Hundreds turn out to cheer heroes

Sep 30 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

HUNDREDS of fans turned out to cheer triumphant Durham County Cricket Club as they paraded their trophy on home ground.

The club achieved their historic County Championship win at the weekend, ending the season in style with victory against Kent.

Champagne corks were popped and cheers echoed through the Riverside cricket ground as fans of all ages turned out to grab a glimpse of the triumphant side.

And a party atmosphere continued late into last night as players and club officials celebrated winning the championship for the first time in the club’s history.

The success saw the team win the league less than 17 years after the county was granted first-class status.

Admitting that celebrations had taken their toll on some players over the weekend, out-going captain Dale Benkenstein, laughed: “We have celebrated pretty well, some of the guys are starting to feel the pain of that.

“Obviously it’s a fantastic feeling and after the game in Kent all we wanted to do was to get back to Durham, it’s amazing to make history.

“The hard thing is when you are winning things then to stay on top. It’s been a tough season and everyone is really glad we have something to show for a really good season.

“I think to create history is an amazing thing, something you set out in your life to do.

“But a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes, so many people have been working towards this for many years and this is result of many years of planning and hard work.”

School children joined fans of all ages at the Riverside taking photographs of the trophy and getting autographs and pictures signed by players.

Mike Scott, 36, was at the ground with nine-year-old son Dominic.

Mr Scott, of Lanchester, County Durham, said: “I think it has been a fantastic season and a great reward for a lot of hard work for the club. Something like this doesn’t come along often so that’s why we are here, it may not happen again in my life time.”

Among those congratulating the team was the Bishop of Durham, the Rt Revd Dr Tom Wright who said the club had reached the “pinnacle” of English cricket.

He said: “The wonderful progress of Durham County Cricket Club, and their development of young players from the region in recent years, has given a positive focus for everyone locally.

“At a time when our country is in danger of becoming more divided on a north-south axis, this reminds all of us in the region that we can and should hold our heads high.

“All this is a stunning achievement in just 16 years after joining the first class league.”