Head coach Chris Milward says opportunity knocks for his Staffordshire players this weekend.
Staffs make the long trip to play Northumberland at South Northumberland Cricket Club as they continue their pursuit of NCCA Cluberly Championship Division One East success.
However, it’s been a week of selection issues for Milward, assistant coach Pete Wilshaw and skipper James Kettleborough as they plotted the best way to mastermind victory in the north east.
From the side which thumped Cambridgeshire in their last three-dayer at Checkley, a trio of players are unavailable.
Seamer Sam Keeling-Wright is playing for Warwickshire seconds, Joe Hawkins is featuring for Derbyshire, while work commitments rule batsman Michael Hill out of the reckoning.
Staffordshire have recalled Matt Morris and Jack Redman into their line-up, while young seamer Joe Thorne will make his senior county debut.
“It’s good news when people get selected to play for county second teams,” said Milward. “It shows that we are doing some good stuff.
“We’ve already seen Jake Garlick sign a short-term deal with Warwickshire and now Sam has his chance to play for their seconds.
“It’s no surprise considering the form he’s been showing for us.
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“We’ve been able to bring in Joe Thorne, who has done really well in club cricket for Newcastle & Hartshill and for the county under-18s and second team.
“Jack Redman has waited patiently for his chance and gone about his business well at club level with Audley.
“He’s a really good lad to have around the squad and one who is desperate to be involved.
“And Matt Morris replaces Hilly, so it’s another opportunity for him to show what he’s about.”
‘County bow’
Redman and Morris have previous experience of senior duty with Staffordshire, but for Thorne it will be his first taste.
He turns 19 on the day of his debut and has impressed Milward not only with his skill set, but also his attitude.
Thorne has led the under-18s attack once again this year and also showcased his batting ability by blasting a century at number 10 in the recent win against Buckinghamshire.
“There will be a few nerves from Joe, but that’s only natural,” added Milward.
“He’s really keen on his cricket and is very focused on what he wants to achieve.
“Joe runs in and bowls with pace and he’s an exciting young prospect. He deserves his chance.
“He’s a really good listener and there’s senior players out there with him who can help. He’s very open-minded about taking advice.
“Joe’s been exceptional for the under-18s and second team and I know he’ll give it everything he’s got.”
‘Strong options’
Milward says that being able to bring in players of the quality of Morris, Redman and Thorne highlights that it is a squad game to compete for trophies across all three formats.
“In the winter we talked about wanting to work with players who genuinely want to play for Staffordshire,” explained Milward.
“We’ve continued with a group of players who are determined to be in the side and hopefully the players coming in will relish the opportunity.
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“We’re fortunate that we have quality players to come in when there’s an opportunity to do so.
“They all know each other really well which is partly down to the winter programme we implemented.
“It was really noticeable at Checkley (Staffs’ victory over Cambridgeshire) that a lot of the young Staffordshire players came down to support us.
“I mentioned that in the debrief and it was great to see that lads who want to be in the team, but weren’t, were still there cheering us on.
“You really can’t underestimate the power of that.”
‘Momentum’
Staffordshire head to the north east having turned in a scintillating performance to beat Cambridgeshire by an innings in their last three-day outing.
That was the perfect response to the opening round defeat at Buckinghamshire – and leave Staffs knowing their Division One East title fate is in their own hands.
If they can win at Northumberland and then beat Suffolk at Stafford – both with healthy bonus points – they will finish top of the group.
And it not just in the Championship where they are targeting success.
Milward’s men beat Lincolnshire by seven wickets in the T20 Cup Super 12s at Wolverhampton on Sunday to advance to finals day later this month.
“At Checkley we played really well,” said Milward. “We basically dominated from the first ball until the last.
“And although it’s a different format, the performance against Lincs was professional and full of skill as well.
“It’s good that the three-day competition is in our own hands. The way the results have been this season mean it’s still wide open.
“It’s nice to feel we’re in control of our destiny because you can feel helpless when you’re relying on other results.
“We know how important the game against Northumberland is and how meaningful it could be.
“The players won’t need much motivation for the three days up there.
“It’s important we take care of business, but we know Northumberland are difficult opposition, are dangerous and play hard cricket.”
Main image: Staffordshire head coach Chris Milward takes his side to Northumberland this weekend. Picture: Pete Stonier