Fans hit right note for Bell as Bears pass final test
IAN Bell saluted the “unbelievable” backing from Warwickshire’s supporters who helped power the Bears to Royal London One-Day Cup glory with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Surrey at Lord’s.
Bell’s side produced a brilliant allround performance, one of the most complete ever seen from any county in a Lord’s final, to deliver the trophy for their fans.
And how those supporters played their part.
The captain was genuinely moved by the scale and volume of Warwickshire’s support in St John’s Wood – and hopes some of the youngsters among them are as inspired to become a future Bear as he was back in 1993 as a thrilled 11-year-old racing on the field at the end of the NatWest Trophy final.
“It was the best backing I have ever heard from the Bears fans,” Bell said.
“I have been lucky enough to play in a number of finals and have never known support like this time. It was unbelievable. It genuinely felt like a home game.
“I know we were playing well but the support was outstanding and I hope there were some youngsters there in the crowd who went home desperate to be Warwickshire players in the future, just like I did back in ’93.”
Dougie Brown, the Bears’ director of cricket, paid his tribute to the travelling army of supporters.
“I’ve been fortunate to experience Lord’s finals as a player as well as a coach and that was as loud as I’ve ever heard it, thanks to our travelling supporters.
“Bears’ supporters travel in force wherever we’re playing and we’re very fortunate as a club to have such a great backing.
“We thank them and look forward to bringing the trophy back for them to see at Edgbaston.”
The mutual ovation between players and supporters after the win will be long-remembered by all associated with the club. But on a wonderful afternoon, the best-attended domestic final for years threw up countless moments which will be recalled for years to come.
From that brilliant catch by Laurie Evans to Jonathan Trott’s flawless innings – and from the stunning stumping by Tim Ambrose to Olly Hannon-Dalby’s pivotal dismissal of Kumar Sangakkara.
It was one of those rare days in sport when everything goes right for a team including, admitted Bell, some very tough selection decisions, which saw William Porterfield and Josh Poysden left out of the 11.
“It was a really tough morning,” the skipper said. “Did we want to play Josh Poysden? Yes. And Will Porterfield has been fantastic for us in white-ball cricket for a long time. So we were leaving out two players who have contributed so much to us getting to the final.
“They were hard decisions but I think we got them right. I suppose when you are leaving out two guys of that calibre you are in a good place.”