A boundary six from the final over from Stanley McAlindon saw Durham Cricket boys’ Academy earn a thrilling 1 wicket victory over Burnopfileld, to close their North East Premier League Banks Salver campaign with a win.
Having won the toss, the Academy elected to field first, with the home side getting their innings off to a positive start with 48 on the board for the first wicket, as Jack Scott had Chris Peareth caught for 17.
A further 48 runs were added for the second wicket, opener John Oswell falling shortly after reaching his half century, as McAlindon claimed his first wicket of the afternoon. Two quick wickets fell in succession, with Burnopfield progressing steadily at 100/4.
Chris Greaves was the fifth wicket to fall as McAlindon picked up his second, having been caught by Matt Salisbury, which began the Burnopfield collapse. The hosts lost six wicket for just 10 runs, with McAlindon striking to return figures of 3/35 from eight.
Luke Doneathy struck with 2/29, before Matt Salisbury wrapped up the last wicket, as Burnopfield were bowled out for 146 in 5 balls to go of their innings.
In reply, the Academy lost two wickets, being reduced to 29/2, Oliver Gibson and Mitchell Killeen dismissing Bushnell and McKinney. Harry Crawshaw was still out there in the middle and scoring nicely – while another two wickets fell around him and the visitors in a spot of trouble at 116/6.
Crawshaw eventually fell for 57 from 103 balls, with the Academy needing 42 runs to win and the game in the balance.
An important 28 from Robbie Dawson steadied the ship but he was caught behind off the bowling of Joel Selway as the Academy needed a further 28 to win with 3 wickets remaining.
Philpott and Salisbury were the next go to, with the Academy requiring 11 runs to win off the final over and it was McAlindon who came to the rescue scoring nine with the bat including a six off the penultimate ball of the innings, as the Academy edged home with a single on the last ball of the game.