Chris Read has praised the fighting spirit from the Notts Outlaws as they ran out 31-run victors in a low-scoring game against local rivals Leicestershire Foxes.

Winning the toss and batting first, Samit Patel made 44 but the home side would have hoped to post more than 121-9.

However, Read was pleased with the total at the interval and expected the Outlaws bowlers to come out and win the game.

“A lot of our batsmen are in form and if 120 was the score we put on the board then I believe that is was a good score to defend,” Read said.

“At the moment our bowlers are delivering in most matches and in this instance we were able to defend the total quite comfortably.

“It’s very pleasing to pick up a win in a low scoring game as ultimately T20’s aren’t always about sticking 200 on the board.”

“The support we have here is fantastic and it doesn’t get much better than having 10,000 in on a Sunday afternoon," - Chris Read

Patel’s 44 was the highlight of a game that was dominated by the bowlers, and Read believes the Outlaws’ ability to bat deep was a key factor.

“It is important to have players across the team who can contribute with the bat,” Read said.

“Lower order players should be coming in and scoring at a high rate at the back end of an innings and the bowlers shouldn’t even have to get their pads on.

“Sometimes people are called on to do a slightly different role and Samit’s innings today was the difference between the two sides.”

The victory for the Outlaws all but secured quarter final qualification but Read is hoping more positive results will see them back in front of a packed Trent Bridge.

“Our next two games will be tough against Northants who are reigning champions and Yorkshire at Headingley on Friday,” Read said.

“However, we are confident of picking up positive results as the whole side is playing some good cricket at the moment.

“The support we have here is fantastic and it doesn’t get much better than having 10,000 in on a Sunday afternoon.

“That’s why we will be doing everything we can to ensure we are back here for a quarter-final.”

The Royal London One-Day Cup is now just around the corner, and tickets for Notts Outlaws v Surrey on Sunday 10 August are just £1 when bought in advance. Click here to secure your seats.