ANOTHER run-fest can be expected when Durham attempt to complete a hat-trick of cross-border 50-over wins in their Royal London Cup tie against Leicestershire at South Northumberland today.

It will be their third visit in four years to the prosperous Gosforth club, having beaten Warwickshire on both previous occasions.

Leicestershire might be considered inferior opposition, but they thrashed Warwickshire by 103 runs on Tuesday with former Essex batsman Mark Pettini hitting 159.

The Foxes have posted scores of 311, 319 and 363 in recording two wins out of three, while Durham's 335 for five wasn't enough at Headingley on Wednesday.

Stephen Cook has made 62 and 106 in his last two innings, skipper Keaton Jennings has totalled 290 runs in three knocks and Michael Richardson has been dismissed once in totalling 232.

Jennings said after the Headingley defeat: ““I thought we had enough runs, despite their line-up. I honestly thought we were in a good position.

“Jonny Bairstow hit every ball out of the middle of his bat and made it really tough for us to bowl. It was a sensational knock, and he took the game away from us.

“Joe Root supported him beautifully to make sure that partnership kept hurting us.

Despite being a regular one-day bowler last season, Jennings gave himself only one over at Headingley and Durham will look at the balance of their side to see whether they need an extra bowler.

They have the option to bring in Graham Onions or recall Ryan Pringle, who made way for left-arm spinner George Harding to make his senior debut on Wednesday.

Prior to the 2014 match at South North, Durham had not staged a match outside Chester-le-Street since a pitch panel was convened following their 2006 championship match against Kent at Stockton.

Sir Ian Botham, the new chairman, is keen to explore the possibility of taking more games to outgrounds as part of the attempt to build community involvement.

He claims to have fond memories of playing at clubs like Darlington, Hartlepool, Stockton and Gateshead Fell in Durham's inaugural first-class season.

Gateshead Fell provided former Australia Test batsman Marcus North's introduction to the North East in 2000 and, at 37, he continues to play for South Northumberland, where he is also the chief executive.

He has been joined in the team this season by Scotland international Calum MacLeod, who was a victim of Durham's cost-cutting last year after two seasons with the club.

MacLeod made 111 not out off 87 balls against Stockton on his debut for South North, who are seeking their 11th North East Premier League title in 15 years.

The team also includes Simon Birtwisle, a member of Durham's original academy alongside Stephen Harmison and Michael Gough in 1996.

Another Durham academy product from those early days, John Graham, also continues to play for South North. But the club has a very strong junior set-up and its large indoor school lends itself perfectly to providing hospitality for a Royal London Cup tie.

With one win, one defeat and a washout in this season's campaign, Durham need to win this game then beat Northamptonshire at Emirates Riverside on Sunday.