Emilio Gay and David Bedingham lead Durham to Lancashire win

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO ROUNDUP: A third-wicket partnership worth 290 sees the Division Two leaders beaten at Chester-le-Street

ECB Reporters Network | 27/04/2026 at 17:01

Chester-le-Street (day four of four): Lancashire 370 & 260-9d, Durham 295 & 336-2 - Durham won by eight wickets

Emilio Gay and David Bedingham scored sublime unbeaten centuries in a record-breaking third-wicket partnership of 290 as Durham successfully chased 336 to beat Lancashire by eight wickets in their County Championship Division Two match.

Durham had a challenging start as they lost both openers in the morning session, but Gay (159 not out) and Bedingham (129 not out) led a recovery for the hosts as the runs started to flow before lunch.

As the ball got softer and the sun came out during the afternoon session, batting became easier, and the crucial partnership went from strength to strength, breaking the record for the highest third wicket stand against Lancashire.

Both made centuries, and the hosts chased down an imposing target with ease as Durham reached 336 for two, handing the North East county a second win of the season.

After being 124 for 7 in their first innings and heading for a hefty first innings deficit, the partnership cemented an excellent turnaround for the hosts, with the efforts of Matthew Potts also key to that. The victory takes them up to second, three points behind Lancashire, who remain top, but Durham have played one game fewer.