Michael Hill revealed that a Monday morning pep talk help to turn the tide in Staffordshire’s NCCA Championship victory over Lincolnshire.
Staffs had enjoyed a positive start to the Division One clash at Checkley by bowling out their rivals for 246 after Hill won the toss and elected to bowl.
But they then fluffed their lines with the bat and closed the first day on 159-8 after a below-par batting display.
Hill himself struck 93 not out on the second morning to limit Staffordshire’s first-innings deficit to just 28 runs.
They then dismissed Lincs for 263 to leave themselves a victory target of 292 – which was overhauled to complete a seven-wicket win before tea on Tuesday.
Matt Morris compiled a personal Staffordshire best of 113 not out and Hill added an unbeaten 87 – in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 157 – to seal the run chase.
‘Monday chat’
Hill, standing in as captain for the unavailable James Kettleborough, says a hammering home a few key points paved the way for Staffs’ impressive recovery.
“It was a typical three-day game in that it ebbed and flowed and the momentum swung both ways,” he said.
“From the position we were in on Sunday night, to eventually get a win was a great performance by everyone.
Day Three report: Matt Morris and Michael Hill lead Staffordshire to victory
“That first innings with the bat was a bit of a reality check for a few of the players after coming out of the white-ball format.
“There were a few stern words on Monday morning about what it means to play three-day cricket and how we have to apply ourselves.
“Thankfully they took things on board and we managed to pick up the win.”
‘Solid platform’
Staffordshire claimed 21 points from the victory to put themselves top of the Division One East table as they look to defend their title.
They have T20 Cup matters to attend to this weekend, before resuming Championship duties against Suffolk at Copdock on Sunday, August 10.
Hill says Staffordshire have provided themselves with a springboard for their remaining three Championship fixtures.
Day Two report: Staffordshire make solid start to testing run chase
“It’s always good to win your first three-dayer against a good side like Lincolnshire,” added Hill.
“They put it on you and ask questions of you as a cricketer. We managed to stand up to that after Sunday.
“We showed steel and handled everything they threw at us. That will stand us in good stead.”
‘Room for improvement’
Hill, though, says there are still areas to work on moving forward.
Staffordshire put down chances in the field, while their first innings batting left a lot to be desired.
“There are areas we need to improve because we’ve got a tough trip to Suffolk next,” he explained.
“Our fielding on Sunday was not the best and our approach with the bat in the first innings wasn’t great.
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“One bad session can ruin a game – not necessarily meaning you lose, but it can affect if you can win.
“We got away with it in this match, but the guys have to realise that they have to value their wickets in the long format.
“But the pleasing thing is that the guys took on board the chat on Monday morning and managed to reap the rewards.
“In the end, I think we fully deserved the win.”
Main image: Michael Hill captained Staffordshire to victory over Lincolnshire in the NCCA Championship. Picture: David Peters