Leach's Spin Magic Leads Somerset to Victory Over Durham

Somerset triumphed over Durham by 133 runs in the Metro-Bank One-Day Cup at the Riverside, thanks to a stellar performance by Jack Leach. The England left-arm spinner claimed 6 for 26, a pivotal contribution that helped Somerset defend their total of 241.

Durham struggled against Leach's spin on a pitch that offered turn throughout the match, collapsing to 108 all out. Scott Borthwick's 35 was the only notable contribution from Durham, as the team failed to find any rhythm against Leach's bowling.

Somerset's innings began shakily when Andy Umeed was dismissed for a duck by Bas de Leede in the second over. A potentially worse situation was averted when Paul Coughlin's overstepping saved George Thomas, who was caught at slip for seven. Thomas then steadied the innings alongside Lewis Goldsworthy, adding 119 runs for the second wicket. Goldsworthy's crucial 93 anchored Somerset's innings, allowing them to reach a defendable score despite a mid-innings wobble.

Colin Ackermann bowled a tight spell, taking 2 for 35, including the wickets of Thomas and James Rew. Paul Coughlin also chipped in with three wickets, including the dismissals of Sean Dickson and Goldsworthy, while Bushnell and de Leede picked up two wickets each.

Durham's chase began promisingly with a 40-run opening stand between Alex Lees and Ben McKinney. However, the loss of four quick wickets, including two in Leach's first over, left Durham reeling at 48 for 4. Leach's continued pressure decimated the middle order, and Durham's hopes faded when Borthwick was dismissed for 35, leaving them at 100 for 8. Leach completed his six-wicket haul, and Goldsworthy sealed the win by dismissing Drissell for a single, ending Durham's innings.