Staffordshire have to continue to live in the moment on the NCCA Championship front, according to captain James Kettleborough.
Staffs won Division One East last summer and went on to share the overall title with Berkshire following a rain-affected final at West Bromwich Dartmouth.
And they’re in a handy position at their halfway point of this season’s three-day competition, sitting top of the table, a point clear of Cambridgeshire.
Cambs sit out this weekend’s round of matches but entertain Staffordshire in their final encounter later this month.
That leaves Staffordshire able to potentially strengthen their position at the summit when they host Buckinghamshire at Stafford, starting on Sunday.
But Kettleborough isn’t looking at permutations, he’s more intent on continuing to produce the brand of cricket Staffs have displayed in their two games so far.
“We are playing good red-ball cricket at the moment,” said Kettleborough. “Where we are in the table is a reflection of the positive cricket we want to play. We’ve done that so far and now have a big couple of weeks ahead.
Positive option was always in our thinking, says James Kettleborough
“Bucks will be a huge challenge and over the past few years they’ve been one of our closest opponents.
“We’re going to have to be on the money from ball one and who knows what the situation will look like on Tuesday evening.
“The players might be flagging a bit after a long three days at Suffolk, but we told them to rest and recover as best as they can at the end of the game.”
‘Plus points’
Staffordshire did return home from East Anglia with plenty of positives after taking 12 points from a drawn encounter.
They took on a testing run chase after being set 260 for victory in 33 overs in the final session of the match.
Staffs rolled the dice and sent Callum Hawkins, Liam Hurt and Sam Atkinson out as their top three.
They ultimately fell just short on 210-5, but not before Hawkins had compiled his maiden NCCA Championship century with 103 not out.
And Hurt’s elevation to open the innings came hot on the heels of his blistering first-innings knock.
He smashed two fours and 10 sixes in a 41-ball 81 not out to propel Staffs to 385-9 to give them a 47-run lead.
“The top three in the run chase batted seven, eight and nine in the first innings, so that shows the depth we have in the side,” said Kettleborough.
“It also highlighted the flexibility and we can adapt to any given situation.
“Hurty, it’s what he does. It’s the way he plays and it was immensely impressive. It really was a special innings.
“That’s why we put him up top for the chase and when he hit his second ball for six I’m guessing Suffolk might have been a bit nervous that he could possibly do something similar to the first innings.”
‘Top displays’
Other notable performances saw Kettleborough and Michael Hill make half-centuries in the first innings.
And the latter shared a key stand with Jack Redman, who made 37, to provide a platform for Hurt’s late assault.
There were also more fine spells from seamer Jacob Garlick, who toiled away in the heat to once again highlight his talent.
“There were more excellent performances aside from the obvious ones, which are not necessarily reflected in the scorecard. We showed plenty of character and heart over the course of the game,” explained Kettleborough.
Day Three report: Callum Hawkins hits maiden Staffs century in Suffolk draw
“Redders (Jack Redman) loves playing for Staffs and with bat and ball he played an important role. He adds a lot of value to the side.
“Garlo is bowling how Jake Garlick can. He’s showing lots of energy and pace and he’s been brilliantly supported by Hurty.
“It’s great to see and he’s posing a threat.”
Staffordshire have named an unchanged side for this weekend’s clash at Stafford.
Buckinghamshire make the journey north sitting in third place in the table, five points adrift of Staffs, having also played two matches.
‘Reunion event’
Staffordshire will celebrate the past alongside the present at their NCCA Championship game against Buckinghamshire.
Staffs are inviting players who have represented the county to join them at Stafford for the opening day of the three-dayer on Sunday.
The county will be providing a complimentary drink to attendees, as well as small finger buffet in the pavilion.
Players are invited to meet in the officials’ lounge at the Riverway venue at 2.15pm.
Day Two report: Hurt’s late assault puts Staffordshire in promising position
The match itself starts at 11am and players are, of course, welcome to watch the cricket prior to the gathering.
Staffordshire cricket committee chairman Richard Harvey – himself as former captain – said: “It will be great for past players to meet up and reminisce for the game at Stafford.
“We hope as many as possible are able to attend. It doesn’t matter if you played once or 100 times for the county, every player is part of Staffs’ rich history and we would love them to attend.
“It’s an opportunity to see the current crop of players in action as well.
“We’re hoping it proves to be a successful occasion and a ‘past players day’ can become a fixture in our season.”
Main image: Staffordshire will be looking to cement their place at the top of Division One East when they play Bucks. Picture: David Peters