'Super 12s will be a really good challenge for us this summer'

JAMES Kettleborough insists Staffordshire have only completed part of their mission in the NCCA Twenty20 Cup.

- Chris Travers

Staffs progressed to the Super 12s stage of the short format after topping Group One following their final double header against Cumbria at Wolverhampton.

Staffordshire had gone into Sunday’s matches in third place in the standings and needing just a point to confirm their place in the next stage.

That point came when the opening match in the south of the county was abandoned due to rain, before Staffs wrapped up a 47-run success in game two.

And with the day’s leaders Northumberland losing twice to Cheshire, that enabled Staffordshire to jump to the summit and guarantee a home date in the Super 12s next month.

Staffordshire will now host Norfolk and Herefordshire at Moddershall & Oulton on Sunday, August 3, with the winners progressing to finals day.

That’s a target in skipper Kettleborough’s mind as he looks to continue Staffs’ love affair with the competition.

They won the T20 Cup for the first time in 2023, and also reached finals day last summer before rain prevented the showpiece from being played on three separate occasions.

“We didn’t really pay much attention to the other game at the weekend,” said Kettleborough.

“It was about focusing on the challenge we had, which was a tough game against Cumbria.

“It was fantastic to turn out the way it did and to top the group to get a home draw.