Result: Durham Cricket Academy (138/6; Adair 62, Ahmed 21; Cull 3/18) beat Billingham Synthonia (134/6; Meade 57, Wing 42; Ahmed 2/28, Doneathy 2/29) by 4 wickets
An unbeaten 62 from Harry Adair saw Durham Academy claim the North Yorkshire South Durham Macmillan Cup at their first time of asking, with a four-wicket victory over Billingham Synthonia.
Skipper Luke Doneathy lost the toss and Window’ side were asked to field at Chiltons Avenue, with Rory Hanley striking early to dismiss Billingham opener Elliot Holmes for 14.
Tayyab Tahir made his intentions clear striking a six off Doneathy’s bowling, but shortly fell for 14 from 13 balls.
The home side were struggling at 39/3, but JP Mead made 57 from 51 balls including four fours and Thomas Wing (42 from 34 balls with two fours and two sixes) steadied the ship for Billingham with a 65-run partnership.
Both batsmen ended up being dismissed by Adam Ahmed who struck with 2/28 from four overs, while Luke Doneathy picked up 2/29.
Rory Hanley and Amaan Ul-Haq both struck to restrict Billingham to 134/6 from 20 overs.
The Academy were on the back foot from the off, losing both openers for less than 10, followed by both Chris McBride and Charlie Scott being adjudged LBW to leave Durham struggling at 54/5.
However, it was Harry Adair who brushed any worries aside, as the number six batsman fired a 32 ball 62 smashing seven fours and one six.
Adam Ahmed supported Adair with 24 from 26 to help Durham get over the line on the penultimate ball of the game.