Bedingham keeps the Durham charge alive

SOUTH Africa Test batter David Bedingham hit a season’s best 93 off 195 balls to steer an impressive Durham recovery from early strife against fellow relegation candidates Yorkshire on day one of the final-round Rothesay County Championship meeting at Headingley.

- By Graham Hardcastle

David Bedingham takes on the Yorkshire attack at Headingley

Durham, having elected to bat, slipped to seven for two inside five overs, bringing Bedingham in.

He determinedly batted through until late evening and shared in a series of crucial partnerships, chiefly 101 for the fourth wicket either side of lunch with Will Rhodes, 53.

The second-bottom visitors closed on 322 for seven from 96 overs.

They will be delighted with the outcome, especially considering Ben Raine’s counterattacking 87 not out off 85 late in the day. His was also a season’s best score.

Yorkshire came into this fixture seventh in the table on 146 points, Durham ninth on 140. Sandwiched in between, Hampshire on 142.

The White Rose need 10 points to assure survival - they have gained two on day one - while it is looking likely that Durham will have to win to stay up after Hampshire started strongly at home to Surrey, skittling out the reigning champions for only 147 and then progressing to 154-3.

Just before play, a minute's applause in memory of the late Dickie Bird was observed.