Matt Morris compiled his second Staffordshire century to guide the county to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Lincolnshire.
Morris’ unbeaten 113, coupled with another masterclass from stand-in captain Michael Hill (87no) enabled Staffs to ease to their 292-run target on the final day of their NCCA Championship encounter at Checkley.
It was the ideal start to Staffordshire’s Division One East title defence as they banked 21 points to kick off their three-day programme.
For Morris it was particularly sweet as he ended his long wait to add to the maiden Staffs ton he made against Norfolk at Longton back in 2019.
The win, achieved shortly after 4pm at Four Trees, also signalled the end of an impressive turnaround by Staffs.
They had ended the opening day on 159-8 in reply to Lincs’ 246 all out, but managed to drag themselves back into the contest on the second day.
However, resuming on the third and final morning – after a rain delay – on 83-0, there was still plenty of work for them to do if they were to complete one of their highest-ever successful run chases.
That accolade remains with the 308 they scored to beat Suffolk last summer, but this chase was no less impressive.
From being behind in the contest on day one, Staffordshire managed to display the character and determination required to launch a defence of their title.
‘Building blocks’
Morris and opening partner Tom Moulton had successfully negotiated 20 overs on the second evening to provide the platform needed to launch a push for a third-day victory.
And despite that initial rain delay, the weather stayed away to enable Staffs to first chip, then romp to their target.
Day One report: Super Sam takes five, but Staffs are on the back foot
The day wasn’t without a few tense moments, especially early on, when Lincolnshire broke the Morris and Moulton alliance.
Moulton, having just reached his 50, was dismissed by former Notts and Surrey paceman Mark Footitt when he chipped him to cover.
The Leek man had done his job, though, but Lincolnshire enjoyed double success just before the lunch break to give themselves more than a sniff of victory.
Staffs debutant Amir Khan carved Scott Tite to Nic Keast at backward point to depart for 11.
And Keast was then snaffling another chance moments later when Reeve Evitts (5) lobbed a catch to mid-wicket.
They were welcome wickets for Lincs, who were rueing four chances that they put down on the second night.
Staffordshire were 138-3 at that point, but Morris and Hill managed to navigate the hosts to 164-3 at the lunch interval.
‘Game up for grabs’
As the afternoon session kicked off, both sides could conceivably be confident about their chances.
It was fairly obvious that the first hour after lunch would be key – and if at least Morris or Hill remained at the crease, then Staffordshire had a huge chance of knocking off the runs.
Day Two report: Staffordshire made solid start to testing run chase
As it was, they both managed to stick around to see Staffordshire over the winning line.
Lincolnshire, understandably, gave Footitt one last blast in an attempt to get a foothold back in the game.
But his spell was comfortably dealt with by the Staffordshire pair – and from that point the writing was pretty much on the wall for the visitors.
The only question now was whether Morris could end his six-year wait for another Staffordshire ton.
The magic moment arrived when he sent the ball out to the boundary and scampered two to reach three figures.
His celebration highlighted the relief at managing to compile another ton, as well as relishing the magnitude of his innings.
Hill, who had rescued Staffordshire in the first innings with a sparkling 93 not out, moved through the gears as the winning line came into view.
‘Job done’
It was fitting that Hill, taking charge due to James Kettleborough’s unavailability, should score the winning runs with his eighth four. He also hit one six.
Hill, though, allowed Morris to take centre stage as they left the field after the Burslem left-hander’s innings, which contained 12 fours and one six.
There were high fives and hugs aplenty in the Staffordshire camp after completing their mission which, at one time, looked unlikely.
The positives were that they hung in when the chips were down and managed to keep themselves in the contest.
But they will also be aware, as a squad, that there’s plenty of areas to brush up on in the remaining three divisional matches of the campaign.
However, not having played to their full capabilities and still managing to win is a good sign.
And the spirit within the squad was never better epitomised than the players sat on the outfield watching the live stream of Joe Hawkins making his County Championship debut for Derbyshire at the end.
All roads lead to Copdock to play Suffolk in their next three-day assignment on Sunday, August 10.
But before that, it’s time to return to T20 Cup action and the Super 12s stage at Moddershall & Oulton this weekend.
After a disappointing start to the season with another failed qualification bid in the Knockout Trophy, Staffs have turned their season around.
It could be another exciting summer for players, officials and supporters if this run of form continues…
Main image: Matt Morris scored his second century for Staffordshire in the NCCA Championship victory over Lincolnshire at Checkley. Picture: Roger Byrne