Pete Wilshaw says Staffordshire have displayed plenty of fighting spirit in the early stages of their NCCA Twenty20 Cup programme.
Staffs went into the short format on the back of a hugely disappointing Knockout Trophy campaign which saw them fail to qualify from their group for the third successive season.
And the T20 Cup, which Staffordshire won in 2023 and reached finals day against last summer, has also presented challenges.
They were comfortably beaten in a rain-affected first game against Northumberland at Allendale – but bounced back to win the second encounter.
Twenty20 Cup despair turns into delight for Staffordshire
Staffordshire then squandered a golden opportunity to beat Shropshire in last Sunday’s opening game at Burslem.
They were 92-0 off 7.3 overs in pursuit of their rivals’ 182-5, but eventually fell short by one run.
However, they then recovered to win a weather-shortened five-over per side contest in the early evening to bank some reward.
Wilshaw, who is part of the coaching staff, says it has been vital to keep picking up points.
Jack bounces back and he’s ready to shine for Staffordshire
“The first few games have been ok,” said Wilshaw. “We’ve shown some really positive things to fight back both times having lost the first game.
“It shows a lot about the group to pull it together and fight back.
“We would have loved to have won that first game against Shropshire and it would have put us in a really good position.
“At Northumberland we got done a little bit by the weather, but we weren’t great with the bat in that first game.”
‘Key day’
The early results in Group One have left Staffordshire in third place in the five-team standings.
Three teams from each group will qualify for the Super 12s section later in the summer.
It’s a short hop across the county border for Staffordshire this weekend as they head to Nantwich to play Cheshire in a double header. Cheshire sat out last weekend’s round of fixtures, but previously won both of their matches against Shropshire.
“In the type of format it is now, there’s more games and more scope to try to get through to the next stage of the summer,” added Wilshaw.
Staffordshire show spirit to earn NCCA Twenty20 Cup reward
“We want to get through to the Super 12s and two wins this weekend would be massive against a decent Cheshire side.
“But it’s tough to get two wins in a day and there’s lots of factors behind that. Sometimes you can take your foot off the gas if you win the first one.
“On the flip side, if you lose game one, you redouble your efforts in the second to make sure you pick up some points.”
Wilshaw joined head coach Andy Carr’s backroom team towards the end of last season.
He has continued in his role, alongside Chris Milward, this summer as Carr continues his treatment for bowel cancer.
‘Everyone chipping in makes a massive difference’
Wilshaw says he’s loving being involved with the county after a glittering playing career with Staffordshire.
“I’m enjoying being around the lads and enjoy passing on my knowledge and passing on experience,” he said.
“My hope is that the guys value it for what it is – representing Staffs meant a lot to me and I hope it does to them.”
‘Squad selection’
Staffs have named a 12-man squad for this weekend’s double header, which sees matches played at 11am and 2.30pm.
Seamer Rory Haydon, who missed last Sunday’s games against Shropshire, returns to the squad for the short trip.
Left-arm spinner Tom Brett is unavailable for this weekend. All-rounder Tom Moulton is also back in the travelling party.
Staffordshire (from): James Kettleborough (cpt, Checkley), Nils Priestley (Checkley), Liam Banks (Hem Heath), Callum Hawkins (Moddershall & O), Matthew Morris (Burslem), Callum Leese (Hem Heath), Jack Redman (Audley), Reeve Evitts (Wolverhampton), Sam Atkinson (Moddershall & O), Tom Moulton (Leek), Liam Hurt (Flixton), Rory Haydon (Leek).
Main image: Staffordshire County Cricket Club coach Pete Wilshaw says the players have displayed character in the NCCA Twenty20 Cup. Picture: Pete Stonier