GLAM ROCKS
Carlson and Salter lead Welsh county to one-day glory
KIRAN CARLSON and Andrew Salter starred as Glamorgan ended their 17-year wait for silverware by lifting the Royal London Cup.
Carlson’s 82 from 59 balls helped the Welsh county post 296-9 and man of the match Salter (3-42) took big wickets as Glamorgan claimed their first trophy since 2004 by 58 runs.
Sean Dickson (84 not out) and Cameron Bancroft (55) kept Durham’s chase alive but Glamorgan’s bowlers held their nerve to come out on top at Trent Bridge.
Glamorgan skipper Carlson said: “I’m so chuffed. We have put in performances throughout and to win the tournament is unbelievable.
“We all contributed and to get over the line is so special for our group.”
Asked to bat first, Glamorgan lost in-form New Zealand opener Hamish Rutherford for just 15 during a cautious start.
Steven Reingold was caught brilliantly behind but that meant Carlson joined Nick Selman at the crease and the pair shared a brilliant 106-run stand.
Carlson was batting beautifully but Durham seamer Matty Potts changed the game’s direction when he dismissed Selman and Billy Root in consecutive deliveries.
When Carlson followed – also to Potts – Glamorgan had to rebuild.
Salter added late impetus but the county’s total felt at least 20 runs short of par. It didn’t prove to be the case.
Salter bowled Alex Lees then picked up the key wicket of the competition’s top run-scorer this season, Graham Clark, caught in the deep for 40.
When Scott Borthwick spooned former team-mate James Weighell in the air, Glamorgan sensed blood. Australian Bancroft was circumspect, knowing his team were relying on him to keep their hopes alive, but his run-a-ball half-century came to an end when substitute fielder Andy Gorvin took a crucial catch.
Durham needed 101 from the final 10 overs, with Dickson their main hope, but he ran out of partners and Glamorgan’s players went wild when veteran paceman Michael Hogan took the final wicket.
Hogan, 40, said: “I’ve worked hard for 17 years for a moment like this. It’s an awesome feeling.”
Durham skipper Borthwick said: “It wasn’t to be for us – but we are really proud of what we have achieved.
“It feels like Durham are back on track now.”