Nottinghamshire’s Director of Cricket Mick Newell has expressed his relief after qualifying for a home semi-final in this summer’s YB40 competition, following Notts Outlaws’ five-wicket victory over Kent Spitfires on Monday.
“We found ourselves under a bit more pressure than we should have done, giving ourselves three chances to get through but ultimately we won nine games out of 12 and that’s a great record,” said Newell.
“There was always that element of doubt, a nagging thought in the back of your mind that we might have left it too late.
“You have to make sure you get the last two points, enough to make sure that no one can get past you.
“On the day itself it was a straightforward victory really, it was a good all round performance," added Newell.
“It’ll be two very good batting sides going up against each other." Mick Newell.
“The bowlers set it all up nicely, and the batsmen, Alex Hales and Samit Patel in particular, made sure that we didn’t mess up what was a relatively comfortable run chase.”
Patel impressed with both bat and ball, taking two wickets and hitting his way to 59 in the second innings. His performance belied the fact that he has found form hard to come by in recent weeks.
“Samit has an excellent one-day batting record, especially through this summer’s YB40,” said Newell.
“There is no reason to think that he can’t continue to perform to that high standard. He had an excellent all-round game against Kent.”
The Outlaws will face a familiar foe in Somerset on Monday 9 September, and with the memory of Kieron Pollard’s destructive t20 batting still lingering, Newell was quick to quash the notion of there being anything to fear.
“They came up here and beat us in the twenty 20 in 2011, but that year we beat them twice in the Pro 40,” he said.
“We have nothing to fear, they’re an excellent side, an aggressive batting side.
“It’ll be two very good batting sides going up against each other so there’ll be a bit of pressure on the bowlers to make sure that they do their job and make sure they’re on top of their game.
“The match being staged at Trent Bridge gives us an advantage.
“It gives us a little more control over how the game will be played, and to have thousands of fans backing us gives the players an understandable boost on the day.”
Ticket Information
Notts Outlaws v Somerset will take place on Monday 9 September, with play starting at 4.10pm.
Tickets will be on sale to members from 9.30am on Thursday 29th August, in person at the ticket office, over the telephone on 0844 811 8711, or by clicking here.
Tickets will then go on general sale online only from 4.30pm on Thursday 29th August, and in person and over the phone from 9.30am on Friday 30th August.
Ticket prices are as follows:
In advance (until 1pm Saturday 7th September):
Adults £10 / Over 65s £7 / Under 16s £2
On the day (after the above time)
Adults £15 / Over 65s £15 / Under 16s £5
Steak, Chips and Ticket
Notts Outlaws supporters can also secure early access to YB40 Semi-final tickets by taking advantage of a £25 deal that includes hospitality and a match ticket.
The Steak, Chips & Ticket package is now on general sale to all supporters.
This package can only be booked online, or via our hospitality hotline: 0844 811 8710
The pre-match meal comprises:
Char-grilled Sirloin Steak
Homemade Chips
Tomato & Rocket Salad
Peppercorn Sauce.
The dress code is casual and there is no limit on group sizes.
Yorkshire Bank 40 Hospitality Boxes
Hospitality boxes are also available for the semi-final, at a cost of £59 + VAT per head, which boasts the following:
Ground admission,
Use of suite with private balcony overlooking field of play,
Traditional afternoon tea with a selection of sandwiches and cakes served on arrival,
Hot main course dish served in your suite during the interval,
Selection of cheese and biscuits with chutney served during the 2 innings,
Match scorecard,
Host to look after your guests' drinks requirements (pay on the day),
Car parking (1:4).
This package is available to groups numbering 8 upwards, and can be booked via the Hospitality hotline: 0844 811 8710