Staffordshire have made a favourable first impression on Ollie Walker – even though the all-rounder’s county debut didn’t quite go to plan.
The 21-year-old was one of three debutants in last weekend’s NCCA NV Play Trophy game against Norfolk at West Bromwich Dartmouth.
But the winter recruit from Herefordshire couldn’t help Staffs start on the right foot as they fell to a 105-run defeat.
However, hard-hitting batsman and seamer Walker felt right at home in the line-up as he prepares for Bank Holiday Monday’s trip to Bedfordshire.
Walker was born in Staffs, and also plays his club cricket in the county for Himley.
That provided him with a sense of belonging – and the fact he’s well acquainted with other members of the side has ensured a smooth transition.
“It was good to make my debut, It’s a change, something different and I’m enjoying it,” said Walker.
“My home county is Staffordshire. Herefordshire also have to play four players from within the county, so that made life a bit harder for me this season.
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“The idea of moving to Staffs was exciting. I feel we have a strong squad and can hopefully look to challenge this year.
“It’s been good. I knew a bunch of the lads anyway from playing for the Challengers (the NCCA rep side) and against them.
“I represented the Midlands at the Bunbury Festival with Callum Hawkins and I played age-group cricket with Reeve Evitts.”
‘Home bow’
Walker says he took his debut in his stride and, despite the opening-day defeat, is confident there’s plenty of talent to make an impression on the National Counties Cricket Association circuit in 2026.
He was one of three players making their bows, alongside Sam Keeling-Wright and ex-Berks skipper Dan Lincoln.
Sam Kelsall also returned to the team following a spell playing for Bedfordshire.
“There weren’t many nerves. The big thing is that I don’t have any credit in the bank,” added Walker.
“I know how I play, Staffs know how I play, and the lads have been really good. It also helped there were a couple of other making their debuts, so I wasn’t on my own.
“Looking around, we have a strong team. Three or four of the lads have played professionally and lots of others have come through the system.
“Someone like Dan Lincoln has won everything there is to at NCCA level. So I really think we’ve got a good chanced of going far in competitions this season.”
‘Losing start’
Staffordshire opted to bowl first against Norfolk, but the East Anglians recovered from 52-3 to post 312-8 from their 50 overs.
Staffs then suffered some misfortune – and also contributed to their own downfall – as they were bowled out for 207 in reply.
Walker, who had made 140 for Himley against Knowle & Dorridge the previous day, said: “If you could work out exactly went wrong you’d be worth millions. I think part of it was lads getting back into the swing of things.
Staffordshire falter on the Trophy start line
“We had our first league game on the Saturday and it takes a bit of time to get used to playing twice a weekend again.
“We certainly weren’t horrendous and I don’t think we were worthy of losing by 100 runs. Their score was gettable.
“But you look at our top six and Kels (Sam Kelsall) got strangled down the leg side, a couple of us chased wide ones, while Lincs (Dan Lincoln) picked out the only fielder on the leg side boundary. So there was a bit of bad luck in there.
“There were some soft dismissals, but that can happen.”
‘Mr Versatile’
Staffordshire now have three matches remaining as they try to progress to the knockout stage of the competition.
Walker, who slotted in at number five on his debut, is confident about Staffs’ prospects – and will fit in wherever in the upcoming missions.
“I’m 100 per cent certain we can win the next three games. Lads got runs and took wickets in their league games last weekend,” added Walker.
“Norfolk managed to put a big partnership together and we couldn’t match that. But I think our batsmen have shown enough that they can get big runs.
“Personally, I try not to overcomplicate things. If I get a good ball I try to deal with it, if I get a bad one I try to whack it.
One change to Staffordshire squad for Trophy clash at Bedfordshire
“I will bat wherever. I’ve opened in the league the last few years, but it’s not a major thing for me. If I’m asked to open at any point, I’m not going to shy away from that.
“My game doesn’t change. Whether the ball is red, white, pink – it can come out green – I still have the same approach.”
‘Looking forward’
Walker spent his formative years with Worcestershire as part of their academy system.
He left at 18, but still hasn’t totally given up on making an impact at a higher level.
“I was on the academy at Worcester at 14 and made my second XI debut at the same age. I officially signed at 15,” he explained. “I went to the Bunbury Festival a year younger than I should have done. So I was at Worcester between 15 and 18 before they released me.
“I’ve been trying to get back in for the last two years, but it’s been a struggle. When you’re out of the system it’s difficult and it’s a lot of emails and calls, but you don’t hear anything.
“I’ve got a job now, but it’s plenty of people’s dreams to be a professional cricketer – and I’m the same.”
Main image: Ollie Walker is looking forward to an exciting summer after joining Staffordshire. Picture: David Peters