Benkenstein provides Durham's bright spot (From The Northern Echo)

Benkenstein provides Durham's bright spot

4:57pm Friday 10th July 2009 in

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AN unbeaten half-century from captain Dale Benkenstein was the only bright spot for champions Durham in the first two sessions of their LV County Championship match against Yorkshire at Headingley.

Benkenstein won the toss and opted to bat, and saw his team make a steady enough start with a 47-run opening stand.

But three wickets in 15 minutes swung things in the hosts favour this morning.

Mark Stoneman was run out for 22 and Ajmal Shahzad accounted for both Kyle Coetzer and Gordon Muchall before either batsman could trouble the scorers.

Opener Michael Di Venuto was then bowled by Adil Rashid for 29 and the wickets continued to tumble in the afternoon with Ian Blackwell (12), Phil Mustard (seven) and Liam Plunkett (three) all perishing as the visitors stuttered to 171 for seven at tea.