DURHAM laboured through the first 35 overs of their innings before accelerating to reach 209 for five after being put in by Essex in the first Yorkshire Bank 40 match.

Gordon Muchall and Gareth Breese took 40 off the last five overs in an unbroken stand of 69.

Durham struggled to come to terms with a surprisingly slow pitch and had to rebuild from 39 for three in the 11th over, with Ben Stokes leading the way.

He had just completed a 62-ball half-century when he was run out with ten overs left and probably had the presence of the Sky cameras to blame for his departure.

He did not appear too concerned as he awaited the third umpire’s verdict and looked surprised to be given out. It’s a fair bet that had the technology not been available he would have been given the benefit of the doubt.

The throw which beat him came from ex-Lancashire paceman Sajid Mahmood, coming in from long-on. It was deadly accurate, which is more than can be said of his bowling as he sent down five wides.

Breese went in on Stokes’ exit and took six balls to get off the mark but finished with an unbeaten 41 off 38 deliveries. Muchall made 49 off 51.