Staffordshire head coach Andy Carr admits admiring glances have been cast Berkshire’s way – but believes his side are taking the first steps towards potentially following their lead.
The two sides meet in the NCCA Championship final at West Bromwich Dartmouth, starting on Sunday, with both having contrasting records in the red-ball format over the past decade.
Staffordshire haven’t won the overall crown since 2014 when they defeated Wiltshire in a thrilling showpiece at Salisbury.
But since Staffs’ last triumph, Berkshire have taken the title five times, including a run of four successive wins between 2016 and 2019.
That matched Devon’s record sequence of being top dogs from 1994 to 1997 – and Carr wants Staffordshire to be the ones sampling success year on year.
“Berkshire are a formidable outfit and what they have done in recent years is unbelievable,” said Carr.
“In the next few years I don’t see any reason why we can’t compete with them in all three formats.
“Berkshire are the blueprint in terms of how consistent they are. The best teams win trophies and games back to back.
‘We celebrated winning the division, but there’s one challenge to go’
“We are starting to win games back to back if you exclude the 50-over format.
“For two years running we’ve got to the T20 finals day and now we’ve managed to get to the Championship final with a relatively new team.
“Berkshire have been doing that for a long time.”
‘On a mission’
There’s plenty of admiration from Carr for Berkshire’s achievements, but he’s also fiercely determined to bring another piece of silverware to Staffs.
Carr and skipper James Kettleborough took on their respective roles ahead of the 2023 campaign and enjoyed instant success by winning the T20 Cup for the first time in the county’s history.
Carr insists that being crowned Division One East champions is another tick in the box in the big project to develop Staffordshire cricket.
“I didn’t necessarily expect us to be here. With winning the T20s in 2023 we wanted to try to do well again in that,” he explained.
“We wanted to perform better in the 50-over format, but out of the three competitions, the Championship is the one where our strengths lie.
“It would be nice to have a good crack at it. We’ve won Division One East and to do that is full credit to the lads and everyone who has been involved.
“To reach the four-day final is what dreams are made of and we’ve got to go full speed ahead.
“It’s going to be a tough four days tactically, mentally and physically. We are not just thinking that we’ve won Division One East, we want to go one step further.”
‘Late charge’
Staffordshire won their final two divisional matches to clinch the East title for the first time since 2019.
After opening up with draws against Bedfordshire and Lincolnshire, Staffordshire recorded their second-highest successful run chase to knock off 307 to beat Suffolk at Stafford.
That gave them a four-point lead heading into the last game against Buckinghamshire at High Wycombe – and they prevailed by 67 runs to book their place at West Bromwich Dartmouth.
“When you play four games in the division anything can happen. Third game in and we didn’t know who was going to go through,” admitted Carr. “It’s been difficult, but we’ve played some excellent cricket to get to the final against a strong outfit.
“It was so tight. You want to concentrate on what we do best. But you also have one eye on the other games going on.
“Suffolk had that view at Stafford with the target they set us, so all you can do is crack on and give it your best.”
There have been some notable performances along the way in Staffordshire’s red-ball campaign.
‘Seizing their chance’
Carr has hailed the players’ versatility and ability to take responsibility in big moments.
“It’s been a long time getting to a final. When myself and Ketts took over we said we were not going to reinvent the wheel,” said Carr.
“It’s going to take time to build a squad together. Seeing new fruit on the tree, it’s a great opportunity for them to take the county forward.
“What we’ve achieved so far is absolutely full credit to the players. The exciting thing is we’ve not just relied on one individual.
“We’ve got a number of batters averaging over 50 and bowlers who have taken five-wicket hauls.
“We’ve also found some golden nuggets – Reeve (Evitts) being an example, who has been outstanding. He’s a new kid on the block – and we’ve got others as well.
“Other players haven’t always had the chance to show off their skills, while players like Sam and Rory, whose primary skills is as a bowler, have both had Championship 50s this summer.
“If we can come out on top next week, that would be fantastic. It’s a matter of managing the players and the roles they should take and the ones that we give them.
“Wherever people have slotted in batting wise or have been asked to bowl, they have blossomed and the performances speak for themselves.
“The lads can go out and express themselves. If we play to the best of our ability we should be able to compete.”
‘Nice mix’
Staffordshire’s youngsters have made a big impact as the summer has unfolded. At one point, Carr sent out a side featuring six players aged 21 or under.
However, he says that the experienced heads have crucial roles to play in the county’s success.
Pete Wilshaw – now part of the coaching staff – Michael Hill and Matt Morris have all featured in finals for Staffordshire before.
“Wilsh, Hilly and Matt know what it’s all about and it’s so important that when games get tough that we have these sort of mentors,” explained Carr.
Development XI cruise to victory over Wales
“Bretty (Tom Brett) and Hurty (Liam Hurt) are new to the group, but they have been in these types of situations before and they can bring the lads through.
“To have Pete around has been priceless. He played 98 Championship games for Staffs and I would expect he’s been in every situation imaginable, so he has that experience to pass on.”
‘Support network’
Carr has always put the team first. However, this weekend’s final will create a special memory for him, personally.
Carr, a hugely-popular and respected figure on the cricket scene, is currently undergoing treatment for bowel cancer.
He says that the support he has received has helped to keep spirits up following his diagnosis.
“It’s been a tough year on deck with the lads and also with my own current situation. This would be the icing on the cake if we can win it,” he said. “My ethos in life is you get out what you put in. Hard work has gone into the lads and they have bought into it.
“The mood in the camp is unbelievably exciting and there’s bigger and better things to come. To come away with a win would be massive.
“The lads have been unbelievably supportive of my situation – whether that’s through phone calls, messages or on the field. They’ve been fantastic with me.
“I owe it to them more than anything. For me, it’s remaining positive and while I am relatively healthy I want to continue to do the job I love. Staffordshire cricket is my life.”
‘At the double’
Staffs will have a big number of supporters backing them during the clash with Berkshire.
And it is the first part of a double header against them.
The two teams meet again at Chester Boughton Hall on Sunday, September 8 in the rearranged T20 finals day last-four tie. The winners will play either Cumbria or Oxfordshire in the final.
“It’s never gone unnoticed the support that we receive. I appreciate it and I know that the lads do too,” insists Carr.
“The counties we visit always acknowledge that we take a good following with us and it creates a really good atmosphere. It’s a good showcase for the county taking the amount of supporters we do up and down the country.
“It’s an exciting 10 days ahead. A lot of thought has gone into the process. Unfortunately only 11 players can go out on to the field at any one time, but we are doing this to win trophies.
“I’m confident that if the lads perform to the best of their ability and we have a bit of luck, in 10 days’ time we can reap our rewards.”
Main image: Staffordshire head coach Andy Carr is all smiles after watching his side win NCCA Division One East. Picture: Allan Smith
