Kettleborough feels the pain after Staffs' latest Trophy slump

JAMES Kettleborough admitted that there was plenty of pain in the Staffordshire camp following their NCCA Knockout Trophy defeat by Shropshire.

- Chris Travers

Staffs tumbled to a six-wicket loss in Sunday’s 50-over encounter at Shifnal to leave them facing the prospect of another early exit from the competition.

A second loss in three Group Two outings has left Staffs needing aremarkable turn of events to clinch second place.

They need to win at Norfolk on Sunday, while also hoping that already-qualified Shropshire can prevail at Suffolk.

Even then, it would need a huge swing in run rate for Staffordshire to avoid falling at the group stage for a third successive summer.

There have been positive signs in this year’s white-ball campaign, which saw Staffs open up with victory over Herefordshire.

They were then beaten by Suffolk, but Sunday’s loss at Shropshire was a step back in time, according to Kettleborough.

“It was very frustrating. There was a lot hurt in the dressing room after the game and quite a bit was discussed” he said.

“It felt like a familiar story from last year and the year before and it’s left us in a precarious position. Going into the last game we've got plenty to reflect on. I’m just really frustrated with the performance.