Staffs execute perfect game

Mo Sheikh wrapped up Norfolk's innings with two late wickets © Getty Images

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Staffordshire threw Group Three of the Minor Counties Knockout Cup open with a comprehensive 132-run defeat of group leaders Norfolk.

The result gives Staffs a fighting chance of reaching the quarter-final stages, after their first game against Northumberland at Leek was abandoned due to rain.

Staffordshire coach Kim Barnett felt their plans were perfectly executed: "It was by the book. All in all it was perfect cricket.

“We batted fantastically and then showed them how to bowl on an excellent wicket.

“It was a top drawer performance, particularly as they were on a high on their own pitch after winning their first two matches.”

Staffs captain Richard Harvey chose to bat first on a good strip at Norwich, and his players justified the decision by racking up 321 for four from 50 overs.

Brian Sims and Peter Wilshaw put on 99 before Sims was caught by James Spelman off Chris Brown for 35.

Wilshaw carried on relentless and reached a brilliant century, finally dismissed for 132 from 126 balls, including 13 fours.

George Cairns continued the momentum in scoring 67, despite sustaining a foot injury. The second wicket partnership between Wilshaw and Cairns, two of Staffordshire's youngsters,

The duo added 141 before Wilshaw fell to a return catch to Mark Thomas.

Harvey finished off the job, blazing his way to an unbeaten 49 from just 22 balls.

In reply, Norfolk lost Peter Free first ball to Greg Willott, who reduced the home side to 35 for three.

Former England fast bowler Richard Johnson starred for Berkshire © Getty Images

Norfolk briefly threatened to make a game of it, when Stephen Gray and Christopher Borrett put on 84 for the fifth wicket, but when Borrett was caught by Wilshaw off Craig Barker for 47, the innings died.

Gray made 51 before falling to Gareth Morris, retaining his place in favour of Burslem's Michael Brown.

Morris and former Warwickshire medium-pacer Mo Sheikh restricted the home side to 189, and established a substantial positive on Staffs’ net run rate which may come into play in the final say.

A delighted Staffs captain Richard Harvey said: “It was a really impressive performance and a massive result for us.

“The batting was excellent and then the bowlers did the job. We got off to a good start and that allowed us to fill our boots.

“It was a really good total and then Willow (Greg Willott) knocked over their first three batsmen and everybody bowled really well.”

Staffordshire continue their qualification bid with a home fixture this Sunday against Hertfordshire at Leek, before making the trip to play cup holders Suffolk in their final group game.

Elsewhere in Group Three of the Trophy, a Berkshire side including former England bowler Richard Johnson beat Devon by 82 runs at Newbury.

Ex-Hampshire batsman Jono McLean hit 147 as Berkshire racked up 308 for four from their 50 overs.

Devon reached respectability at 226, but Johnson was the main destroyer with 4-24.

Cornwall won a tight encounter with Herefordshire at Colwall, Christopher Hunkin’s 100 seeing the Cornish to a strong 253 for six.

In Group Four, Cambridgeshire beat Dorset by three wickets at March, Andrew Clarke’s brilliant 143 guiding the East Anglians home.

Lincolnshire beat Buckinghamshire by 48 runs.

In Group One, Oxfordshire beat Cheshire by six wickets.