Salt inspires Originals Men to victory at Trent

MANCHESTER Originals edged out Hundred holders Trent Rockets by 10 runs to disappoint a record crowd at Trent Bridge, defending 181 for six after Phil Salt had smashed a stunning 86 off 32 balls.

A strong fightback from the home side’s bowlers gave their side a chance, restricting the Originals to just 69 from their last 56 balls after Salt’s 12 fours and five maximums had seen them reach 112 for one from 44 and on for a massive score.

Rockets’ Daniel Sams (two for 28) and Lewis Gregory (two for 30) were outstanding given that it was a flat pitch, with Luke Wood recovering from a 14-run mauling off his first set of five to finish with one for 31 from 20.

Yet Josh Tongue, who finished with three for 32, and Paul Walter (two for 24) were superb for the Originals, Walters defending 14 off the last set to leave most of the 15,500 spectators disappointed that Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s 64 off 42, Colin Munro’s 36 off 22 and Joe Root’s 35 off 23 were not enough to get the job done.

The result sees the Originals move level on points with second-placed Southern Brave and leaves the Rockets in fifth.

Rockets opted to bowl first but may have been having regrets as Salt hammered 30 runs in the first 10 balls on the way to a half-century in just 20 balls as the Originals, who recorded 58 for one in the powerplay, set off at a ferocious pace.