The 2020 cricket season is on hold, so The Northern Echo is delving into our extensive and historic sporting archives to bring you an innings of pictures over the coming weekends.

We will have memorable photos from back in the day, from various leagues, divisions and clubs across the North-East.

Today, we look back on some old action from Durham’s days as a minor county side.

What are your memories of the era? Email your recollections to echosport@nne.co.uk

Last week, we featured Durham’s early days at the Riverside, from the planning and building stage to the first game.

Keith Sutherland, who is responsible for training and recruiting umpires across the region, had a key role to play on the day and he recalled: “I have taken delivery of the Northern Echo for probably 50 years or so, with your coverage of sport in the North-East second to none and I was pleased to read your piece on the first match held at the County Ground, Riverside, in August 1994. It brought back some very happy memories of the game for me.

“I can confirm that 'I was there', to celebrate the occasion, because as a member of the umpires' panel for second XI matches, when Durham became a First Class county, I was delighted to be appointed to officiate in the very first game on the new ground, with my good friend and colleague, John Hampshire, a first class umpire, who sadly is no longer with us.

“The match flashed by me very quickly, but I was told that 4,000 members attended the first day, with 400 hundred on the second, but a thunderstorm ended play early. During the night the ground was flooded and prevented any play on the third day.’’

And Christine Morley remembered: “I have lots of fond memories of the first match at The Riverside, one in particular, was recorded by the Northern Echo!

“I opened a bottle of champagne, whilst sitting on the boundary and during an over!! The umpire was not best pleased!’’