Andy Carr says Staffordshire are bracing themselves for calls from first-class counties about Nils Priestley.
All-rounder Priestley, aged 22, produced a slice of history in helping Staffordshire to be crowned NCCA Twenty20 Cup champions on Sunday.
Priestley hit 147 not out off just 66 balls in the semi-final win against Berkshire, before compiling a crucial 57 in the final victory over Cornwall.
That meant the Swarkestone youngster became the first Staffs batsman to score a T20 century. That was a feat he came close to achieving when he made 97 in the group win at Northumberland.
And not content with his batting contribution, the former Abbotsholme School pupil took four wickets in the final.
“Nils’ ball striking was something else. To get 147 off 66 balls, it was just ridiculous. It was a pleasure to watch,” said head coach Carr.
“He’s a formidable talent and he took the game further and further away from Berkshire in the semi-final.
“That’s the nature of NCCA cricket – you get the chance to put yourself in the shop window. That’s why the lads love playing for Staffordshire.
“When someone puts in performances like Nils has done, we are going to get calls about them.
“We are there as a springboard for players to get into first-class cricket or return to it. It’s nice kudos for the county.
“Nils is a bowler’s worst nightmare because not only does he strike a clean ball, but he can do it 360 degrees.
“He’s also a great reader of the game and backs his strengths. He deserves another chance at first-class level. We just want to keep him for as long as possible.”
‘Team effort’
Priestley, who played four List A matches for Derbyshire before being released, understandably took the plaudits for his finals day performance at Tring Park.
However, Carr was keen to stress it was a squad effort to not only navigate their way to the top of Group One, but then defeat Berkshire and Cornwall to bring home the silverware.
“It’s an unbelievable achievement for everyone involved, it was a fantastic occasion. Berkshire are a formidable side and if we had our choice that would probably have been the final,” added Carr.
“It was a great game and we took it away from them – or Nils did – but you can’t fault the other batsmen because they all had strike rates of more than 100.
“If we were going to lose that semi-final after scoring 252, then you’d hold your hands up and say well played to Berkshire.
“They were up with it for a period of time, but Tom Brett and Zen Malik bowled well in the middle overs. And our ground fielding and catching was excellent.
“It was important to us that we didn’t take our foot off the pedal. We managed to relax and regroup and look at areas we could improve on for the final.”
The final wasn’t as free-scoring as Staffordshire semi-final and it looked like the county had squandered their chance to win the title after being bowled out for 119.
‘Shining in the field’
However, they produced a superb bowling and fielding performance to limit Cornwall – who beat Hertfordshire in their semi – to 115-9 in reply.
“We didn’t expect the wicket to get as slow as it did – we didn’t expect it to be as different as it was to the first game, explained Carr.
“We thought a par score was 180. Then we lost wickets and reconvened and thought 140 or 150 was a better expectation.
“At 119 we felt we were well short and it was disappointing. We had the chance to stop the bleeding, but couldn’t do it. We lost wickets in clusters just as lads were getting in.
“It ebbed and flowed and we produced a fantastic bowling performance. Nils again and Peter Wilshaw was amazing, as was Bretty.”
‘Team values’
Carr has only been in post as head coach for a few months, along with new skipper James Kettleborough.
So it has been a stunning start to their tenure in managing to secure the first piece of NCCA silverware of the summer.
“It was a relief at the end. It’s a new set of lads and from the outset we’ve been really honest with the players, said Carr.
“We want to be true to ourselves with good team values and a good work ethic. The dressing room has a fantastic atmosphere and the lads are coming in and enjoying it.
“It means so much to me to win the T20 Cup. I was speaking with Ketts and we have both lost loved ones and it would have been amazing if they could have been by our side on Sunday.
“They were there in spirit, though, watching down on us.
“The messages we’ve had from the local cricket fraternity have been gratefully received as well. It’s a honour to take Staffordshire forward.
“It’s also important to acknowledge the supporters who travelled. The lads really do appreciate it, especially when it is not just down the road.”
Staffordshire are back in action this Sunday when they start their Knockout Trophy campaign against Wales at Port Talbot.
Main image: Nils Priestley celebrates his century against Berkshire on NCCA Twenty20 Cup finals day. Pictures: Alfie Shenton
