Cricket: Archer looks back at Staffordshire dominance
During a golden era, Staffordshire won three successive titles between 1991 and 1993 and reached the one-day final in the same years.
They beat and then lost to Devon in 1991 and 1992, before hitting the highest-ever score in a Lord's final as they made 326-7 from their 55 overs against Wiltshire in 1993.
Under the captaincy of Nick Archer – who is now chairman of selectors – Staffordshire's openers, Steve Dean and Dave Cartledge put on 149 for the first wicket.
Dean was dismissed for 99, while Cartledge made 55 to provide Staffordshire with the platform to make their record-breaking total.
Three wickets each from Paul Newman – who has also served Norfolk – and Simon Myles then restricted Wiltshire to 257-7.
To reach the 1993 final, Staffs defeated Herefordshire, Shropshire and Hertfordshire... and provided Archer with more Lord's memories to treasure.
"In the 1993 final, not only did we post the highest ever score at Lord's in the competition and win the cup, it was remarkable for the way Steve Dean scored 99 before lunch only to get out in a really bizarre way," said Archer.
"His shot hit opening partner Dave Cartledge, who was batting at the other end, and rebounded to a fielder to take the catch.
"I also remember there was a superstition about the previous winners always having the away dressing room, and we were desperate to get the away dressing room.
"We did in 1991 and 1993, but were drawn in the home dressing room the year we lost.
"Another thing I remember is that I played at Lord's the day after the 1991 success for Walsall in the National Club Championship.
"We lost to Teddington, but we went back in 1996 when I was captain of Walsall and we beat Chorley, and had the home dressing room to beat the superstition. That win is also high in my list of achievements.
"It amazing what it has brought back after all this time. Hopefully we can add to the good memories after the trip to Durham."
Comment on this story