A stellar all-round performance from Joey Evison powered Nottinghamshire’s Academy to victory over Lancashire in a sabbath day thriller at Lady Bay.
Evison’s 104 off 120 balls anchored the home side’s 50-over total of 321-7, while captain Chris Gibson pressed the accelerator in his 86-ball knock of 102.
Sol Budinger has earlier got Gibson’s men off to a flyer with a typically brutal 51 off 25 deliveries at the top of the order.
Evison (10-0-68-2), Jordan Cook (10-0-44-0) and under 15s leg-spinner Qundeel Haider (10-0-37-1) then turned in stand-out performances with the ball, as the visitors fell four runs short of victory despite Sam Dorsey finishing unbeaten on 111.
Lancashire appeared to be in the box seat with just eight runs needed in the final over, only to be denied by expert death bowling from Evison, who conceded just four to secure a nerve-racking win.
“It was a cracking game,” said Elite Pathway Manager, Matt Wood. “The lads will really benefit from being involved in that kind of tight finish, especially having gained confidence by coming out with a win.
“Joey, Chris and Sol all batted really well to put a competitive score on the board, then it was great to see a young leg-spinner in Qundeel Haider really put the brakes on after Lancashire has got off to a bit of a flyer.
“We had it all to do going into the final over. They were probably favourites with just eight needed to win.
“But Joey executed his Yorkers really well and defended the short boundary to ensure that we got home.”
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