Andy Carr loves a good brew. So he would have been more than happy to raise a cup of English breakfast tea or lapsang souchong to mark Staffordshire’s achievements when he returned from West Bromwich Dartmouth this week.
The county’s head coach travelled up the M6 on Wednesday night a proud and satisfied leader after watching Staffs share the NCCA Championship title with Berkshire at Sandwell Park following a rain-affected draw.
It may not have been an outright win, but it still marked the first time Staffordshire had been able to get their hands on the trophy since 2014.
And it rounded off an excellent summer of red-ball cricket for Carr and his players after they had won Division One East for the first time in five years.
“It was a fantastic achievement to get there. To be crowned one of the best sides in the country in three-day cricket is an incredible achievement,” said Carr.
“The lads should take that accolade – it was a weather-affected contest, but it was a fair result.
‘You won’t see a spell of bowling as fast as that in NCCA cricket’
“I am super proud of the lads and what they have achieved. We are Division One East champions and the players deserve credit for that and then sharing the overall title.
“We haven’t relied on one individual and a number of players have put in match-winning performances over the course of the Championship.
“I am really excited that we are so young and have lads that are now becoming recognised players. They deserved the opportunities they’ve had.”
‘Good reaction’
Staffordshire had reduced Berkshire to 109-5 on the first day, but the serial winners recovered to 382 all out thanks to tons from Johnny Connell and Josh Lincoln.
Staffs replied with 283 all out in their first innings, before Berkshire declared on 283-4 second time around.
After rain had wiped out 130 overs during the course of the game, that left Staffs needing 383 for victory in 55 overs.
Carr says that attempting to chase that total was never a realistic option, but he was pleased that his team managed to easily navigate their way to a draw, closing on 142-2.
Carr is meticulous in his approach and as the final unfolded, he was able to measure the progress his side have made – and where they can develop further.
“Berkshire have got a lot more experience than us, they have older players,” added Carr.
“And secondly they have got that habit of winning big games for a longer period then we have.
“They were more ahead of the game than us, but we didn’t fear that at all. They are a formidable outfit and have got very good players. One of the big takeaways for us was that we competed with them.,
Day Four report: Staffordshire earn share of NCCA Championship title
“We didn’t play our best cricket. We can play better. But over the four days there was evidence of reasons why we deserved to be there. There were a lot of positives for us, but we are always striving to be better.
“Where do we go from here? The batters have to turn those 50s and 60s into hundreds, and the bowlers their two or three wickets into five-fors. There’s always room for more improvement.”
‘Pushing forward’
Carr also pinpointed the need to develop a ruthless streak to help to push Staffordshire even further forward.
There were certain passages of play where Staffs were in a prime position, but allowed Berkshire a way back into matters.
“One area we highlighted was that if you slip up then a good team like Berkshire can swamp you,” he admitted. “At that level of cricket and in a game like that, you have to create opportunities – and, when you do, you have to take them.
Day Three report: Staffordshire on the back foot as Berkshire show quality
“Berkshire keep coming back at you and their two lads played great knocks to get a century apiece.
“When we are in control of a game we have to stay there and not let the opposition back in.
“When you have a team 109-5 – which was an incredible effort – you have to hammer that home. We did well early on with the ball, but then lost things a little bit.
“And we had a reasonable start with the bat, reaching 90 for no wicket, but then lost a couple of quick ones.
“Our plan was to try to get as close to them as possible – and we probably should have got closer.”
‘Another trophy chance’
But while the majority of NCCA sides have already had their feet up for a few weeks, Staffordshire’s season rumbles on – and that really is Carr’s cup of tea.
They head to Chester Boughton Hall this weekend for the rearranged Twenty20 Cup finals day, which was abandoned in May due to the rain.
Cumbria take on Oxfordshire in the first game, before Staffordshire meet Berkshire in the day’s second semi-final.
Day Two report: Staffordshire duo impress, but rain is the real winner
That’s a re-run of last year’s game, which saw Nils Priestley’s 147 not out help down Berkshire. Staffordshire then went on to beat Cornwall in the final.
“It’s exciting that we’ve still got some cricket to play – and we’re looking to retain the trophy,” said Carr.
“If we play to the best of our ability, we have every chance. Anything can happen in T20 cricket, but we have to bring our A game and hope to surprise them.
“The lads know their roles, whether that is in red-ball or white-ball cricket. Our communication has always been clear so they know what is expected. There’s no reason why we can’t win it again.
“Is there a little bit of pressure on us as defending champions? Maybe. But there’s probably more on Berkshire because they are the team renowned for winning things year after year.
“They will want to put one over us after last year, so we can’t take them lightly.”
Main image: Staffordshire head coach Andy Carr was pleased with his side’s fighting spirit in the NCCA Championship final. Picture: Pete Stonier
