Kettleborough: Staffs have to be at T20 best to progress

JAMES Kettleborough says Staffordshire must earn the right to secure another finals day appearance this weekend.

- Chris Travers

Staffs are looking to book their place in the showpiece of the NCCA Twenty20 Cup for the third successive year when they hit the Super 12s stage tomorrow.

Staffordshire won the competition in 2023 for the first time in their history and also reached finals day last summer, but the weather prevented the occasion from being played on three separate occasions.

However, although they have home advantage at Moddershall & Oulton this season, Norfolk and Herefordshire are travelling to try to prevent Staffs from continuing their fine T20 form.

And skipper Kettleborough insists that Staffordshire have to bring their A game if they want to continue on the trophy trail in this particular format.

“We've been building up nicely,” said Kettleborough. “We had to restore a bit of confidence after a disappointing Knockout Trophy campaign, but we've managed top do that.

“That culminated in us going to Wolverhampton (to play Cumbria in the final T20 group games), winning the last match and finding out we'd won the group.

“It's great to have a home draw, but if we don't execute our skills, like we have done already, then it won't count for anything.