Durham Second XI got their T20 campaign underway against Lancashire at Hartlepool, sharing the spoils in a T20 double header in the ECB 2XI North Group.
Wilf La Fontaine-Jackson’s 74 backed by wickets from Paul Coughlin, Nathan Sowter and Mitchell Killeen saw Durham Seconds to victory in the opener before Lancashire hit back despite half-centuries from Will Rhodes and Haydon Mustard.
Game 1: Durham Second XI 161/4 beat Lancashire Second XI 128AO
The hosts were put into bat first and posted 161 for four with Wilf La Fontaine-Jackson leading the charge, top scoring with 74 from 55 balls- which included nine fours and a maximum.
Charlie Barnard struck early, removing Luke Symington in the opening over. Will Rhodes made 33 as he shared 67 with La Fontaine-Jackson before Barnard took two wickets in as many deliveries.
Paul Coughlin then supported La Fontaine-Jackson with an unbeaten 40 from 30 as the pair took Alan Walker’s side to 161 before the latter was run out on the final ball. Barnard ended with standout figures of 3/11 from four overs for the visitors.
The Red Rose began their chase of 162 positively with a 57-run stand before Coughlin struck on the final ball of the powerplay.
Durham continued to pick up regular wickets with Nathan Sowter taking three and Mitchell Killeen claiming a pair of scalps. Coughlin finished with figures of 4/31 as the Ds dismissed Lancashire for 128, winning by 33 runs.
Game 2: Lancashire Second XI 180/2 beat Durham Second XI 177/4
Rhodes chose to bat first after winning the toss in the second encounter. Jack Blatherwick took a pair of wickets in the powerplay to leave Durham 33 for two.
Rhodes hit nine boundaries on his way to 63 from 36 balls as he and Haydon Mustard put on 100 for the third wicket stand.
Mustard remained at the crease until the final over, making 55 from 42 as he helped Durham to 177 for four along with Killeen- who made 21 not out.
Lancashire started their chase with an opening partnership of 78 as Dineth Fonseka scored 51 before a second wicket stand took them to 112 for two after 14 overs.
Killeen and Sowter were Durham’s wicket takers and both took a catch off each other’s bowling.
Michael Jones struck and unbeaten 61 from 31 balls as he took the visitors to victory by eight wickets as he put on 68 with Harry Singh.