A superb century from Ross Whitfield saw Durham Cricket Academy get their season up and running with a 5-wicket victory over South Northumberland at Gosforth.
Durham Academy, playing in their first game of the 2022 season, lost the toss and were asked to field in chilly temperatures, with the hosts adding 86 for the first wicket when Charlie Coulthard bowled Sol Bell for 30.
Chris Hewison fell shortly after for 8 bowled by Charlie Scorer with Simon Birtwisle retiring on 46 from 63 balls. Rob Peyton led the way for the home side with 60 before he headed back to the pavilion retiring with 8 fours and 1 six.
South Northumberland then lost 4 wickets for 9 runs, having been 184/6 closing their 40 overs on 193/9. Henry Hopkins struck twice while Charlie Coulthard, Charlie Scorer, Callum Gaffney and Ross Whitfield all claimed 1 apiece.
In reply, Durham Academy lost Callum Gaffney for 15 when he was pinned leg before for 12, bringing Ross Whitfield to the middle in the fifth over, batting at number 3.
Charlie Coulthard (20) and Hayden Mustard (11) fell within the space of 8 balls, while Max Jackson added an important 36 from 45 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes.
With wickets falling around Whitfield, he stood firm bringing up his century in 96 balls with 12 fours and 1 six, as he finished unbeaten on 103*, as Durham Academy chased down South Northumberland’s score with 2 overs remaining.
William Harris (2/22) and Jonathan Wightman (2/25) were the pick of the bowlers for South Northumberland.