Nottinghamshire Second XI have reached the semi-final stages of the Second Eleven Trophy after finishing second in their group.

Despite losing their last match against Yorkshire, the side won six and lost just three of their games to finish with a point’s tally of 12.

By finishing behind Lancashire their semi-final opponents will be the winners of the Southern Division, Middlesex.

Second XI coach Paul Johnson is pleased with his side’s efforts but predicts a tough game if his side are to reach the final. 

“At the start of the season we thought that we could influence who got through and if we played well have a chance ourselves,” Johnson said.

“We went on a roll at the start of the year and have been consistent throughout the season which has got us into this position.

“As for Middlesex, you can’t have played poorly and won your group so I am sure they will provide a stern test.

“For me it will be a case of looking at the players they have been using and working out whether we have played against them before.

“You can never be certain who will be playing as you could have players coming back from injury or batsmen or bowlers out of form who have been dropped.

“The last game is a great example with Phil Jaques back from injury to score a hundred against us which provided good experience for our young players.”

That loss against Yorkshire was just the third in the format and Johnson was keen to emphasise the team effort throughout the season.

“If you look at our results there are not many games where we have taken apart our opponent instead there have been a number of games where we have won but should of lost,” Johnson said.

“The players have put in some fantastic performances and worked as a great unit in defending some below par scores.

“We have had Graeme White and Jake Ball around for parts of the season and they, along with other senior players, have performed well beside the younger guys.”

Middlesex get home draw in the game meaning it will take place at Radlett CC on Tuesday 27th August beginning at 12. 

With just four teams left in the draw, Johnson is confident in his side’s ability to beat any side they may come up against.

“First of all we have Middlesex in our way which should prove to be an exciting game next week.

“The other teams include two which we know we can beat. We have already beaten Lancashire this year and Unicorns A have just moved out of our group so we know how to beat them.

“We also have had the experience this year of playing at Radlett CC against MCC Young Cricketers so that should put us in a good position.”