James Kettleborough says his Staffordshire squad are ready to capitalise on a potentially enthralling last weekend in their NCCA Championship campaign.
Staffs make the trip to Peterborough to take on Cambridgeshire still in with a chance of retaining their Division One East title… but also facing the possibility of being relegated.
Defeat by Buckinghamshire at Stafford in their last outing took the destiny of the divisional crown out of Kettleborough and Co’s hands as they prepare to head east this weekend for their final three-dayer.
Suffolk are top on 51 points – but have finished their matches – with Bucks in second on 48, Staffs in third in 38, followed by Cambs (32) and Lincolnshire (20).
Buckinghamshire entertain Lincs in the other game taking place… with plenty up for grabs before the close of play on Tuesday.
‘Permutations’
Staffordshire need to win their match and hope Bucks fail to win, but Kettleborough’s men also know they need seven points to guarantee survival if Lincs manage to take the spoils on their road trip.
But rather than concerning himself with matters at the foot of the table, skipper Kettleborough is focusing on putting pressure on Buckinghamshire in the race for the title.
“All we can do is focus on our game and hope to get the win because that’s something we can control,” said Kettleborough.
“The teams in the other match might set up a game, but there’s nothing we can do about that. You have other matches like at Copdock (against Suffolk) where the opposition are less willing to set up a game, but all we can do is look to get 24 points.
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“We’re looking at things in a positive way. Cambs are a very good side and they’ve done well since coming up this season. It’s going to be a big challenge for us.
“We want the 24 points. If we aim high then we’re going to tick off the seven points (needed to confirm safety). If we just focus on seven points and fall short, that’s when we could get ourselves into trouble.”
‘Missed opportunity’
Staffordshire could have been heading to Cambridgeshire requiring just three points to be crowned divisional champions for the second successive season.
But that victory eluded them and instead they are now the chasers, rather than the ones being chased.
However, Kettleborough says there may well be some more twists and turns before the table-toppers are confirmed.
“Bucks will be expected to beat Lincs, but Lincs are not a side to be taken lightly,” added Kettleborough.
“They also have plenty to play for and they’ll give Bucks a game. Even though they beat us, Buckinghamshire did show some vulnerability and there might well be a bit of extra pressure on them to get over the line.
“Lincs have matchwinners in their side and it’s a game we’re obviously going to have an eye on.”
Staffordshire were left to rue some missed opportunities in what could turn out to be that pivotal defeat by Bucks.
‘Key passage of play’
Staffs were bowled out for 194 in their first innings, but roared back on day two to dismiss Buckinghamshire for 173.
They then made their way to 98-1 second time around, but couldn’t build on those foundations and fell to 203 all out.
That left Bucks needing 225 for victory – and despite falling to 136-6, they managed to secure a one-wicket win.
“It was a tough one to take. Low-scoring games are usually pretty close,” reflected Kettleborough.
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“It ebbed and flowed throughout the three days and both teams had opportunities to take control of the game and missed those chances.
“It was really close and a good game of cricket. It’s better when you come out on top, and tough when you are on the losing side.
“Small things went against us and the things we could control we didn’t always capitalise on. It was a defeat which hurt the lads a lot. If we had got that final wicket then the table looks a lot different and now it’s out of our hands.
‘Battling back’
“Going into day two we had work to do, but to get seven wickets in that first session was a brilliant effort. To get a small lead after the first innings was always going to be crucial.
“Then we were 98-1 second time around and in complete control of the game and then we lost a cluster of wickets. To lose them as we did, I think we could have played a lot better. It was more a reflection on how we batted rather than how they bowled.
“Setting them 225 was always going to be a challenge and we probably had the slight edge at that stage. But a 250 to 275 target would have arguably killed the game. We were then fairly pleased to have them 130-6, but I don’t think that we took our foot off the gas at that stage.”
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So instead of having one hand on retaining their title, Staffordshire are now looking to not only win their game, but look for a favour elsewhere.
However, Kettleborough insists that his players will be up for the challenge as they attempt to crank up the title pressure.
“I hope it’s not difficult to lift the lads. The character in the group means they should be up for it,” he added.
“We’ve had a week off so the lads will hopefully be refreshed. We have one game left where if we win, we could reach the Championship final again.
“That should be motivation enough for the players.”
Main image: James Kettleborough takes his Staffordshire to Cambridgeshire for the final round of NCCA Championship Division One East fixtures. Picture: Alfie Shenton