By ADAM LUNAT
Northern Superchargers suffered a heavy loss in The Hundred Men’s competition at Headingley on Friday to Trent Rockets by 47 runs as Andrew Flintoff sees his first game as head coach ended in defeat. Trent Rockets 185 for 5 (Banton 66, Hain 49) beat Northern Superchargers 138 for 8 (Dwarshuis 40*, Green 3-14) by 47 runs.
Brilliant boundary-hitting Banton led the way for the Rockets after being made to bat first as he struck 66 from 38 balls, which included nine fours and one six. Australian Chris Green who is only contracted to play one match for the Rockets put in a man of the match performance. Green finished in style, striking 25 (not out) off seven balls to boost the lead further for Trent Rockets. A fantastic show in his one game feature carried on in the evening as he took three wickets from twenty balls. Openers Banton and Lyth put on 44 before Adam Lyth had given Ben Dwarshuis his first wicket of the evening. The Rockets then lost Alex Hales for six as he was caught out by Adam Hose off Matthew Potts. Banton and Sam Hain spurred on as the pair put on 65 for the third wicket. A terrific yorker ended Banton’s run by Potts, which then followed Sam Hain, who missed out on his half-century. Australian Ben Dwarshuis earned himself a 2-28 from 20 balls.
Superchargers were chasing 186 for victory, and in reply, the home side began well, with Graham Clark and Ollie Robinson reaching 41-0 before Clark was bowled by Imad Wasim.
Green continued his exemplary performance as he ended skipper Matthew Short’s evening with an impressive dive.
The Australian all-rounder swept away Robinson, Hose, and Pooran. Green helped his team win, and the Superchargers were left with no hope. The Supercharger’s brightest performer on the night, Ben Dwarshuis, hit 40 from 20 balls to end his fine performance. Ultimately, this spirited ending was not enough on the night. – N Andrew Flintoff and his Northern Superchargers side have some work to do before they face Southern Brave on Tuesday once again expected at a packed out Headingley. 2022 winners Trent Rockets will look to continue their blistering start to The Hundred as they travel to Old Trafford against Manchester Originals, who will be seeking their first win of the competition.
