when a delivery from Arthur Wilcox skidded through and bowled him for 40.
Nils Priestley made nine before he prodded at an Andy Hanby ball and presented wicketkeeper Charlie Hood with a routine catch.
Hill, battling valiantly, reached his half-century, but just one run later he was adjudged lbw to Hanby. He hit six fours and one six.
Stolworthy (3-24) returned to dismiss Sam Atkinson for 17, before taking a return catch off Liam Hurt, who made 15.
The innings was wrapped up when Rory Haydon was bowled by Everett (3-25) for five.
‘Off to a flier’
Staffordshire have consistently struggled to take wickets in the powerplay as well – and Norfolk’s run chase didn’t offer a change of script.
The pitch may have flattened out a touch, but Staffordshire’s attack largely looked pretty toothless and failed to put any sort of pressure on the hosts.
Arthurton and opening partner Finlay Wilcox looked at ease as they set about ticking off the runs in glorious weather.
‘Breakthrough’
They put on 96 for the first wicket and it was something of a surprise when Wilcox fell for 34.
He looked to loft spinner Tom Brett over the ropes, but could only find the hands of Priestley in the deep.
It was Arthurton who was front of centre of his side’s reply and he raced beyond 50 and then on towards three figures.
The Norfolk captain reached his century off 119 balls as Staffordshire wilted in the heat.
Arthurton, who hit 15 boundaries, fell for 101, though, when he cut slow left-armer Priestley to Joe Hawkins at backward point.
But Norfolk were 151-2 at that point and Arthurton walked off knowing that the job was done.
Ethan Metcalf (37no) and Ben Wilcox (12no) then completed business as Norfolk reached their target in the 45th over..
‘New format’
It was another sorry display from Staffordshire to bring the curtain down on their 50-over commitments.
It’s a change of format for Staffordshire on Sunday when they start their Twenty20 Cup games against Northumberland at Allendale.
Staffs will be hoping there’s a change of fortune for them after the last three defeats.
But the performance levels will have to be significantly improved if they are to buck the losing run.
Main image: Michael Hill top-scored with 51 for Staffordshire in the NCCA Knockout Trophy loss at Norfolk. Picture: David Peters