Newell: We cant wait to face Derbyshire at Welbeck

Nottinghamshire 'can't wait' to return to Welbeck's John Fretwell Complex home this weekend '“ 12 months after making their senior debut at the ground.
Mick Newell.Mick Newell.
Mick Newell.

The green and golds take on local rivals Derbyshire in the 50-over Royal London Cup at the Sookholme venue on Sunday (July 24).

It follows the successful inaugural staging of a match in the same competition against Warwickshire in 2015, where the hosts ran out convincing winners.

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Director of Cricket Mick Newell says the players enjoyed the change of playing away from their Trent Bridge base and expects another exciting occasion this time.

“I think it worked really well last year so it’s great that we’re going back to Welbeck again,” said Newell. “Against Warwickshire, the weather was good, we got the crowd in and I think we all enjoyed the experience.

“It’s obviously a fantastic venue at Trent Bridge, but before last year it had been a long time since we had had the experience of playing one or two games away from our headquarters, like other teams have enjoyed down the years.

“It’s a different atmosphere at an out-ground where the players are that much closer to the supporters and interact more, which is a good thing.

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“There is a family atmosphere that brings people in where they can sit on the boundary edge and easily get a drink and bite to eat.

“I’m very much in favour of it and I think the players are as well – they can’t wait to get going now.”

In the fixture last year, almost 450 runs were scored by the two sides, despite Notts wrapping up victory in convincing fashion by nine wickets.

It underlined the true nature of the surface for batting, but Newell insists there was also “a bit in it” for the bowlers.

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He added: “The players’ main worry going somewhere different is that they get to play on a good pitch and once they get that, they relax and enjoy the surroundings – and everything was top notch at Welbeck last year.

“You need and good facilities to prepare a good pitch and clearly the committee at Welbeck gave the groundsman the support to do a brilliant job. I’m sure they will be very prepared and do what is needed again.

“It is more difficult to prepare a pitch at an out-ground than at a regular county ground but they have shown they can take it on.”

There are still a few hospitality places available for the Welbeck game at £40 per person, which includes admission, parking at £5 per car, a three-course Sunday lunch, a VIP seating area and a dedicated bar area.

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Tickets for the match are available from.nottsccc.co.uk and are priced at £10 for adults, £5 for juniors and £7 for senior citizens (over 65) and under-21s.

Ground admission in inclusive of access to the ground and seating in any stand apart from the members’ pavilion.