Things did improve and I did make the drive but not in that order. A glimpse of brighter sky over the Lower Ure Valley was enough to set me off up the A1. Driving through heavy rain made me think that I had been a bit hasty but by the time I reached Chester le Street the rain had nearly stopped and there was activity amongst the groundstaff. Gallons and gallons of water were removed and shortly after noon the umpires appeared and it was announced that a further inspection would hopefully confirm a 1:30 start.
Such was the case and at precisely 1:30 Stoneman and Jennings began their pursuit of the 62 runs needed to seal Durham's third championship in six years. In the end it was achieved without two many alarums. 17 overs were all it took with Stoneman leading the way with 35 not out. Jennings and Borthwick (my choice for player of the year) perished on the way but at half past two Stoneman punched one away off the back foot for four and the celebrations began.
Born in Durham I am of course delighted by Durham's triumph. A tweet from Michael Di Venuto shortly after the result was known said that this was the best of the three titles and when one takes into consideration the absence of an international player, the deduction of 2.5 points, the almost tragic event in coach Geoff Cook's life in mid season, the prediction by Cricketer magazine that Durham would be relegated* and the that fact eight of today's XI have been home produced, it is very easy to agree with the former Durham opener's opinion.
Headingley tomorrow and the prospect of a better day and a close finish. Let's hope a good crowd will be there, not least to say 'winter well' as the home season comes to an end.
* they also tipped Surrey to be champions.
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