Tom Moulton insists Staffordshire success eased the disappointment of missing out on a personal landmark.
The 23-year-old played a key role in Staffs’ recent NCCA Cluberly Championship Division One East victory over Cambridgeshire at Checkley.
Moulton made his seventh half-century in three-day cricket for the county – but missed out on a maiden ton when he was dismissed for 96 in Staffs’ first innings.
But as walked back to the Four Trees pavilion, he could console himself with the fact he’d played a big part in setting up a win for his side.
Moulton put on 248 for the third wicket with Reeve Evitts, who ended up on 207 not out, before Staffordshire went on to complete an innings and 111-run triumph.
Moulton surpassed his previous highest score of 77, made against Suffolk in 2024, but couldn’t quite convert into three figures.
‘Impressive stand’
“It was one of those things. It was unfortunate not to get a personal milestone, but I can’t really complain about a win by that margin,” said the Leek all-rounder.
“I was thinking about the 100, but the main goal was to help the team to win, which is what we managed to do.
“My role was to help build a solid foundation in our first innings and alongside Reeve we did that.
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“Reeve is a really relaxed character and it’s nice to bat with players like that in a longer-format game.
“He does think about the game a lot and we had chats about plans and bowlers as we went through. We complemented each other well.”
Moulton, on the cusp of his first century for Staffordshire, was trapped lbw by Cambs seamer Jack Loveday.
He admits he’s watched the dismissal back on video, but is hoping another opportunity to convert comes along soon.
“I’ve missed out on one before, but hopefully I can achieve it soon. I’m looking forward to another chance to make a ton,” he added.
“It’s part of the game that sometimes you miss out on those sort of things.
“I watched it back a couple of times on the video and people might have different opinions on it.
“The length shot low on me and it’s also hit me on the back leg.
“I’ve had a few decisions go in my favour this season, so that’s the way it goes.”
‘Going again’
Moulton will be aiming to have another shot at a ton this weekend when he travels with his Staffordshire team-mates to the north east.
A Division One East game against Northumberland at South Northumberland Cricket Club is the next assignment on the agenda for the squad.
Staffs have made three changes to their side with Matt Morris, Jack Redman and Joe Thorne coming into the side in place of Joe Hawkins, Sam Keeling-Wright and Michael Hill.
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“With the players that we have brought in, the roles may change a bit because players have different strengths,” explained Moulton.
“I’ve opened before and batted at three, which are not too dissimilar, so I’ll do whatever job asked of me.
“We have a really strong team and you can’t always think you’re automatically going to be picked.
“You know with the competition for places, you always have to go out and perform and can never feel comfortable.”
‘Hard work ahead’
Moulton says that despite that crushing victory over Cambs, it won’t be an easy ride for Staffordshire on this weekend’s road trip.
Northumberland, promoted to the division at the end of last season, have acquitted themselves impressively with a win, draw and defeat from their three matches.
“We spoke before the Cambridgeshire game that we needed to win the last three games after losing to Bucks,” said Moulton.
“That was the message and we know if we do that we can be firmly in the mix for the title.
“We’re not going to sit back, but it’s a strong group and we have two tough games to come.
“But to bounce back in the manner we did after the Bucks match sends out a serious message – it highlights the talent and quality we have in the group.”
‘Debut time’
And one new talented player joins the senior ranks this weekend with Newcastle & Hartshill seamer Joe Thorne making his debut.
Thorne, who turns 19 on the day of his debut, has impressed at club level, as well as for the county under-18s and second team.
“Joe is a great lad and has some serious talent behind him,” added Moulton.
“He’s certainly good enough to play and it’s great to have that option to bring him in.
“Joe’s quite sharp – he has a yard – and can be skiddy. He’s capable of catching batters out.”
Main image: Tom Moulton is looking to make another sizeable contribution for Staffordshire at Northumberland this weekend. Picture: Roger Byrne