Preview: Rapids v Bears, Vitality Blast (2023)

Mark Robinson says there's plenty of 'excitement' as the Bears make the short journey down the M5 to face local rivals Worcestershire Rapids on Friday.

matc

2023-06-15T16:40:31.000Z

Mark Robinson says there's plenty of 'excitement' as the Bears make the short journey down the M5 to face local rivals Worcestershire Rapids on Friday.

With a sold out crowd expected at New Road, there will plenty at stake for two of the North Groups form teams. The Bears, who sit in second, have won five out of eight, whilst Worcestershire lie two spots lower with four victories from seven.

The rivalry needs no introduction, and by adding the subplots of Ed Barnard and Adam Hose facing their former team for the first time, the atmosphere should be rocking in the high 20s heat.

"You are always excited and you know what it means for the supporters," said the First Team Coach. "We lost their last last year and didn't play very well, but we responded and played excellently in the return fixture.

"They've got Hosey, who we love, but he's part of the enemy now and Barnard was there from such a young age. I'm sure it'll be strange for both of them, but incredibly exciting too."

Bears going for five in a row at Derby Day - Image 3

The clash will be the 41st edition of the T20 fixture, with the Bears edging ahead with 19 wins to the Rapids 16.

And whilst there's an all-important two points on the line, the Norman Gifford Trophy also awaits the victorious captain.

"We've had to rest some bodies and minds, but we'll hit the game hard," added Robinson. "We've had a hard-fought four days in Trent Bridge, but we'll be well prepared as we have a lot of experience within the group.

"This is what the Blast is all about and we're really looking forward to the challenge."

Squad

Alex Davies (C)Hassan AliEd BarnardChris BenjaminJacob BethellDanny BriggsHenry BrookesSam HainOlly Hannon-DalbyJake LintottGlenn MaxwellCraig MilesDan MousleyWill RhodesRob Yates

How to follow

Members and supporters can follow the match live in our Match Centre at edgbaston.com.

Supporters can get involved by sending their match day comments and thoughts on Twitter via @WarwickshireCCC and we’ll publish the best ones on our live text commentary in the Match Centre.

Supporters can also watch the Live Stream and get instant push notifications of all wickets, innings and match results via the Edgbaston app, which is free to download on iOS and Android.

Match updates will also be available across the Club’s social media accounts, simply search for @WarwickshireCCC.