Cricket World Cup comes to Hartlepool as fans get pictures with trophy

Cricket fans were thrilled to get the chance to have their pictures taken with a major piece of English sporting history.
By Tony Gillan
Published 17th Nov 2019, 16:38 BST
Updated 18th Nov 2019, 00:47 BST
The Cricket World Cup, won by England in July, was shown to fans at Hartlepool Cricket Club. Pictured from left are club secretary Susanne Wilkinson, chairman Alan Jackson and president Dr Peter Relton.The Cricket World Cup, won by England in July, was shown to fans at Hartlepool Cricket Club. Pictured from left are club secretary Susanne Wilkinson, chairman Alan Jackson and president Dr Peter Relton.
The Cricket World Cup, won by England in July, was shown to fans at Hartlepool Cricket Club. Pictured from left are club secretary Susanne Wilkinson, chairman Alan Jackson and president Dr Peter Relton.

The ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy was won by England after an incredible “super over” victory against New Zealand at Lords on July 14.

Members of Hartlepool Cricket Club, in Park Drive, celebrated wildly when captain Eoin Morgan lifted the trophy; the first time England had won the World Cup in its 44-year history.

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Following negotiations between the Yorkshire Premier League North president Chris West and the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board), it was agreed that the trophy could make a tour of the area for a weekend.

After an evening at Hardwick Hall, in Sedgefield, it was the turn of Hartlepool.

The gold and silver trophy was displayed on a plinth at the club for only an hour, but cricket lovers of all ages took full advantage with scores of them standing beside it to pose for photographs.

President of Hartlepool’s junior cricket club, Michael Gough, said: “The looks on the kids’ faces was great to see.

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“We had a constant stream of visitors. People came from Seaton, Blackhall, Castle Eden and all over. It brought back some great memories. It was a red hot day in July when we watched it all in the clubhouse. We went berserk when they won!

“It’s not often that England wins anything. It was really exciting to win the World Cup and it’s helped keep youngsters interested in the game, wanting to play and enjoying it.

“We had a few members keeping a close eye on the trophy. We didn’t want another ‘Pickles the dog’ situation.

“The ECB have been really generous.”

Michael’s son, Michael Gough Jnr, is a first class cricket umpire who also played for Durham as an opening batsman. He umpired at the World Cup and is about to officiate in Australia for the Aussies’ test series against Pakistan.

Seeing the delight of the youngsters with the trophy, Michael Snr said: “It brought back memories of when Michael was a little kid.”

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