Paul Coughlin continued his injury comeback with a half-century as Nottinghamshire's Seconds secured vital red-ball time in the middle against Durham at Lady Bay. 

Coughlin (64) added 90 for the third wicket with Liam Patterson-White (56) as the hosts prepared for the return of four-day cricket on Sunday against Yorkshire.

Having drawn a line beneath proceedings after day one of the clash, which saw Ben Slater reach an unbeaten 74, a second match was started between the two sides at the beginning of the day. 

Notts decided to spend some time with the bat throughout the majority of the day in preparation for the visit to Scarborough on Sunday in the Specsavers County Championship. 

Captain Steven Mullaney, working his way back from a knee injury, was the first to fall on 15 as Gareth Harte claimed his second wicket of the friendly. 

Patterson-White and Coughlin would then build the biggest stand of the day, after Jake Libby retired on 38.

Notts continued to put runs on the board as Fletcher (47*) and Ben Slater (20) added quickfire cameos to set up a declaration on 247-5 from 60 overs. 

Jake Ball then claimed Notts’ lone wicket as he proved too quick for Angus Robson who played straight into the hands of Jack Potticary. 

Durham reached 90-1 before calling it a day, as Notts look ahead to their first competitive game of red-ball cricket since 15 July, taking on Yorkshire in Scarborough from Sunday.

*****

There are three further opportunities to catch the Outlaws in T20 action at Trent Bridge this summer, with the next home game under the lights against Derbyshire Falcons on Friday 16 August.

Secure your seats….