DURHAM cricketers rounded off a triumphant season when they were honoured at a civic reception yesterday.

After winning the County Championship for the second year running, they were presented with Durham County Council’s Chairman’s Medal at Durham Town Hall.

Last month’s back-to-back championship glory made it three consecutive trophy-winning years, following success in the limited overs game in 2007.

County council chairman Brian Myers, who presented the award to coach Geoff Cook, said: “I would like to honour the people at the sharp end, the people training hard and playing hard week after week to do their best for the team.

“After winning the Friends Provident Trophy in 2007, the cricket world was pleased that the new boys had a bit of silverware.

Winning the County Championships last year was a great triumph for Geoff Cook. It firmly put Durham on the cricketing map, putting them up there with the traditional powerhouses of the game.”

He added. “Those powerhouses of cricket simply weren’t good enough to beat our lads from Durham.

“Geoff Cook made Will Smith his captain this year and it is fair to say he took on the role in fine style.”

The occasion was also attended by Stockton mayor Paul Kirton, Sunderland deputy mayor Tom Martin, Hartlepool Borough Council chairman Carl Richardson and Gateshead mayor John Eagle.

Receiving the award, Mr Cook said: “There is a nice sort of symmetry about your invitation in terms of people coming from Stockton and Hartlepool. When Durham started we were privileged to go around and play in Stockton, Hartlepool, Darlington and Gateshead, which really got us established as a county club.

“Things have really developed to where we now, in terms of facilities, have at Chester-le-Street one of the best venues in the world.

“I think the team has also progressed accordingly. They have been absolutely outstanding.”

Mr Cook added: “Since we started in 1992 (as a first-class county cricket team), there has been a strong relationship between the county council and the cricket club.

“It is lovely that the team has done well enough to be able to deserve a function like this, which has been organised and sponsored by the county council. It is really an indication that everybody has moved forward together.”