Durham Women’s Academy 244/6 beat Durham UCCE 243/8
Grace Thompson leads the way with unbeaten century as Durham Women’s Academy got their 2025 season underway with a thrilling friendly at Maiden Castle, defeating Durham UCCE by 1 run.
Laura Trotter won the toss and chose to bat first in the 40-over clash with Harriet Robson and Amy Hurst putting on 52 for the opening wicket, before Hurst fell for 14.
Robson went to her half-century in 52 deliveries featuring eight boundaries, falling shortly after for 52 with the score on 78. This introduced Thompson at the end of the 17th over, sharing 27 for the third wicket with Emma Thompson.
Layla Myers contributed 25 in a stand of 60 for the fourth wicket before Grace Thompson began to accelerate, smashing 57 runs from her final 30 deliveries.
The 17-year-old went to three figures from 70 balls, finishing on 106* with 12 fours and three maximums.
Charlotte Stubbs took two wickets for Durham UCCE as Libby Haward, Hannah Wooldridge, Amelia Lee and Charlotte Pettigrew all claimed one apiece.
Mae Deaville claimed the first of the innings after Durham University put on 15 for the opening wicket.
Durham Academy managed to pick up regular wickets as the University side attempted to up the ante. Stubbs was the star batter as wickets continued to fall at the other end, making her way to 90 from 65 balls.
Kate Million took a pair of wickets with Amelie Butterwick, Ava Broady and Laura Trotter also claiming one each.
Needing 47 runs from the final seven overs, Durham UCCE took it down to the final ball as Million closed out with a dot and a wicket on the final two balls of the innings, defending the seven required.