Result: Durham 2nd XI (417/4d; Latham 241, Carse 113*) drew with MCC YCs (177/4; Arshad 2/23)
The final day of the Second XI’s three-day fixture against MCC YCs was abandoned without a ball bowled at High Wycombe CC.
Heavy overnight rain soaked the outfield after rain had also forced an early finish on Day Two.
Despite the best efforts of the groundsmen to dry the outfield, the decision was taken shortly before midday to call the day off completely.
Tom Latham’s 241 on Day One was the highest score in Durham 2nd XI history while Brydon Carse added a century of his own, his first for Durham.
Close, Day Two: Durham 2nd XI (417/4d; Latham 241, Carse 113*) lead MCC YCs (177/4; Arshad 2/23) by 240 runs
Rain ruined the Seconds’ progress after they took four quick wickets at the start of Day Two against MCC YCs at High Wycombe CC.
The hosts finished the day 240 runs shy of Durham’s first innings total with six wickets in hand, though the draw looks a big favourite after heavy overnight rain.
Usman Arshad struck twice with the ball while Brydon Carse & Barry McCarthy also managed a wicket apiece.
Overnight batsmen Ben Curran & Joe Barrett fell in successive overs after beginning the day on 95 without loss, quickly becoming 99/2.
Arshad then had Saf Imtiaz caught at first slip by Carse before removing Marc Lezar’s middle stump for 24.
Close, Day One: Durham 2nd XI (417/4d; Latham 241, Carse 113*) lead MCC YCs (95/0) by 322 runs
Tom Latham returned to action with the highest score in Durham 2nd XI history in a record partnership with Brydon Carse on Day One against MCC Young Cricketers.
Latham racked up 241, including 25x4s & 9x6s, on his comeback from injury in a 316-run fourth-wicket stand with Carse (113*) as they declared on 417/4 at High Wycombe CC.
The New Zealander’s score eclipsed Mike Roseberry’s 238* against Glamorgan in 1998 & the partnership overtook the previous best of 255 for the fourth wicket, between Uzair Mahomed & Andrew Smith in 2007 – also against MCC YCs.
He was well supported by Carse, who struck his first Second team ton & finished unbeaten on 113, as Neil Killeen’s men finished well on top despite not taking a wicket before the close of play.
The day was largely dominated by Latham & Carse though, who combined with the score on 101/3 shortly before lunch after losing Ross Greenwell, Gareth Harte & Scott Steel.
The left-handed opener cruised through the first session with ease before going through the gears after the break, becoming increasingly attacking as the home bowlers toiled.
And the declaration eventually came when Latham was caught off Oliver Smithson, leaving the hosts 17 overs to bat at the end of Day One.