FRIENDS PROVIDENT TROPHY, GROUP A, Clontarf
Nottinghamshire 141-8 beat Ireland 140-8 by two wickets (Notts 2pts)

Samit Patel claimed his career-best one-day figures of 6-13

Nottinghamshire just about kept their nerve in Dublin as they held on for a two-wicket FP Trophy win over Ireland.

In a rain-reduced 34-over game, the Irish were limited to 140-8, of which new Notts signing Kevin O'Brien was one of four batsmen to pass 20.

England discard Samil Patel took 6-13, the slow left-armer's best bowling figures in any form of cricket.

But the visitors then struggled too, inching their way to a tense victory on 141-8 with just a ball to spare.

The victory shoves Notts back up to second behind Group A leaders Worcestershire.

But, with Hampshire and Worcestershire both still to face the winless Irish, Notts may still need to win both their last two games to qualify for the quarter finals.

After their trip to face Leicestershire at Grace Road on Tuesday, they then host Hampshire in what looks likely to be the group decider at Trent Bridge the following day.

After early rain at Clontarf, it soon looked as though the hosts would struggle to see out even 34 overs after they were put in.

A swift opening 50-run stand between Reinhardt Strydom (27) and Jeremy Bray (22) was brought to an end when both were stumped by Chris Read off the left-arm spin of Patel.

Samit Patel made his debut for Notts' Second XI when still a schoolboy, aged 14 years and 274 days Patel had previously only taken four wickets in an innings, against Durham University in 2007 Patel played five one-day games for England in India in November, prior to his controversial exclusion on fitness grounds

The same combination accounted for Paul Stirling (10) when he was caught behind. And Ireland were teetering on 68-5 when Andrew Poynter was trapped lbw by Patel's next ball and Darren Pattinson had John Mooney lbw.

O'Brien (22) and Andrew White (24) added a much-needed 47 runs for the sixth wicket before both also fell to a rampant Patel.

With just a moderate target to chase down, the visitors got off to a poor start when Mark Wagh was trapped in front.

Ali Brown (32) and Alex Hales (15) steadied things but Patel then toiled for 23 balls for his 6 and Adam Voges was then run out for a duck.

And, when Brown was caught off Regan West, Notts were struggling on 77-5.

They had moved on to 119 by the time Chris Read (12) became the sixth man out. And, despite a watchful 31 from Will Jefferson, Notts still needed a highly pressurised 14 from the final two overs.

Released England paceman Ryan Sidebottom was run out for 2, but Paul Franks and Luke Fletcher held their nerve to seal victory off the penultimate ball.

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