Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Moores says Notts Outlaws are aiming to continue the upbeat mood around the club with further strong Vitality Blast showings against Derbyshire Falcons and Worcestershire Rapids.

“This year has been such an amazing year for the club so far, said Moores. “There’s so much momentum and belief around the club, we’re just trying to bottle that all up and take it into every game.

“It’s been a good start to the Blast. Obviously, we’d like to be two from two, but that Lancashire game was the first one we’ve lost all season, and we’re into the heart of it now, so I think that says everything.

“We’re super excited for this double-header now, and it’s a massive game on Friday against Derbyshire, which is always a feisty game between local rivals!”

Moores has retained his place in an unchanged 15-strong squad that will face the neighbouring Falcons before welcoming the Rapids to Trent Bridge 24 hours later.
 

“To create history in the opening game against the Bears was a great momentum starter for the boys,” continued Moores.

“That was an unbelievable chase, and we can take so much confidence from that game.

“Any time you get yourself in the record books, it’s a very special day, so to start by playing like that was hugely important.”

Having signed a white-ball only deal that came into effect this season, the record-breaking opener at Trent Bridge was Moores’ first appearance of the 2025 campaign.

Honing in on one format has come with its challenges for the wicketkeeper-batter, but it is an alteration he reflects positively on so far.

“It's been really good personally for me,” said Moores. “It’s been an exciting build-up.

“It’s been a little bit of a change, but it’s allowed me to hone in on my skills, and focus on my areas that I wanted to improve on and get my strengths up.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss watching the boys do what they’ve done with the red ball, but ultimately, I’ve been at this club for such a long time now, it’s amazing to see this club do what it’s doing, and it’s great to now play a part in that with the white ball.

“For me personally, I’ve missed the winning feeling of a red ball game, but I’m super excited to build into the middle of the Blast and hopefully go for silverware in that format too.”

Moores is keen to stress that, despite the magnitude of the game against the Falcons tomorrow night, the squad are not paying the outside noise much heed.

While he underlines that extra excitement is naturally being felt, there is no change in how the Outlaws are approaching the fixture from a preparation point of view.

“We have a bit of a rule, where we focus 80% on ourselves and only 20% on the opposition,” explained Moores.

“We try and look after what we can on our side, and pay minimal attention to the opposition. If we can look after our skills and what we want to do, ultimately that will serve us in great stead against anyone.

“I think, though, that there’s an added bit of bite when it comes to Derby, just because of the history.

“It’s always a great fixture, and for the lads who haven’t played in it, it’s what professional sport’s about; two local rivals going at each other and fans who desperately want both sides to win.

“I think the preparation is more exciting than anything. Rather than changing anything specifically, we’re just excited to get out there.

“There’s a little bit more nerves and excitement flying around, but it is a great game to be involved in.”

The trip to the Central Co-Op County Ground comes after a near-week-long break from action for the Outlaws, something of a rarity at the height of the season.

Moores believes the break was well-deserved for the squad and coincided with an ideal point for rest, reset, and recuperation.

“I think it’s aome at a good time for us this time around, because of the amount of cricket that the boys have been playing, it takes a lot of effort,” he said.

“To keep up the standards that we have, where we’ve only lost one game all season and are top of Division One of the County Championship, that takes a lot.

“I think the lads are well due a bit of a break, so they welcomed it with open arms. I think for us, it came at a perfect time.

“The fact that it just so happened to come after our first loss meant it was a nice time to regroup, park it and put it to one side, and then almost regather to go again this weekend.

“I can see the argument that if you have momentum on your side, you want to keep playing, but I think the boys have enjoyed a well-earned rest.”