By Paul Bolton

In vain: Colin Ackermann’s ton wasn’t enough for Leicestershire against Staffordshire PICTURE: Alamy NORTHUMBERLAND and Staffordshire claimed the scalps of first-class counties Durham and Leicestershire in a rain-blighted round of showcase matches this week. Northumberland beat neighbours Durham by 28 runs at Jesmond with Staffordshire securing a two-run DLS victory to edge out Leicestershire at Knypersley. Nikhil Gorantla was Northumberland’s hero as the Durham UCCE batter made a brilliant 118 from 121 balls to take them to 290-8, which was a ...