IT has been a truly memorable and historic couple of weeks for North-East sport.

And, after the success of hosting the England cricket and football teams, there now should be an attitude from clubs in this region to strive for yet more days like those.

Durham's Riverside ground started the ball rolling by becoming the newest Test venue in this country for 101 years.

The result against Zimbabwe - an innings win for Nasser Hussain's men - was never really in any doubt; it was all about how the Chester-le-Street setting would cope with the mass influx of media and fans.

The Riverside passed its test and now there is a determination to host an Ashes Test in 2005.

That sort of recognition is exactly what is required to help Durham's stadium take its next step towards becoming a regular world-class venue.

On Monday, Northern Echo SPORT told how Durham chairman Bill Midgley and his board are working towards making the Riverside into a 17,500 all-seater venue.

If the Aussies do come to town it will be a sell-out, there is no question about that. Otherwise there will be a visit from minnows Bangladesh.

If Durham want their ground to make a mark on the world stage, then a visit from Australia is a must after a successful debut against Zimbabwe.

But, just as Midgley stated last weekend, there is no way Durham can afford to just stand by and allow the England and Wales Cricket Board to regard the Riverside as a second-rate international cricket venue.

And, with the idyllic scenery of Lumley Castle overlooking the wicket, Durham deserve to preserve their status as a Test venue. After all they will not be keen to go down the same path as Bramall Lane did.

The Sheffield stage made its bow in 1902 and never played host to a Test match again.

Last Saturday's premature ending to the clash with Zimbabwe - England won with two days to spare - saw the focus switch from one Riverside ground to another.

But when Sven-Goran Eriksson's men took to the field at Middlesbrough on Wednesday night against Slovakia the pressure was not on the venue to perform - it was on the fans.

Fortunately for Boro, the supporters all obeyed the demands for good behaviour, led by one David Beckham, and there were only a handful of arrests on Teesside for minor offences.

The atmosphere inside the stadium was terrific - largely down to the two-goal blast from Michael Owen in the second half which clinched victory - and once again the North-East had proven to be more than capable of hosting international matches.

Newcastle's St. James' Park and Sunderland's Stadium of Light have both already enjoyed visits from England, and this week was Boro's chance to shine.

It is also worth remembering that Darlington's 27,000 all-seater ground will soon be completed and they will be in a position to compete for England Under 21 games. David Platt's side were watched by just over 11,000 at the Stadium of Light, with masses of empty red seats around the ground.

Just over a week earlier, Quakers' Third Division rivals Hull City enjoyed a near sell-out at their plush new arena.

And, once ready, Darlington's home is sure to be high on the Football Association's list to play host to the national team's young guns.

Though the week is over, one thing for sure is that England sides will soon be returning for more action in front of the fanatical North-East atmosphere.

We deserve it.