Staffordshire Development XI finished their season with a three-wicket win against Northumberland.
Staffs were set 185 to win at Burnopfield, but it looked like they would be heading to defeat after falling to 101-7 with 15 of their 50 overs remaining.
Tom Carrigan (25), Tom Moulton (23) and James Abbotts (20) had made starts. Although it needed the intervention of two of the more experienced players to lead Staffs to victory.
Skipper James Kettleborough, who batted at number eight, joined forces with Scott Winnington to ultimately guide Staffordshire to the winning line.
Kettleborough hit five fours in his unbeaten 66, with Winnington lending valuable support with 28 not out.
That enabled Staffs to reach their target with almost three overs remaining.
Sebastion Allison’s 4-27 had seemingly put Northumberland in control. Home wicketkeeper Laurie Robson also took six catches behind the stumps.
Northumberland had earlier been bowled out for 184 after winning the toss and electing to bat.
‘Peter Wilshaw delivered at the most crucial times in Staffordshire’s history’
Openers Bobby Green (50) and John Oswell (31) starred, with the former’s half-century featuring eight fours. Allison weighed in with 23 late in the day.
But Staffordshire generally bowled impressively. Checkley duo Moulton and Clark Haddrell scooped 3-20 and 3-48 respectively.
The off-spin of Kettleborough was also given a rare outing – and saw the county captain pick up a wicket alongside Pip Jackson, Winnington and Matthew Morris.
However, that impressive bowling performance looked like being in vain before Kettleborough and Winnington rode to the rescue for Staffordshire.
The victory rounded off an impressive season for the development XI which will leave Kettleborough and head coach Andy Carr pleased at the players emerging on the scene to eventually challenge for first-team places.
Main picture: Scott Winnington helped Staffordshire Development XI to beat Northumberland. Image: Alfie Shenton