Staffordshire captain James Kettleborough and Tom Moulton both compiled half-centuries on a rain-affected second day of the NCCA Championship final against Berkshire.
The inclement weather had forced a delayed start at West Bromwich Dartmouth – and returned again shortly after tea to bring an early end to proceedings.
In the 46 overs of play possible on day two, Staffordshire managed to progress from their overnight 9-0 to reach 163-3 in their first innings.
They still have plenty of work to do to get close to Berkshire’s 382 all out – but there have been some promising signs.
However, there was the odd setback as well, with Matt Morris and Kettleborough departing in successive deliveries to put the brakes on Staffs’ progress.
Reeve Evitts (12no) and Callum Hawkins (1no) ensured there were no further alarms from a Staffs perspective and will resume in the morning looking to build another partnership.
‘Tough going’
Staffs, ideally, would have had an increased run rate in their innings, but credit for that must also go to Berkshire’s bowling attack.
They bowled impressively on a wicket which saw more bounce than it had done in the opening exchanges.
Staffordshire were eager to get cracking on day two after solidly negotiating six overs on the first evening.
But those hopes were dashed as the poor weather meant that an early lunch was taken and play didn’t get underway until 12.55pm.
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In humid conditions, Staffs knew they were in for a battle as Berkshire new-ball duo Tommy Sturgess and Toby Greatwood gave Kettleborough and Moulton a stern examination.
There was a useful amount of movement for the Berkshire pair, which forced the Staffs duo to ride out the storm.
However, they did that pretty impressively and although the run rate was in check, Berkshire couldn’t find their first breakthrough.
They would have been happy to sit in at that point and let Staffordshire make a mistake as they bedded themselves in at the crease.
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Moulton gradually looked more fluent and he reached his 50 having hit seven fours. But having made 52, he nicked a Sturgess delivery to Euan Woods, who took a smart catch at second slip.
Kettleborough, having had a lean time by his standards in recent matches, moved through the gears and he too reached his half-century, his coming off 107 balls.
And in conjunction with Morris, they guided Staffs to 135-1 when the players broke for tea.
‘Double blow’
Staffs would have been pleased with their progress at that point as they looked to lay firm foundations for a late-innings assault.
However, Berkshire were also aware that a couple of quick wickets would leave them in a healthy position as well.
Those two wickets arrived in the evening session – and came back to back.
Morris (24) looked to sweep spinner Luke Beaven, but the ball grazed his bat on the way round and he was snapped up by wicketkeeper Daniel O’Driscoll.
Worse was to follow for Staffs from the first ball of the next over.
Kettleborough (64) drove at a Charlie Dunnett delivery, but only rocketed it into the hands of Josh Lincoln at cover.
The Staffs captain was visibly annoyed at his dismissal, having worked so hard to put his team into a position of strength.
The last thing that Staffordshire would have wanted was to lose another one or two wickets as the gloom gathered around the Sandwell Park venue.
Thankfully, despite the odd play and miss, Evitts and Hawkins managed to survive before the umpires called a halt to play when the rain started to descend.
That would have suited Staffordshire, but they will be full aware that they have little time to waste on the third morning.
They have 38 overs of their allotted 90 to bat, and will want to get as close to Berkshire’s imposing first-innings total as possible.
If they can do that, it sets the game up nicely for Staffordshire’s bowlers to go to work.
The third day’s play could go a long way to deciding who will be walking away with the title on Wednesday.
Main image: Tom Moulton made 52 for Staffordshire on the second day of the NCCA Championship final against Berkshire. Picture: Alfie Shenton
