NCCA Knockout Trophy: Staffordshire must rise to the occasion, says Dave Cartledge

Dave Cartledge

Dave Cartledge says his Staffordshire players must handle the pressure when they tackle Dorset in the National Counties Cricket Association Knockout Trophy this weekend.

Staffs were beaten by Wiltshire at Warminster last weekend to leave them with little room for error if they want to clinch one of the two qualification spots on offer in Group Four.

They currently sit bottom of the table on two points – having beaten Wales in their first encounter – and need to win at West Bromwich Dartmouth on Sunday and then at Buckinghamshire next weekend to advance.

Director of cricket Cartledge admits it will be interesting to see how Staffs handle having their 50-over prospects on a knife edge.

“Without doubt there is a bit of pressure because it’s a must-win game against Dorset,” he said.

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