An innings of high quality by Nicky Peng assisted top-of-the-table Durham to a substantial total against Essex at Ilford with the 18-year-old remaining unbeaten on 112 when the innings closed on 263-3.

The highly promising batsman easily surpassed his previous highest one-day league score of 47 as he made the home attack pay the full price for some inconsistent bowling.

Peng reached his half-century from 59 balls that incorporated one six and seven fours and took just a further 51 deliveries before reaching three figures despite adding only four more boundaries.

His innings of powerful strokeplay was supported by an equally effective performance by Jon Lewis who scored an unbeaten 63 from 58 deliveries that included six boundaries as he too kept the scoreboard moving at a lively pace.

The pair composed a fourth-wicket partnership 127 in 18 overs after opener Danny Law had given the innings some impetus with 47 against his former colleagues as he and Peng added a brisk 72 in 11 overs for the second wicket to set the tone.

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