Monday, July 20th, 2015

Rhodes Sights On Home Quarter-Final Despite Magnificent Away Form

Rhodes Sights On Home Quarter-Final Despite Magnificent Away Form

Whatever happens in the remainder of the tournament, Worcestershire Rapids can be proud of an incredible run of away results which has helped them to reach the quarter-finals of the NatWest T20 Blast.

The Rapids best sequence of results away from New Road before this season was three successive victories.

But in 2015, since losing to Birmingham Bears at Edgbaston in their opening game, the Rapids have won SIX games on the bounce on their travels.

They have been impressive scalps – the 2013 winners Northamptonshire Steelbacks, a quartet of counties playing on Test grounds in Durham Jets, Lancashire Lightning, Notts Outlaws and Yorkshire Vikings before Friday's triumph over Derbyshire Falcons.

But Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes is nevertheless determined to try and secure a home quarter-final – for the sake of supporters and the financial boost it would give to the club.

Rhodes said: "Our away form has been tremendous. We were talking about it and who wants a home quarter-final when you are playing as well as this away from home!

"But no, we are desperate to play at home in a quarter-final so hopefully we will carry on winning.

"Our fans and supporters deserve that and it would be a good money-spinner for the club if we can sell out a quarter-final.

"Hopefully we can make it for the supporters."

Worcestershire will be guaranteed a home quarter-final for the first time IF the Steelbacks lose against the Bears at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

But the Rapids destiny is in their own hands and a win over Lancashire Lightning at New Road on Friday will secure a top two spot irrespective of results elsewhere.