James Kettleborough says Staffordshire showed the levels they are capable of in their NCCA Championship victory over Cambridgeshire – and wants to see more of the same.
Staffs delivered a clinical performance to crush Cambs by an innings and 111 runs in their Division One East encounter at Checkley.
It was the perfect way to recover from their opening loss at Buckinghamshire, where they went down by 187 runs.
And Staffordshire’s display at Four Trees left skipper Kettleborough purring.
‘One of the best’
“It’s up there with the best performances we’ve produced. It’s what we wanted and what we needed,” said Kettleborough, who joined the county ahead of the 2023 season.
“As a whole performance, if we had sat on Sunday morning and scripted how we would like the game to go, it would have been exactly that.
“We know how good we are and we have set a big standard at Checkley. There will be expectations and pressure on the group to deliver that type of performance again.
Day Three report: Staffordshire take just 19 balls to wrap up victory
“It was the perfect blueprint for three-day and although it won’t happen in every game, we have to be able to adapt and put in a performance.
“If we can do that in the last two Championship matches, we can be in the mix for the divisional title.
“It was the perfect response to what happened at Bucks. We left Buckinghamshire knowing that we were good enough. We thought that the scorecard didn’t reflect how the game panned out.
“On Sunday we said to the lads that they had to step up and put in a performance. We laid down a challenge to them and they rose to it.”
‘Leading lights’
There were two outstanding performances from a Staffordshire perspective in the victory.
Sam Keeling-Wright claimed 8-60 in Cambs’ first innings 151 all out and then followed it up with 5-41 second time around for match figures of 13-101.
And Reeve Evitts became the youngest Championship double century maker in Staffordshire’s history with an unbeaten 207 in his side’s 461-5. That was also Staffs’ fourth highest team total.
Evitts was the eighth Staffs player to join the ‘200 club’ before Cambridgeshire were bowled out for 198 in the second innings on the third morning.
Kettleborough concedes that the performances of the duo will pique interest on the professional circuit.
“There were two obvious standout performances which, at NCCA level, you won’t see any better,” added the county captain.
“And the fact Reeve and Sam did that in the same game goes a long way. Normally if you just get one of those performances in a match you’d win.
“It was really pleasing to see those two perform. They are still at an age where they may have aspirations to kick on in the game.
“And performances like that will get noticed higher up.
“It’s not like they’ve got 80 and a three-for, it’s a double ton and 13 wickets in the game. That will catch the eye of people.
“Selfishly, if no-one takes note then I’m happy they are in our side, but I’d been surprised if it hasn’t made people sit up.”
‘Super Sam’
Keeling-Wright has slotted in seamlessly to Staffordshire’s side since making the winter move from Herefordshire.
Kettleborough says it hasn’t been a surprise to see him shine so early in his county career.
“Sam has settled in really well, but I think there’s two points to that,” he said.
Day Two report: Reeve Evitts creates history as Staffs close in on victory
“He knows Hilly (Michael Hill) and Walks (Ollie Walker) really well and has also played with Lincs (Dan Lincoln) with the Challengers.
“It’s not like he’s coming into a changing room full of people he doesn’t know.
“That will naturally help and also there’s the environment we’ve created. Those two things combined have helped him to find his feet.”
‘Key alliance’
Evitts’ innings saw him compile his second Championship ton for Staffordshire, following the 172 he made on debut at Lincolnshire two years ago.
But he had a helping hand along the way as he put on 248 for the third wicket with Tom Moulton, who fell four runs short of his maiden Staffs ton.
The pair had come together at 80-2 on the first evening – and weren’t parted until the second afternoon.
After Moulton had departed, Evitts ploughed on, hitting 20 fours and 10 sixes in his epic knock.
And he struck three of those maximums in the final over to ensure to passed the 200 mark.
“That period of 45 minutes at the end of day one was probably as tricky a spell as anything in Reeve’s innings,” explained Kettleborough.
“He weathered that after Cambridgeshire had their tails up after taking a couple of quick wickets.
“Reeve and Tom played brilliantly and then they got through the first hour on day two and that laid the foundations for us to make the most of the situation.
“For Reeve to get a big hundred was really pleasing and hopefully he can use that as a platform.
“When you look at the maths you think he might run out of time to get 200, but on a good batting wicket, taking 15 or 20 off an over isn’t out of the question – and especially when you’re 180-odd not out.
Day One report: Sam Keeling-Wright takes eight wickets to put Staffs on top
“Tom’s performance can’t be understated and his role in that partnership with Reeve. The pair of them steadied the ship and then were able to cash in.
“It would have been great for him to get three figures, but for the sake of four runs, it should give him plenty of confidence that he can do it.”
The win leaves Staffordshire in second place in Division One East, one point behind Northumberland.
Main image: James Kettleborough praised his Staffordshire players for their performance in the NCCA Championship victory over Cambridgeshire.