Luke Symington century guides Durham to NEPL win over Felling
Luke Symington made 104* as Durham Academy enjoyed a 21 run victory over Felling in the North East Premier League Banks T20 – to move top of the table.
Nathan Rimmington won the toss for Durham and chose to bat first. Durham didn’t get off to the quickest of starts when Charlie Coulthard was run out at the end of the second over, putting Durham one for one.
This wicket brought Symington to the crease, and he partnered Robbie Bowman for a second wicket stand of 72. Bowman was then dismissed for 32, having scored six boundaries, leaving Durham 74 for two.
This was when Symington took charge as he smashed 72 runs from his next 35 deliveries. Symington’s innings came from 65 balls with nine fours and three maximums. He made an unbeaten stand of 92 alongside Maxwell Jackson as Durham Academy finished on 166 for two.
The only wicket taker for the hosts came from Max Lowery, and their batting did not begin so well. Mason Bell and Jack Brassell claimed a wicket each in their opening overs to reduce Felling to 11 for two.
Brassell struck again at the end of the fourth over, dismissing Travis Norris for 25 to put the hosts 45 for three. Owen Harwood was the next one in on the action as he removed Paul Leonard for five, with Charlie Scorer dismissing Liam Stamper the following over.
This left the hosts 63 for five and it got worse for them as Graham Wright who made 24, became Scorer’s second victim to leave Felling 68 for six. The hosts could then stabilise with Kieron Gilmour and Max Lowery at the crease as they produced their highest partnership of 61.
This was when Lowery was stumped for 21 from the bowling of Mason Bell who claimed his first of two wickets in the 17th over. Calum Wright was Bell’s third wicket as he finished with figures of 3-23 from four overs.
Felling’s innings was wrapped up with one over to spare as they were bowled out for 145 with Maxwell Jackson picking up the final two wickets to send Durham Academy to their third victory in the competition, leaving them top of the group.