Result…
In the 4TH game of the tour, Australia 3 for 265 c.c. (45 overs), defeated Durham-Northumberland, all out for 178 of the 44th over.

The Ground…
The game was played at Shotley Bridge Cricket Club established in 1888; its most famous player being Paul Collingwood who played for England during the early to late 2000s.

Conditions…
A very pleasant 21 degrees with the sun poking through clouds. The ground was in pristine condition with a quaint clubroom sitting beside a large marquee, awaiting a dinner presented by our gracious hosts. The pitch was well prepared.

Match Report – Australian Innings…
The Australian Captain Greg Quinn was offered the toss by our gracious hosts and chose to bat. The openers Lyon and Dedman played conservatively but consistently for the first 10 overs.
0 for 31 off the first 10.
We lost Dedman for 23 off 44 balls but continued to tick over the scoreboard with Lyon batting well.
2 for 68 off 20 overs.
After losing Lanigan caught behind for 11, in came The Dresch. Phil decided to get serious and retired soon after with 50 off 29 balls. Simon Lyon retired with 50 off 80 balls.
2 for 147 off 30 overs.
Quinn and Russell formed a fast scoring partnership with Russell run out for 47 off 39 balls and then Quinn retired with 50 off 34 balls.
2 for 230 off 40 overs
Stokes and Wijeratne remained unbeaten at the close of innings.
Australia’s Final Score – 3 for 265 c.c. off the allocated 45 overs.

Durham-Northumberland Innings…
Run Rate Required – 5.9 per over.
The new ball was taken by Drescher and Saker. The Durham-Northumberland openers kept the scoreboard ticking.
None for 40 off 10.
Kettle came on and bowled one of the openers then Drescher took a great one handed catch for Kettle’s second wicket.
2 for 68 off 20 overs ….. exactly the same score as the Aussies.
Further bowling changes with the spinners introduced. Two good catches to Henry’s bowling.
4 for 119 off 30.
Henry picks up 5 more wickets in the next 10 overs; first with a great running catch by Quinn in the deep (Quinn has relinquished the gloves to Carr) and then 3 clean bowled plus a fine stumping by Carr. Henry finishes his 9 over spell with the outstanding figures of 7 for 49. Great bowling Rob.
8 for 172 off 40.
Kettle finished off the tail and ends with the very good figures of 3 for 10 off 7.2 overs.
Durham-Northumberland is all out for 178 off the 44th over. Australia wins.

Comments Received Regarding Reports…
We are currently seeking legal advice on threatened litigation for defamation. Our only concern is that there has been an unfounded report that our appointed solicitor (a stalwart of the Essendon O60s CC) hasn’t won a case in 25 years. More to follow in next reports.