Staffs left floored as Knockout Trophy campaign fizzles out

ROUT: Even captain James Kettleborough was powerless to stop Staffordshire falling to a heavy defeat.

- Chris Travers

STAFFORDSHIRE’S NCCA Knockout Trophy campaign came to a dismal conclusion after a heavy defeat at the hands of Norfolk.

Staffs travelled to East Anglia needing a minor miracle to have a sniff of qualifying in second place from Group Two.

They needed Shropshire to beat Suffolk - which did materialise - while also taking the points off Norfolk at Sprowston.

A huge run rate swing was also required, but Staffordshire couldn’t even deal with their own business as they slumped to a third successive defeat.

The campaign has been a repeat of last year’s 50-over programme, which saw Staffs open with a win before losing the next three clashes.

And the start of this summer's schedule saw them beat Herefordshire before coming second best against Suffolk, Shropshire and now Norfolk.

It was pretty much a case of different venue, different conditions, different opposition but the same old outcome for James Kettleborough’s men.

Staffordshire were bowled out for 194 after being asked to bat first by Norfolk skipper Sam Arthurton.

And Arthurton, below, a thorn in the side of Staffordshire over the years, then compiled a century to ease his side to an eight-wicket victory.

Norfolk may have been the holders of the Knockout Trophy, but had lost all three of their group games this year to bring their defence to an early end.

However, you wouldn't have known it as they outclassed Staffordshire in all departments to add another frustrating chapter to the list of dark days endured by the visitors in 50-over cricket in recent times.