Durham maintained their top-of-the-table position, beating Essex by 24 runs at Ilford to gain their fourth league win of the season.

A maiden one-day league century by Nicky Peng was the foundation of Durham's success as the 18-year-old struck 14 boundaries including one six on his way to an unbeaten 112, made from 116 deliveries. Although he survived three difficult chances, his powerful display exploited the weakness in the Essex attack who struggled to find consistent line and length, allowing Peng to rule the roost.

In company with Jon Lewis, he composed a fourth-wicket stand of 127 in 18 overs after another former Essex player Danny Law had struck a brisk 47 when opening the innings.

Peng and Lewis, playing with measured strokes, consistently found the gaps to take their side to a daunting 264-3 when the innings closed.

The home side lost wickets steadily, with the departure of Stuart Law, bowled by debutant Nicholas Hatch for four, a crucial setback as they slipped to 133-5 in the 25th over.

However Richard Clinton, another making his league debut, responded with an enterprising half-century at a run a ball to revive his side's hopes.

With Ashley Cowan, he added 53 in eight overs for the seventh wicket as they reduced the target to 34 from the last five overs.

But Law returned to play an influential role, bowling Cowan for 19 to herald the rapid decline of the innings. Law dismissed Clinton for 53 and then claimed a third wicket having last man Justin Bishop caught at deep long-on to wrap up the innings and ensure Peng's earlier superb effort did not go unrewarded.

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