Matt Morris says one disappointing result won’t knock Staffordshire out of their stride.
Staffs suffered an agonising one-wicket defeat in their NCCA NV Play Trophy quarter-final by Cumbria at Carlisle last Sunday.
Staffordshire had been bowled out for 138 on a testing surface, but rallied superbly as Sam Keeling-Wright’s 5-26 kept them in the contest.
But ultimately they fell just short of booking themselves a home semi-final against Cheshire.
“Yes, it was heartbreaking,” conceded Morris. “It’s really gutting to go all that way and come back with the result that we did.
“We had every belief that we could defend 138, which was a pretty decent score given how the wicket played.
“It was just that sixth-wicket stand (83 between Michael Slack and Max Winskill) which proved to be the difference.
“Fair play to Cumbria, the two in the middle order did extremely well to do what they did.
“But we can’t forget it’s just one game. I wouldn’t say it was a missed opportunity.
Staffs felt the pain after NCCA NV Play Trophy loss, admits skipper
“We’ve been up against it at various points of the competition and always managed to come out on the right side.
“On another day the result goes in our favour. But we gave it everything and that’s down to the mindset instilled by Milly (Chris Milward, head coach), Wilsh (Pete Wilshaw, assistant head coach) and Ketts (captain, James Kettleborough).
“Having that self belief meant we went out knowing we could defend that total.”
‘Quick turnaround’
Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for Staffordshire, but they could still reflect on progress being made in the 50-over competition.
Staffs had failed to qualify from the group stages in the previous three seasons, so to reach the last eight was a step in the right direction.
Morris and the rest of the squad don’t have time to dwell on last weekend’s Trophy exit, though, as they are quickly back in action on Sunday.
It’s a change of format for the county as they return to their group commitments in the T20 Cup with a double header against Cheshire at Burslem.
Staffordshire currently sit joint-top of the standings after two wins, a tie and a defeat in their four matches to date.
“It’s good that we have another game this weekend,” admitted Morris.
“We’re going into the day believing that we can win both games against a strong Cheshire team.
“Hopefully we can come out of the games still top of the group, but we take one at a time.
“We can’t think too far ahead, but we’ve always said that we go out to win every game – and that thought process isn’t going to change.”
‘Making a mark’
This could be a pivotal weekend for the county in the T20 format.
A couple of wins would see them progress to the Super 12s stage, while two defeats would leave them needing positive results in the final round of matches.
Morris, though, is unperturbed and just wants to chalk off the challenges as they present themselves.
Staffordshire suffer agonising NCCA NV Play Trophy quarter-final defeat
“In the one-dayers we had to win the last three to qualify and we managed to do that, even though the cards were dealt against us at times,” said Morris.
“There’s certain things you can’t control, like if there’s a bit of weather around.
“At this level of cricket there’s also going to be obstacles in your way, but we have the confidence that we can overcome anything put in our way.”
‘Playing his part’
All-rounder Morris has been a regular in Staffordshire two white-ball campaigns so far.
He scored 41 in helping Staffs to rescue a tie in their second clash against Northumberland at Stone SP.
And his off-spin was utilised in the Trophy format to good effect.
“In the T20s, I’ve been happy, but not completely satisfied, with how I’ve performed,” said Morris, who plays his club cricket for Leek.
“I’m pleased with how I started the role at number six and managed to get a couple of scores.
“I managed to help us to get a tie at Stone SP, but was extremely disappointed that I couldn’t get us over the line.
“In the one-dayers I’ve not managed to put in the performances with the bat, but I bowled nicely in parts.”
‘Top sides’
Morris, at the age of 27, is a relative veteran of the Staffordshire squad.
He might not be the oldest, but he’s been part of the set-up since 2019 and – including development games – has featured 100 times for Staffs.
“I’ve been fortunate to have played in some amazing sides in my seven years with Staffordshire,” he added.
Sam Kelsall: I thought my chance to play for Staffs again had gone
“This team is no different, it’s packed full of talent. But you go back to 2019 and that was the same – Pete Wilshaw, Tim Maxfield, Michael Hill, Rob Hemmings, Kadeer Ali, Zen Malik – the list goes on.
“Staffordshire have plenty of talent and I’m blessed that I’ve been able to play in some quality teams.
“We also have great strength in depth and that’s down to the work put in by Milly, Wilsh and Ketts.”
While Morris is determined to help Staffs to a couple of victories at his former club Burslem this weekend, he’s also got half-an-eye on the three-day Championship format which starts next month.
Morris has helped Staffs to the Eastern Division title in 2019 and 2024 – and a share of the overall title in that second year.
“The Championship format is the one that I enjoy the most,” he revealed.
“Bowling isn’t my main suit, but I’m trying to bowl more consistently in club cricket in red-ball games.
“I want to be a genuine second option to Bretty (frontline spinner, Tom Brett) and am working hard to improve.
“I’m eager to put myself in a position to have lots of opportunities and hopefully take them when they arise.”
‘Squad news’
Staffordshire have returned to their usual squad for the T20 matches this weekend.
They have selected the same 12 as was on duty for the twin encounters against Shropshire at Wem a fortnight ago.
That means, from the players on duty in the Trophy, Nils Priestley, Joe Hawkins, Reeve Evitts and Liam Hurt return to the party, with Sam Kelsall, Callum Leese, Sam Atkinson and Tom Moulton all sitting out.
Main image: Matt Morris and his Staffordshire team-mates are looking to enhance their NCCA Twenty20 Cup qualification hopes this weekend. Picture: Pete Stonier