RIVERSIDE'S fast-track to Test status would perhaps have many, incorrectly, thinking the route has been an easy one.

When the site at Chester-le-Street was an area for local dog-walkers, the thought of first-class cricket was enough to have many calling for action.

Petitions objecting to the development were drawn up and they even got David Bellamy to say a few words about the destruction of riverside habitats.

But while their views were taken into account in the overall planning of the ground's surroundings, the objectors were always batting on a sticky wicket.

Chester-le-Street District Council were determined to seize this opportunity to put their town on the map and county council leader Don Robson was very much at the forefront of Durham's first-class bid.

The Riverside was considered the ideal site.

There was plenty of space available, it was close to the A1, easily accessible for large numbers of people, and boasted the attractive the backdrop of Lumley Castle.

Once the plans were drawn up no amount of petitions were going to halt the bandwagon and the Environment Minister decided there was no need for a public inquiry.

The crucial matter of preparing the playing surface was in the hands of the original groundsman Tom Flintoft, who was of the firm opinion that the soil on the square at Wolviston Cricket Club was ideal for his purposes.

Some of the same soil was being shifted in the construction of the golf course at the adjacent Wynyard Hall, whose owner, Sir John Hall, agreed to donate more than enough soil for Durham to lay the square.

Flintoft duly became the only man alive to have prepared from scratch a ground for first-class cricket and at the first match played there the plaudits almost reduced him to tears.

The match was between Durham seconds and Middlesex in August, 1994 and the first ball was delivered by Franklyn Rose.

The Riverside's inaugural first-class match took place the following May and when Warwickshire's Nick Knight and Andy Moles put on 172 for the first wicket there was little hint of the pitch troubles to come.

Flintoft always insisted it would take several years for the square to settle down, and there is no doubt it has improved in recent seasons.