Blaze women's team put on a batting masterclass against Durham, winning 356 to 217 in the One-Day Cup on August 19th. The hosts dominated from the outset, building a lead that Durham could never seriously threaten. It was another chapter in a local rivalry that has produced some tight finishes recently.
What struck you straight away was the gap between the two totals. 356 on the board is a substantial score, and Durham never really got within touching distance. By then, it was already clear this wouldn't be the kind of match where momentum swings back and forth. The pitch cut up badly enough that batting first was the obvious advantage.
Blaze remain top of the table with 51 points from 13 games, having won 11 and lost just twice. Durham sit seventh with 24 points, five wins and eight defeats. The gap between them is widening, and this result makes it harder for the visitors to climb.
These two have been playing each other quite a bit lately. In July, Durham edged Blaze by a single run in a 118-117 affair, and before that they'd traded narrow victories. This time, though, there was no drama at the end. The hosts ran away with it, and the result felt inevitable once the first innings closed.
For Blaze, it's a fourth straight win over Durham in all competitions now, though that's not something you'd necessarily expect from the table positions. They've been dominant in the air from set plays this season, and their batting depth showed again here. Durham, meanwhile, will be looking at how to stop collapsing when chasing big totals.