Morris and Hill lead charge as Staffordshire complete epic run chase at Checkley

MATT Morris compiled his second Staffordshire century to guide the county to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Lincolnshire.

- Chris Travers

Morris' unbeaten 113, coupled with another masterclass from stand-in captain Michael Hill (87no) enabled Staffs to ease to their 292-run target on the final day of their NCCA Championship encounter at Checkley.

It was the ideal start to Staffordshire's Division One East title defence as they banked 21 points to kick off their three-day programme.

For Morris it was particularly sweet as he ended his long wait to add to the maiden Staffs ton he made against Norfolk at Longton back in 2019.

The win, achieved shortly after 4pm at Four Trees, also signalled the end of an impressive turnaround by Staffs.

They had ended the opening day on 159-8 in reply to Lincs' 246 all out, but managed to drag themselves back into the contest on the second day.

However, resuming on the third and final morning - after a rain delay - on 83-0, there was still plenty of work for them to do if they were to complete one of their highest-ever successful run chases.

That accolade remains with the 308 they scored to beat Suffolk last summer, but this chase was no less impressive.

From being behind in the contest on day one, Staffordshire managed to display the character and determination required to launch a defence of their title.

Morris and opening partner Tom Moulton had successfully negotiated 20 overs on the second evening to provide the platform needed to launch a push for a third-day victory.