South Northumberland want a repeat of 2008!

ACADEMY READY TO LEARN "BIG GAME EXPERIENCE" IN NEPL T20

Durham's Academy side have upstaged their senior colleagues by reaching the semi final of the North East Premier League T20, sponsored by Co-operative Funeralcare. 

The senior side have their quarter final at Hampshire a week on Monday, but the Academy go into battle this Sunday at Benwell Hill Cricket Club against title holders South Northumberland (11am start). 

Academy Coach John Windows, said "We've tried to take the t20 comp more seriously this year, with the relevance of t20 in today's cricket the young lads are just as likely to get offered their debut early season in a Clydesdale Bank 40  or Friends Life t20 fixture as they are in a Championship game.

"It's really important that they are equipped with the skills and understanding of this format to be able to apply them if they do get a chance so we have tried to emphasise t20 more and practice more, which has paid dividends as our tactics and application of skills has been much better. 

"We've played well to get through the group stages, beating Sunderland, Stockton and Gateshead Fell to get to Finals Day and I think the competition on the day will be of a really good standard. Finals Day will be a really good experience for the lads, to have a match with high importance which has that big game feeling."

The NEPL T20 competiton is in its fourth year, with South Northumberland, Chester le Street and South Northumberland again being the winners.

Since its inception the League T20 champions have gone forward to the ECB National Club T20 to compete against Premier League teams from across the UK.  South Northumberland won the inaugural National T20, and were beaten finalists last season.

The National Finals Day is at Derby CC this season and will be televised live on Sky Sports.

This Sunday's action is at Benwell Hill Cricket Club (www.benwellhill.co.uk) and has the South North v Durham game at 11am, Benwell Hill v Chester le Street at 2pm and The Final scheduled for 5.30pm.  Admission is by programme priced at £2 adults, £1 concessions.

In addition to the three matches there is music, a barbecue and beer tent.  Supporters are advised there is no parking at the ground on the day.