Durham Cricket Academy will be looking for their second piece of cup glory this afternoon when they face Hetton Lyons in the 2019 Protech Durham Senior League Trophy at Marsden Cricket Club.
The Academy young guns will face Hetton Lyons in the second semi-final of the day as they look to make another cup final this season, with hosts Marsden taking on Sunderland in the first semi-final.
John Window’s side have been successful over two Dukes North East Premier League teams so far this summer on their way to finals day and will be looking to continue their run over the Hetton side this afternoon.
In the second round, Ross Greenwell starred with an unbeaten 84 not out from 59 balls hitting eight fours and three sixes when the Academy went up against Whitburn, as they posted 160/5 at the Village Ground.
Alfie Taylor Clark struck to dismiss both of Whitburn’s openers but 58 from Lee Henderson and 41 from Sam Harris had Whitburn close to chasing down the target set. Both eventually fell, as Taylor Clark picked up his third while Greenwell struck twice to restrict Whitburn to 155/6 from 20 overs, winning by five runs.
In the quarter final against Chester le Street, the Academy came away from Ropery Lane with a 61-run win. Harry Adair (59) and Christopher McBride (38) top scored as they posted 154/7 from 20 overs. Both of Chester le Street’s openers, Andrew Smith and John Coxon started well, but slow left-arm orthodox Faizan Hussain had them both caught.
That began the Chester le Street collapse, as they were bowled out for 93 in 19 overs confirming Durham Academy’s place in today’s Finals Day.
Durham Cricket Academy Head Coach, John Windows said: “I am really looking forward to another finals day on Sunday, the Academy side have played some good cricket on reaching the Protech Finals Day, so I am looking forward to the day.
“We have put in two very good performances with the both the bat and ball in reaching the finals, so hopefully the lads can replicate that at Marsden.
“Hetton Lyons will be a tough test, but if the lads do what they can do in all departments then it should be a good day for us.”