Luke Fletcher says clashes against the Derbyshire Falcons are always going to have an extra edge as the Notts Outlaws prepare to renew the rivalry with their closest foes in the NatWest T20 Blast.

In recent times the Outlaws have held the upper hand against the Falcons, winning 15 out of the two sides' last 18 encounters in the shortest format.

And Fletcher, who has spent time on loan at the 3aaa County Ground during 2016, says the whole squad are raring to go.

“It isn’t just another game,” said Fletcher.

“A lot of people want to put in performances against their rivals and I know Samit will be raring to go, he sees this as one of the biggest games of the year for him.

“It was disappointing not to get the game at Trent Bridge on against them due to the bad weather so everyone is raring to go for the return leg.

“I have always said I am grateful for the time I had there and the opportunity they gave me but I am back here at Trent Bridge, at my home club and wanting to put performances in.”

The Outlaws have enjoyed a fine run of form in the two white ball competitions of late and Fletcher is out to continue the run with victory in the Falcons tie, in a game which pits fourth against fifth in the North Group.

“We seem to be going quite well so the mood in the camp for the T20s is top drawer,” he said.

“Having people like Andre Russell and Captain Dan Christian in the squad can only add to that so things are going well.

“Russell whacks sixes, bowls 90mph and is the best fielder in the world so he is pretty handy to have.

“I know this is his last game, and I am sure he will be buzzing when we get to the ground on Friday, so hopefully in the coming years he can come back.

“It's not just them though, having someone like Sam Wood batting at eight and smashing sixes shows the strength in depth we have in these competitions.

“Whoever wins gains another advantage and moves up the ladder so obviously this is a crunch game for both us and Derbyshire as we will be both gunning for the two points. “

 

Notts Outlaws squad to face the Derbyshire Falcons (from): Dan Christian (c), Jake Ball, Luke Fletcher, Harry Gurney, Brett Hutton, Michael Lumb, Steven Mullaney, Samit Patel, Andre Russell, Greg Smith, Brendan Taylor, Riki Wessels and Sam Wood.

 

Notts Outlaws NatWest T20 Blast Fixtures & Ticket Information

Vs. Durham Jets – Friday 1 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS

Vs. Worcestershire Rapids – Saturday 9 July 2.30pm BUY TICKETS

Vs. Yorkshire Vikings – Friday 15 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS

Vs. Leicestershire Foxes – Friday 29 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS

Need more information? Call our ticket office on 0844 8118711.