Big-hitting Nils Priestley helps Staffs claim two key wins
Opener Nils Priestley scored explosive half centuries in both matches to help Staffordshire seal a T20 double over Cheshire.
The pair of wins at Nantwich on Sunday strengthened Staffs’ chances of qualifying from Group One of the NCAA T20 Cup.
Chasing in both matches, Priestley’s big hitting gave them important early impetus as he plundered 63 from 22 balls in the opening game of the day, before hitting another 18-ball half century later in the afternoon.
It was far from a one-man show, Rory Hayden having taken 4-28 with the ball as hosts Cheshire made 196-7 batting first in the opener.
Priestley’s knock took a big chunk out of what looked an imposing target inside the powerplay but when he became the first man to depart, with the score on 82, wickets began to tumble regularly.
Matthew Morris’ unbeaten 52, from 39 balls, proved vital as he steered the visiting team home with three balls to spare.
The second win of the day was far more emphatic. Again Cheshire were put into bat but this time an impressive team bowling performance restricted them to just 128-9.
Priestley’s quickfire 50 ensured the chase would be relatively straightforward as Staffs reached the target with more than eight overs to spare.
