Beds have plenty of options
County ready to take on Staffs in MCCA Trophy semi
Versatility is the key for Bedfordshire as they prepare to face Staffordshire in the semi-finals of the MCCA Trophy on Sunday.
The county travel to Knypersley with the tantalising prospect of a trip to Durham's Chester-le-Street ground to face either Norfolk or Oxfordshire if they can beat Staffs.
After a lean run in the competition over the past few seasons, Beds have tipped the form book on its head and seamer Chris Goode thinks that the make-up of the side is one of the reasons why.
He said: "Everyone's got a defined role. We've got plenty of options and a good balance.
"There are three or four batters who can open, we've got extra bowlers if we need them and that makes a difference."
With virtually the same set of players as in previous years, the change in fortunes has been all the more remarkable, a turnaround that Goode attributes to a sense of belief among the players.
He continued: "We believe we can do it and we are doing it.
"It's difficult to put a finger on what is different from other years because it's basically the same players. Winning can easily become a habit and that's what has happened this year, it's not as if the other sides are weaker."
The county's opponents, Staffs, will go into the tie with an unbeaten record having won all four of their group games before seeing off Devon in the last eight.
But Goode says that Beds, who have won four of their five outings, will approach the game in a positive frame of mind.
He added: "We don't fear anybody. There are some good teams out there and Staffs are one of them, but if we play how we know we can play, then we'll win the game."
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Weather for Bedford
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 2 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
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