Hugo Croft top scores with 29 as Durham Men’s Academy got their NEPL T20 campaign underway with defeat against Felling in their opening group fixture.
After winning the toss, Jim Twiddy chose to bat first at High Heworth Lane. Durham Academy got off to a solid start with George Fishwick scoring 26 as the Ds ended the powerplay 40 for two.
After a partnership of 21 with Hugo Croft, Rory Mustard was out on the cusp of the 10 over mark, leaving the visitors on 60 for three at the halfway stage.
Croft made his way to 29 as regular wickets began to fall at the other end, he was the sixth batter to depart with Durham on 107 before Felling picked up a cluster of wickets.
The visitors scored 120 before being bowled out with three balls to go. Palzer Tamang took figures of four for nine in four overs for Felling and Paul Leonard claimed two wickets as Alasdair Appleby, Mohammed Hamid and Ishaq Khan shared three wickets.
In response, the hosts put on 100 for the opening wicket against Durham Academy before Noah Worthy claimed the only wicket of the innings, trapping Alasdair Appleby in front on 56.
Muhaymen Majeed and Ben Robinson wrapped up a nine-wicket victory for Felling.