Nottinghamshire recover to beat Unicorns

Nottinghamshire avoided an embarrassing defeat by part-timers Unicorns in the Clydesdale Bank 40 with a six-wicket victory under the Duckworth/Lewis method.

In a rain-affected match, Notts - who have never lost to a side other than the 17 first-class counties in any official competition in their history - seemed to be cruising after restricting the Unicorns to 157 for 6, Paul Franks taking three for 26. But Unicorns seamer Glen Querl bowled Riki Wessels and Alex Hales after Ali Brown was caught in the third over off Neil Saker as the hosts found themselves 17 for 3.

Adam Voges and Samit Patel advanced the score to 89 and although Patel was then lbw for 37, Notts got home with 16 balls to spare after a heavy shower reduced their target to 122 from 29 overs, Voges finishing unbeaten on 54.

While the Unicorns had won three of their CB40 matches last year, this season's campaign has proved tougher going, with the team of former professionals and MCCU players having collected only one point from their opening seven matches.

In overcast conditions and on a green Trent Bridge wicket, there was plenty on offer to the seamers throughout, with Notts' experienced trio of Franks, Ben Phillips and Darren Pattinson all striking early as the visitors fell to 58 for four.

Former Leeds-Bradford UCCE batsman James Campbell batted well to make his highest list A score of 49 before he was brilliantly stumped by Chris Read off Steven Mullaney.

Craig Park hit 38 before he was yorked by Franks, who had earlier had Josh Knappett and Keith Parsons caught behind, while Luis Reece and Saker put on 36 in the last eight overs. Needing four runs an over, Notts' top order collapsed with Ali Brown slicing to third man before Querl's pace surprised Wessels and Hales to demolish their off stumps.

While Saker and Querl were able to find a challenging line and length with the new ball, the back-up bowling could not maintain the pressure, with 13 coming off Reece's first over. Patel was lbw to Amar Rashid in the 22nd over before rain forced the players from the field for 40 minutes.

Notts returned needing a further 32 from six overs and Voges and Read did not hang about, with Querl being despatched over long-on for six by Voges while Read hit consecutive fours to mid-wicket. There was just time for Voges to reach 50 before his chip over cover sealed the win, lifting Notts to third in Group C, three points behind joint leaders Somerset and Essex, who both have games in hand.