Defence of title begins against Essex

Nov 20 2009 The Journal

DURHAM will begin their defence of their LV Country Championship title with a home clash against newly-promoted Essex.

Geoff Cook’s men kick off their bid to win the title for the third successive season on Thursday, April 15, with the new ECB 40 League beginning at the Riverside on Sunday, April 25 against Hampshire Hawks.

The enhanced Friends Provident Twenty20 competition, which is made up of a north and south league consisting of nine teams will see the Dynamos’ Men in Black play eight home and eight away matches during June and July, the first of which is on Friday, June 4 when 2009 Twenty20 Cup quarter-finalists Lancashire Lightning visit the North East.

There will be three Friday night fixtures, including Yorkshire Carnegie who play at Riverside on Friday, June 18, plus three Sunday fixtures which will see the Dynamos host Worcestershire Royals and Warwickshire Bears to the region for the first time in this competition.

Durham captain Will Smith, said: “The season really can’t come quickly enough.

“We had a great season last year but we certainly won’t be resting on our laurels.