Montgomery provides a Matt finish as Outlaws get back on track with win over leaders

TOM Moores smashed 53 off just 27 balls to help set up a 24-run Vitality Blast victory over Northamptonshire Steelbacks at Wantage Road.

- 

Moores struck five fours and three sixes to regain the initiative for the Outlaws after they made just 33 for two in the powerplay. He shared a 43-run partnership with Jack Haynes (32) in five overs. However, the visi-tors were still well behind the pace on 111 for five after 16 overs before Moores blazed 20 off one over from Luke Procter (2-26) and, with three lower middle order batters each smashing a six, Nottinghamshire closed on a competitive 164 for eight.

Ricardo Vasconcelos (18) and Jus-tin Broad (16) started briskly in the chase, but the hosts lost early wickets and failed to push on, struggling on 50 for four after 10 overs. Outlaws off-spinners Matt Montgomery (3-22) and Farhan Ahmed (2-23) were key in putting the squeeze on the hosts.