A LOCAL cricket side is celebrating after clinching a superb double, writes Paul Fraser.

Chester-le-Street Under-13s, who had already won the League Cup in May, were crowned champions of the Federation Special Durham Senior League last Saturday.

And the Cestrians eventually finished ahead of the rest in some style - recording 14 wins from 14 games.

Last weekend the Peter McMahon-managed outfit beat Gateshead Fell by 89 runs, with Michael Eggleston scoring 32 and Jack Taylor, 23, of the Chester total of 131 for 4. In reply Gateshead were restricted to 50 for 5.

The double success was largely helped by the aggressive batting of Darren Redfearn and Anthony McMahon, who have both scored over 500 runs this season, whilst Eggleston finished top of the averages with an impressive 50.2.

Fast-bowler Steven McTaggart has been a tremendous acquisition for the club and his form was rewarded by call-ups for the Derwentside district side.

But those five were not the only players in form over the past campaign, wicketkeeper Jonathan Shurben took 31 dismissals for the side and he has also played for the County and the League representative sides.

Andrew Summers and Taylor have made significant contributions with the bat whilst Andrew Bowron, Kieron Sowden and Chris Heselwood all took vital wickets at valuable times.

A good season was always going to be on the cards for the Under 13s after scooping the League Cup earlier this year with victory over Whitburn.

Anthony McMahon, son of coach Peter, top scored with 26 not out in their total of 128/7 and Bowron claimed three wickets for 20 as Chester-le-Street recorded a 73 run victory.

And the youngsters' coach Peter McMahon said: "All ten players played their part in the eight-a-side matches and they have all done brilliantly.

"Everyone of them deserve a mention because it has been a brilliant season. The proof of that is that they kept a 100 per cent record after 14 games in the League.