The Nottinghamshire Outlaws are calling for Notts fans to cheer them on this weekend...
Local sporting stalwart Chris Read, who has spent 18 years behind the stumps for our cricketing neighbours the Notts Outlaws, is calling on the support of the people of Nottingham for their must win match against the Derbyshire Falcons on Friday.
The NatWest T20 Blast local derby, which starts at Trent Bridge 6.30pm, is the Outlaws’ final home fixture of a 2015 tournament that has attracted record crowds to Trent Bridge.
And, with Notts desperate for the two points to keep themselves in the hunt for the quarter-final - not to mention revenge to extract following a recent 34-run defeat in Derby - Read is gearing up for an electric atmosphere and a special sporting occasion.
“The crowds have been absolutely phenomenal so far this season and playing in-front of another crowd of over 10,000 against Worcestershire was remarkable,” he said.
“When you are out in the middle and you have that many people in the stands it really does feel like you are playing in front of a packed house.
“So to turn up again on Friday, against our local rivals Derbyshire, in front of another bumper crowd will be special, especially if we can get the win.”
At the 3aaa County Ground a fortnight ago, the Outlaws fell short in their pursuit of 202 despite a 33-ball 66 from Riki Wessels.
Since then Derbyshire have lost two T20 games, but Read believes the visitors will still travel to Trent Bridge high on confidence after the recent result on home soil.
“Derbyshire will come here on the back of beating us on their home patch looking to take home and victory and move up the table,” he said.
“Both ourselves and Derbyshire are at the wrong end of the table, but it is a tight group and still all to play for from our point of view.
“I think we near enough need to win every game from now on, which is going to be a tall order but we have to be up for the challenge.
“You could argue that we could be afforded one slip-up if results go our way, but we want to keep qualification in our hands and do all we can to get there.”
Take advantage of discounted advance tickets online until midnight on Thursday at trentbridge.co.uk/twenty20