Durham CCC Academy Director John Windows has provided an update on the progress of all the clubs youth teams are progressing at the different age groups.
The Academy season is well underway thanks to the splendid weather conditions & the side have played to a high standard of cricket led by skipper Ross Greenwell, who has also featured heavily in the Second XI this season.
A T20 Finals Day evaded them with defeat to Brandon in the quarter final but they have made the finals day of the Profound Cup at Philadelphia CC, where they take on Chester-le-Street in the semi-final.
In the NEPL Premier Division, the Academy are currently in a mid-table position of 7th with 165 points from 15 matches.
It’s a busy time for the team & they went down to Sussex last week for a series of games. After setting over 320 to win & having them 170-8, a magnificent ninth wicket partnership of over 150 dragged them back into the match and they squeezed home by one wicket.
Sussex won a T20 at Hove the next day, but it will prove a fine learning experience in the long run.
The Under-17s failed to secure qualification in the one-day competition but have made a really good start in the three- day championship. Highlights include a high scoring draw with Cheshire on a belting pitch at Hartlepool with Sol Bell top scoring with 189.
The team went one better away at Lancashire last week with Johnny Pears top scoring with 125 and skipper Matty Oswell taking seven wickets in an impressive victory. The lads resume their campaign on Tuesday with a Championship match against Yorkshire at Darlington.
The younger teams are also excelling. The U15’s are well clear at the top of their league, the U14’s secured a good win at Cumbria last week and the U13’s, who are led by Mitchell Killeen, son of Durham legend Neil, secured their first ever win over Yorkshire last week with a four-wicket victory.