James Kettleborough praised Staffordshire’s resilience to secure a draw at Northumberland – but conceded his side had failed to live up to expectations at times.
Staffs returned home from South Northumberland Cricket Club with a share of the points after seemingly being set to suffer a heavy defeat.
They slumped to 162-8 just before tea on the third and final day after being set 346 to win by their hosts.
However, Matt Morris (68) and debutant Joe Thorne (38no) put on 99 for the ninth wicket in 31.5 overs.
Morris fell with 20 minutes of play remaining, but Tom Brett joined Thorne to see the visitors to 287-9 at the close.
‘Battle’
“The lads got stuck in and showed fight and did well to come away with a hard-earned draw,” said skipper Kettleborough.
“There were things that happened over the three days which makes you think we deserved the draw.
“We showed the fight we want to see in a Staffordshire side. Before tea it was probably going against us, but the message at the interval was to stick at it, and get to the last hour and then they will start to panic.
“Full credit to Matt, Joe and Bretty. Joe is a real competitor and he’s got a lot of ability, talent and skill.
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“He applied himself really well in that scenario, which he probably hasn’t been in before. He displayed plenty of courage and character on his debut.”
“Credit to Northumberland, they did some good things, but we came away with more points, so they probably felt they got the rough end of the draw.
“I was disappointed with certain elements of the game and we could have played better. If we had produced that, it could have been a different outcome.”
‘Top display’
Sam Atkinson had been the star of the show in the formative stages of the contest in the north east.
He took county-best career figures of 7-51 to help to dismiss Northumberland for 155 on the first day.
And with Staffordshire in a pickle with the bat, he compiled an unbeaten 74 to carve out a precious 58-run lead after the first innings.
“I’m not sure Sam will have a better 36 hours of cricket – seven-for and 74 not out,” added Kettleborough.
“He bowled consistently especially given the length of his spell. It was brilliant to watch.
“With the bat he came in during a tricky period. Bretty was disappointed to get out in the first innings because who knows how many Sam could have ended up with.”
‘Tricky challenge’
Northumberland then made 403-7 declared in their second innings to leave Staffordshire with that tough chase.
It was never likely to be a successful chase, but at least Staffs managed to avoid a damaging defeat.
That sets things up nicely for Sunday’s final Division One East game of the season against table-topping Suffolk at Stafford.
Staffordshire head into the contest knowing that they could win the title… or even be relegated.
If they beat Suffolk and pick up 24 points, and if Buckinghamshire fail to beat Cambridgeshire, Staffs will be champions.
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However, a win for Cambs, plus a heavy loss to Staffs could see Kettleborough’s men relegated to Division Two East.
“I think the games have had a similar pattern,” explained Kettleborough. “Against Cambridgeshire (at Checkley) we capitalised on bowling them out cheaply and went a long way past them. But we’ve failed to do that in two other games.
“A lead of 58 (at Northumberland) did paper over a few cracks. It was our opportunity to take control of the game and we didn’t manage to do that.
“We’ve got to turn up on day one at Stafford and our primary aim is to get the points to secure our Division One status. We can then focus on the next days of trying to win a game of cricket. That’s our focus.
“There might be a bit of pressure on Suffolk because they are top, so it’s theirs to lose. But they’ll be feeling confident and they’re a really strong side.”
‘Time to shine’
Kettleborough says it’s important that the top order deliver for his side.
“I’m confident we can win. We will lay down a challenge to the batters, the top five, to see if they can replicate what we did at Checkley,” said Kettleborough.
“That’s something we didn’t do at Northumberland, so it’s up to them to bounce back. We want to create first innings pressure and put a score on the board.”
Staffordshire have made two changes to their side to take on Suffolk.
Opening batsman Sam Kelsall is unavailable and has been replaced by Michael Hill.
Seamer Sam Keeling-Wright, who was on Warwickshire seconds duty in the week, is also back in place of Joe Thorne.
“It’s a blow to not have Kels (Sam Kelsall), but Matt Morris will move up the order,” added Kettleborough.
“It’s great to have Sam Keeling-Wright back. That’s unfortunate for Joe, but he understands the decision and has taken it in his stride.
“With the numbers Sam has been producing this season, he’s impossible to leave out.”
‘Reunion’
Sunday is also Staffordshire’s former players and officials’ day.
Attendees are invited to attend from the start of play at 11am – entry is free and there is plenty of parking.
At 2.10pm, former players and officials will be invited into the function room for a drink and buffet lunch.
Main image: James Kettleborough and his Staffordshire side are chasing NCCA Championship Division One East title glory this weekend. Picture: Roger Byrne