James Kettleborough wants Staffordshire to take things ‘one step at a time’ as they look to progress in the NCCA Twenty20 Cup.
Staffordshire currently sit in third place in Group One of the short format – and head into their final double header against Cumbria at Wolverhampton on Sunday knowing exactly what they need to do to reach the Super 12s stage.
The top three from each of the four groups will all advance, with the winners landing home draws.
Staffordshire need to win just one of their games against Cumbria to confirm their place – but could even advance with two narrow defeats.
Cheshire would need to beat table-topping Northumberland twice – and comprehensively – to overturn a run-rate swing if Staffs lost both encounters.
And there is still the prospect of Staffordshire topping the standings if results go their way.
Staffs sat out the last round of matches in the group, but head into this weekend’s assignment on the back of twin wins against Cheshire at Nantwich.
‘Baby steps’
For skipper Kettleborough, though, it’s all about chalking off the first game and seeing how the day develops.
“We’ve had a little break after Nantwich on what was a really good day for us,” said Kettleborough.
“In some ways it would have been nice for us to carry on that momentum. But we’ve been able to sit back and see what was happening with the rest of the group.
“That gives us a clear idea about what we have to do in the final round of games. We know that there’s a chance of winning the group, that’s in front of us.
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“Going into the day, we want to win both games and finish top. But we have to take things one step at a time and put in a good performance in the first match and hopefully come out with a win.
“We have to approach the day like any other and try and win both of the matches, like we always do. We set the bar really high.
“If we can do our jobs and win both matches then that carries on the momentum into the Super 12s format and hopefully beyond.”
‘Key treble’
Staffordshire, who won the competition in 2023 and also reached finals day last year, have reeled off three successive wins to keep themselves in the hunt for qualification.
“In this competition, things can change thick and fast and when you win three on the trot, it almost feels like they count double because it’s tough to win that many in a row in T20s,” he explained.
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“It would be great for us to host if we got through, but we also know that we went to Norfolk last year for the Super 12s and dominated the day with two really good performances to get through to finals day.
“So we can feet confident whether we get a home draw or if we have to travel somewhere. We’d back ourselves whatever the outcome. We want to carry on the momentum and having a settled squad means everyone is clear with their roles.
“Everyone in the group feels valued and have all played their part in getting us to this stage, it’s now about finishing things off.”
‘Tough challenge’
Not that Kettleborough is taking anything for granted against a Cumbria side who are already through to the Super 12s section.
Cumbria have been a strong white-ball side in recent years – and Kettleborough knows they will pose a tough challenge.
“Cumbria have done really well in white-ball cricket over the last few years. They’ve reached a few 50-over finals and also made it to finals day in the T20s last season,” he said.
Staffordshire do the double over Cheshire to boost NCCA Twenty20 Cup chances
“They have lots of talent in their side and have some standout players who are matchwinners. They’re well drilled and a confident side.”
Staffordshire could hand a debut to young Newcastle & Hartshill batsman Rohan Vallabhaneni this weekend.
“Rohan has been doing some really good things with us and Derbyshire and is playing for their second XI,” added Kettleborough. “I’ve seen a lot of Rohan at under-18s when he burst through and scored a lot of runs.
“He’s a very stylish, technically sound batsman who plays strong cricket shots and has a lot of talent.”
Staffordshire (from): James Kettleborough (cpt, Checkley), Nils Priestely (Checkley), Rohan Vallabhaneni (Newcastle & Hartshill), Callum Hawkins (Moddershall & Oulton), Matthew Morris (Burslem), Callum Leese (Hem Heath), Jack Redman (Audley), Sam Atkinson (Moddershall & Oulton), Reeve Evitts (Wolverhampton), Liam Hurt (Flixton), Tom Brett (Finedon Dolben), Rory Haydon (Leek).
Main image: Staffordshire captain James Kettleborough wants his side to finish off their NCCA Twenty20 Cup group campaign in style. Picture: Pete Stonier