SECOND XI REPORT: Morley, Bell among the wickets after Durham make a great start
Jack Morley and George Bell both claimed two wickets apiece after Durham openers Ben McKinney and Harry Crawshaw had batted superbly on the first day of the Second XI Championship match at Burnopfield.
The hosts had reached 346 for six by the close with the Red Rose attack fighting back well after a difficult first half of the day.
Durham’s opening pair compiled a 218-run partnership in 52 overs after skipper McKinney had won the toss, and it took a turning delivery from Morley to beat Crawshaw’s forward defence after the left handed bat had made 80 in 198 minutes.
Tom Aspinwall dismissed Ross Whitfield lbw for 1 and George Bell moved from behind the stumps at lunch to trap Jon Bushnell in front for 17 as the Lancashire attack began to make inroads into the Durham line-up.
McKinney, who reached his century from 140 balls, had moved on to 158 in just under five hours, but after batting so well was then out in unfortunate fashion, hitting a full toss from Bell into the hands of Morley at mid-on.
Five balls later Morley was celebrating again when Callum Gaffney was lbw sweeping for 11 with Durham 280-5.
And George Drissell became the fourth lbw dismissal of the day, falling to George Balderson for 14, but an unbeaten 39 by wicketkeeper Haydon Mustard steered Durham safely to the close alongside Stanley McAlindon (9 not out).