JETS GO BACK ON TOP WITH FOXES VICTORY
DURHAM IN 14-RUN VICTORY OVER THE LEICESTERSHIRE FOXES
Durham Jets moved back to the top of the Vitality Blast North Group courtesy of a 14-run win over the Leicestershire Foxes at Emirates Riverside.
The Jets battled their way to a total of 156 from their 20 overs on a slow wicket thanks to a half-century from captain Tom Latham along with James Weighell, who provided late impetus with three sixes.
Leicestershire struggled from the off, losing five early wickets. Colin Ackermann did his utmost to keep his side in contention with a fine innings of 74, but it proved to be in vain as the Jets closed out the win to move within touching distance of a quarter-final berth.
Durham coach Jon Lewis said: “It was a more subdued win (compared to Lancashire).
“In some ways it was a better performance. We were a bit short with the bat against Lancashire then we had to be really good after that.
“I thought we assessed the pitch really well today. I thought if we could scramble our way to 160 we would be in a good position. “The pitch today has been used a couple of times, so it was a bit tricky. “I thought 155 was a much better effort with the bat. James Weighell gave us impetus towards the end of the innings that we really needed.” Leicestershire skipper Colin Ackermann said: “Obviously it’s disappointing.
“I thought we gave them too many in the field. It has been our Achilles’ heel this season our fielding. It’s something that we have to improve on.
“They got to about a par score on a used wicket with big boundaries. We got off to a shaky start and lost too many wickets in the powerplay - that set us back.
“It was difficult from then on. With the big boundaries it was difficult to get that over of 20 plus runs.
“We’ve got to keep our heads up high. There’s still a few games to go and we’ve got to keep working.”
Durham won the toss and elected to bat, Latham and Clark ensured that their side once again made a good start.
Latham made his 50 in 45 deliveries and fell for 52.
“I thought if we could scramble our way to 160 we would be in a good position.”