ICC Europe Div 2 Tournament

Posted by John Winn

As mentioned in my posting earlier in the week the ICC Europe Div 2 I tournament is currently being played in Essex. After the first two days Jersey and Netherlands have two wins each and Denmark and Guernsey one each while Italy are emerging as the weakest side in the competition with three defeats out of three. Today is a rest day.

I spent yesterday in the company of our Hartlepool Correspondent at Seaton Carew CC where Durham Under 19s are entertaining their Lancashire counterparts in a two day match. I had visited Hornby Park two years ago and been less than impressed. The day was dull, very windy and lots of small children appeared to have been invited to 'Be as naughty as you can day'.

 

Seaton Carew CC

Yesterday was a much more tranquil occasion however with a small crowd enjoying hazy sunshine and the red rose supporters in particular enjoying some good batting. An opening stand of 100 between Hale and Zelem was followed by one of 144 when Khurrum joined Zelem. 244 for 2 left coach Neil Killeen with the difficult job of rallying his troops but to their credit the Durham bowlers stuck to their task and gradually brought the run rate down. Particularly impressive was J Quinn of Stokesley with his slow left arm and he finished with 3 for
84 off his 28 overs when Lancashire declared at 390 for 6. Zelem who has Lancs II experience top scored with 115.

 

We need a wicket lads

Before the close Durham lost two early wickets and Lancashire will strongly fancy their chances today. During the lunch interval OHC and I enjoyed some splendid fish and chips from one of several such establishments on the sea front. Yorkshire visitors should note that cod is the default position in this part of the world and that haddock is a special order. Mike had enjoyed a day at the Kerridge Cup final hosted by Hartlepool CC on Sunday and won by Barnard Castle, the first victory by a County Durham team since Darlington RA were winners in 1998. 'Barney' defeated Stokesley in a match where spin was the key to success.

My journey home is worth a separate posting but as this is not a blog concerned with 'things that can go wrong when you travel by Northern Rail' I'll spare you the details, suffice to recommend 'The Rat Race' pub on Hartlepool Station (where I should never have been in the first place), particularly for lovers of real ale.

As in the icc tournament today is a rest day but I hope to be at Headingley tomorrow for Sri Lanka A.