Result: Lancashire (237/6; Reece 107*) beat Durham (173; Parry 5/36) by 64 runs
Luis Reece’s century proved the ultimate difference as Durham were beaten in the Second XI Trophy match against Lancashire at Brandon CC.
The Red Rose opener scored 107* out of 237, a score Neil Killeen’s side would back themselves to chase.
And they made a good start in pursuit of their target, reaching 77 without loss.
But spinner Stephen Parry took 5/36 to turn the game back in Lancashire’s favour and despite 28 from Gurman Randhawa, the visitors got home with ease.
Gurjit Sandhu opened with a couple of wickets and Randhawa struck twice, but Reece appeared immovable in his 143-ball knock.
He put on 78 for the fourth wicket with Danny Lamb before the latter became Randhawa’s second wicket, caught by Stuart Poynter behind the wicket.
Jamie Harrison and Calum MacLeod took one apiece but Reece hauled them up to 237.
Adam Hickey and Graham Clark both made 38 as the reply started steadily.
But they fell in quick succession to George Edwards and the innings started to unravel as 77/0 turned into 93/5.
Asher Hart (14) staged a brief recovery alongside Randhawa but the run-rate began to increase and the former was run out by Gavin Griffiths.
Parry finished off the tail as Durham fell short ahead of today’s 2nd XI Championship match.