Staffordshire had plenty of cause for celebration at the county’s annual awards evening.
Players, parents, officials and volunteers from across Staffordshire Cricket attended the presentation night at the county showground.
And it was an evening to celebrate all cricketing achievements throughout clubs, county age groups and disability teams.
Staffordshire’s NCCA side were among those reflecting on a fine 2024 season on the pitch.
Staffs reached T20 Cup finals day once again, won the National Counties Cricket Association Division One East and shared the overall Championship crown with Berkshire.
Captain James Kettleborough was presented with the Championship trophy on the night, which was the 14th time the county have been winners.
That makes Staffordshire the most successful Championship side in the history of minor counties and NCCA cricket.
‘Spin king’
There was also personal success to celebrate from the NCCA team’s perspective.
Left-arm spinner Tom Brett was presented with a commemorative picture to mark his superb season.
Brett was the leading wicket-taker across all NCCA counties, picking up 42 victims in the summer.
That was the latest accolade for Brett, who was also awarded his county cap during the season.
All-rounder Nils Priestley was also in the spotlight as his historic bowling performance in 2024 was honoured.
Priestley became the first Staffordshire player to take six wickets in a Knockout Trophy game in the victory over Suffolk at Mildenhall.
Priestley’s figures beat the previous best of 5-10 by Michael Hill against Berkshire.
His haul also included a hat-trick, making him the third Staffs player to achieve that particular feat in the 50-over format.
David Boden and Kadeer Ali had previously taken hat-tricks for the county in the Knockout Trophy.
Priestley was presented with the matchball mounted on a plinth to celebrate his six wickets.
Staffordshire could reflect on an excellent summer under captain Kettleborough and head coach Andy Carr.
‘Looking ahead’
But they are also planning for the 2025 season as they bid to make another impact on the NCCA scene.
There has been a change in the off-field structure moving forward.
A new cricket committee has been formed, chaired by ex-skipper Richard Harvey, to oversee all cricket matters relating to the county club.
Pete Wilshaw, Howard Dytham, Dave Middleton and Chris Milward also sit on the committee which covers representation from across the county and the board.
Main image: Staffordshire captain James Kettleborough with the NCCA Championship trophy. Picture: Brian Clarke/Kidzinfocus
