James Kettleborough says Staffordshire have given themselves a promising T20 platform – but admits there’s more to come from his side.
Staffs kicked off their National Counties Cricket Association Twenty20 Cup campaign with a win and a tie against Northumberland at Stone SP on Sunday.
That earned them a three-point haul on the day as they attempt to continue their good form in the competition over recent seasons.
Staffordshire won the T20 Cup in 2023, reached finals day a year later and then made it to the Super 12s stage in 2025.
And the county skipper was pleased with how his side fared as they made it five matches unbeaten in all formats.
“On the back of winning the first game, the tie then gives us the edge in the group,” said Kettleborough.
“It was pleasing opening day and we did a lot of good things, especially in game one.
“We had to field back-to-back in that heat, so to rally like we did in the afternoon match was pleasing to see.
“It’s a really good start for us and provides us with a platform – but it’s just that… a start.
“We can attack the next games now, but we know that there’s areas we can improve on.”
‘Thrilling day’
Staffordshire had posted 159-6 in the first game – despite a slight mid-innings wobble, before dismissing Northumberland for 114.
The second encounter proved to be a thriller. Northumberland amassed 170-7 from their 20 overs.
And Staffordshire were in trouble on 73-5 at the halfway point of the chase.
They were 110-7 in the closing stages before the equation came down to them needing 26 off two overs.
It’s a win and a tie for Staffordshire to open NCCA Twenty20 Cup campaign
Staffs took 15 off the penultimate over – and then the first two balls of the last went for four.
But three runs from four balls proved to be elusive and they closed on 170-9 to share the points.
“In a tied game you always look at the small one per cent which could have made a difference,” added Kettleborough.
“However, we were only favourites for the last four balls of the game – up until then it was Northumberland’s game.
Callum Leese steals the show as Staffordshire 2nd XI beat Cheshire
“So to have our noses in front so late was a touch disappointing, but we have to focus on the fact that we were so far back in the match and then rallied to get a tie.
“We felt 170 was chaseable in game two, but we were perhaps slightly off it early on in that fixture.
“We know there’s areas to brush up on. In the first game we had that passage where we lost three quick wickets.
“Everyone chipped in throughout the day, although we’d have liked at least one of the batters to go on to make 60 or 70-plus in the games.”
‘Strength in depth’
Staffordshire also showed their versatility at Stone SP.
Ollie Walker opened the innings in match one, but dropped down into the middle order for game two.
And it was another fine T20 day for Nils Priestley, who contributed with the bat in both encounters and also picked up eight wickets with his left-arm spin.
“We spoke about Ollie dropping down at times during the week,” explained Kettleborough.
“Having someone with his power in the middle order, capable of clearing the ropes is a good asset to have.
“He’s also got plenty of experience to go along with that.
“Nils just did what he does. He knows what his role is and he sets very high standards for himself.
Nils Priestley: We should be looking to dominate in all formats
“He’s a quality cricketer and we’re very lucky to have him.”
Staffs now hit the road for game week two on Sunday when they play Shropshire at Wem.
The two counties have locked horns frequently in limited overs cricket in past seasons – and Kettleborough is aware of the challenges facing Staffordshire.
“We have to take our form into Shropshire, who are a very well-drilled side,” he said.
“They’re very good at white-ball cricket, but we’re looking forward to the test.”
Main image: Staffordshire captain James Kettleborough saw his side take three points from their NCCA T20 Cup double header against Northumberland. Picture: Roger Byrne