Academy’s Window of opportunity taken

JOHN Windows is delighted the Durham Academy is back playing competitive cricket this summer despite the coronavirus pandemic halting the game for most of the season.

The Academy returned to NEPL action in July to compete in the revamped Banks Salver.

The boys sit in second place in the West Group, having won four games, lost one and then on Sunday suffering a washout aganst Washington.

Academy director Windows (pictured right) said: “It is just an absolute relief we are back playing after everything was stopped just as everyone was looking forward to the new season starting.

“The league contacted us to ask if we would like to make up the spare space in one of the groups and it was an absolute no-brainer for us to take part in the Salver competition.

“As there are no county competitions it has been perfect to join up together as a side and try and wrestle performances and create some initivates in matches.

“It is great for the lads so it has been a pleasure to be part of it and a huge thanks to the league for asking us to be a part of it.

“I have been really pleased with the performances and efforts shown from the lads since returning and there have been some outstanding results produced on the field.”

Jack Jessop’s unbeaten 64 from 97 balls steered Ashington to a sevenwicket vcitory over Felling in the Banks Salver’s North Group.

Earlier, Jake Louth had struck 62 from 68 balls to guide the Tynesiders to 160 affer they had at one stage been struggling at 58-6 thanks to Durham’s Cameron Steel (4-37) and Matthew Collins (3-17).

Benwell Hill posted 240-7 against Gateshead Fell, the visitors falling 76 runs short despite a run-a-ball 40 from Lee Whitfield.

Opening bowlers Kyle Coetzer (2-16) and Rory Hanley (2-22) did most of the damage.

Tynemouth chose to bat first against South Northumberland but only made 148-8 from their 40 overs thanks to disciplined bowling from the home side, including Lee Crozier (3-27). George Harding made an unbeaten 52.

Harding went on to take four wickets as South North collapsed from 59-1 to 72-6 but Sean Tindale (39) and Jonny Wightman (19 not out) led them to a one-wicket win.

In the East Group, Sunderland beat a struggling Whitburn side by seven wickets.

The South Tynesiders were bowled out for 92 after being asked to bat first, Micky Allan taking 6-6 and then scoring 42 in Sunderland’s successful run chase.

Burnmoor batted first against Hetton Lyons, having won the toss, and were bowled out for 198, with Ben Whitehead taking 4-58.

The visitors were bowled out for 106 in reply, Craig Stephenson doing the damage with 5-15.

Eppleton made an impressive 282-6 against Boldon thanks to a quick-fire 107 from 57 balls from Robert Talbot. Boldon could only manage 172-6 in reply.

Chester-le-Street made the highest score of the competition so far – 350-5 against Crook in the West Group – thanks to an Andrew Smith century (124 from 68 balls).

The Cestrians then bowled Crook out for just 65 to complete a resounding 285-run victory.