ContinueWarwickshire thrashed Worcestershire by an innings and 202 runs at New Road to win the County Championship, and in doing so it signalled the relegation of the home side to the second tier of English cricket.
Royals Skipper Daryl Mitchell arrived at the crease this morning unbeaten on 42 knowing that he would play an integral part in proceedings if Worcestershire were to be competitive in this game, let alone make the Bears bat again.
Mitchell could not add to his over night total as he dragged a Keith Barker delivery on to his stumps.
The match was effectively over just after lunch as fast bowler Chris Wright skittled three Worcestershire batsmen within half an hour leaving them 89-9.Warwickshire old boy Alan Richardson was the last man to succumb to Wright's onslaught, giving Warwickshire the title.
This had been a burning desire of the Bears squad after they were unable to dismiss the Hampshire tail at the end of last season at the Rose Bowl which then handed Lancashire the title.
Bears Captain Jim Troughton pin pointed that time as the inspiration for this season's success when he spoke to Sky Sports:
"From that moment down at the Rose Bowl, when we didn't get those wickets and we felt completely gutted, we made it our responsibility to push on in the winter and make sure we came back and win it with a game to spare.
"It's amazing how it's happened exactly like that - it couldn't have been written any better. I'm absolutely over the moon."
Warwickshire Director of Cricket and former England slow left arm bowler, Ashely Giles, felt that this victory was 'two years in the making.'
"I'm just chuffed for everyone, Jim and the team have been fantastic this year - done everything we've asked of them.
"They've worked very hard since November last year, when we were looking for the 1% that would just take us that one step further.
"It's probably been two years in the making. After the disappointment of finishing second last year, to win it this year is brilliant."
