Durham Boys’ Academy got their season up and running with three friendlies over the weekend (11-12 April), taking on Chester-le-Street in a 50-over friendly at Ropery Lane before facing Blackheath and South Northumberland in a pair of T20s at Roseworth Terrace.
Will Gidman’s side were put into bat first at Ropery Lane making a solid start with 51 for the opening partnership before the hosts fought back with the ball. Lucas Nixon top scored with 35 whilst Will Alexander added 33 as the young Ds were bowled out for 168.
In defence of 168 Durham got off to a strong start with three early poles, Max Percival claiming two scalps as the hosts found themselves 28/3.
James Thompson and Cole Pearce put on 77 for the fourth wicket before a 64-run fifth wicket stand saw them home with six wickets to spare.
Taking on Blackheath in the first of two T20s at Roseworth Terrace, Gidman’s side recorded victory by five wickets.
After inserting Blackheath, Sam Hood claimed figures of 3-24 and was backed up by a wicket apiece for Teddy Minto and Harry Walker as the bating side were restricted to 164/5.
Aditya Paul (38), Jack Temple (37) and Jim Twiddy (35) all contributed with the bat whilst Xavier Lockey got Durham over the line with an unbeaten 25 as Durham made light of their chase securing the win with 2.5 overs remaining.
Electing to bat against South Northumberland, the hosts picked up three early wickets in the powerplay reducing the young Ds to 31/3.
George Stewart’s 39 helped steady the ship with Thomas Briggs adding 20 in a 57-run stand before wickets fell in quick succession as Durham posted 114/8.
Jim Twiddy’s run out of Sam Ewart left the hosts 20/1 in their chase, whilst Harry Walker and Teddy Minto added one scalp apiece but South Northumberland eased to their target of 115.