Culley brings the runs as locals take the lead in North East Cricket Series

A powerful 94 from Lukas Culley secured a seven-wicket victory on day 2 of the North East Cricket Series and the inaugural Seaham Park Cricket Trophy for 2024 for the local NUSC team.

Heavy overnight rain left a slightly delayed start in Seaham, County Durham, but with the forecast of a sunny day proved correct, it still allowed time for a 40-over match.

Batting first Guernsey was bundled out for 136 in 29 overs with the wickets spread between six NUSC bowlers led by spinner Jack Riley (2-30).  Four batsmen made starts  (Day 29, Johnson 22, Robinson 22, and Stewart 22) for Guernsey, and each will rue a missed opportunity for more runs, with such time left in the innings, and easily one of the quickest outfields in the North East at their disposal.

The innings did not come without pain for the NUSC team as its captain suffered a back injury requiring him to be helped from the field, and more hand injuries were racked up, meaning not only a scramble to find a batting order on Monday, but a team for Tuesday.

On Monday, the batting order was never an issue as Culley turned potential into a match-winning performance.  Posting 49 opening, and 53 fourth wicket stands, striking thirteen fours and three sixes in his 74 ball 94 to see NUSC home with 18 overs remaining, providing stability when it was needed most by his teammates.

The pick of the Guernsey attack was Tony Merrien (1-24) who could have had more with a little luck, while Robinson added two more wickets to his tour haul.

It is another long day scheduled on Tuesday (weather permitting) with a 50-over match in Teesside at the Billingham Synthonia Cricket Club, with the Guernsey players then enjoying a special evening with more on that no doubt to come on their social media accounts.

Thank you to Seaham Park for the hospitality and hosting of the second day of the North East Cricket Series with such passion which stood out to Guernsey management.

For more information on the series contact thenortheastcricketseries@gmail.com