By Ben Kunicki BBC Sport Online

After a season of encouragement in the one-day game last year, some respected judges have nominated Durham as their dark horse for the 2002 season.

However, as cricket's most northerly outpost, the weather as ever, is likely to play it's part during the upcoming Benson & Hedges Cup group matches.

The youngest first-class county begin their one-day programme on Monday against a Leicestershire side who have shown some promising early season form in the Championship.

Durham coach Martyn Moxon is keen to build on last year's progress which saw them qualify from a tough northern group stage.

"We had a pretty good one-day season last year," Moxon says.

"It's my job to make sure we do at least as well again. It's not just going to happen for us though, we have to make sure we do the basics well."

Youthful charges

With such a young side - Durham's line-up for the last match against Derbyshire has an average age of 24 - Moxon says that clear direction is a must.

"It's important to have a plan so that everybody knows what's expected of them and exactly how we're going to play."

However, he adds that the youthfulness of his charges can be blessing as well.

"In a way it can be a help because they're very receptive to what you're saying to them. I do enjoy working with them."

Last year, Durham used wicketkeeper Andy Pratt and teenage batsman Nicky Peng as an openers in an attempt to get off to quick starts.

Peng's winter experiences will have benefitted him

Moxon says that the plan will continue, early season conditions allowing.

"We try to be positive in the first 15 overs and Andy had an amount of success there last season."

However, Moxon is loath to use the term pinch-hitter.

"We encourage them to play proper cricket shots, it's not just about slogging, but if the wickets are right then hopefully it will work again."

Peng, the PCA's young player of the year for 2001, spent the winter with the England academy and captained England U-19 in the World Cup in Australia.

However, Moxon is wary of placing too much pressure on the youngster.

Positive experiences

"He just got a magnificent hundred in the game against Derbyshire but he's only 19 so we're just hoping he can continue with his progression.

"He's definitely got the ability."

Moxon has yet to detect any major changes in Peng's game following his time away, but he believes it can only have been a positive.

"It all adds to his experience, travelling to new places and mixing with other players," he says.

"Through these experiences the younger players gradually become aware of what a first-class player needs to succeed."

Despite Durham's burgeoning youth policy, they remained second from bottom in the County Championship last season and Moxon is demanding a better effort this year.

Leicestershire have made a good start

"I want us to do better than last year. We need to be challenging on all fronts, we can't just turn it on for one-dayers," Moxon comments.

"Last season we finished second from bottom but a couple more wins would have put us in the thick of it.

"Although Middlesex have got off to a flyer everybody's capable of beating one another so I expect another close season."

As for the upcoming B&H Cup matches, Moxon is in no doubt that his side will have to be at their best to come through, even before considering the weather.

"We'll have to play well against all the sides in the group.

"We did last year and managed to get through but it's the old phrase about taking each game as it comes."

He concedes that Durham's first opponents Leicestershire have made a positive start to their season.

"Leicestershire look in good form. They were unlucky not to beat Lancashire in their first match as well."

The same can not be said of group favourites Yorkshire but Moxon, who coached the current county champions until 2001, is not fooled.

"I'm sure when they get a few players back you'll see a different side."