Hailing Paul Collingwood - A County Durham Hero

Some great entertainment in the Ashes yesterday. Mind you, at the time it seemed particularly nerve shredding. The North East should be proud of the heroic resistance of Paul Collingwood in keeping out the Aussies and keeping our Ashes hopes alive.

At a time when all around were losing their heads, Collingwood maintained mental concentration and mental discipline. Given that he is a County Durham boy, we should have expected no less. Good to see that he has been joined by two more Durham lads in Steve Harmison and Graham Onions for the Second Test.

Many years ago, I used to play against Paul Collingwood when he played for Shotley Bridge. It was clear then that he would go on to great things. The entire nation is now seeing what those of us in the area saw a few years ago. Here's hoping that the rest of the series will bring more pride and glory for County Durham.