County cricketers go in to bat at store (From Durham Times)

County cricketers go in to bat at store

2:19pm Friday 5th February 2010

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A CRICKETING duo have swapped stumps for a sports store.

Former Durham County cricketers Darren Blenkiron and Gary Pratt launched the refurbished Peter Lorimer Sports shop on Newgate Street, in Bishop Auckland, on Saturday.

The store, which was managed by Mr Blenkiron’s parents Margaret and Billy, for more than 30 years, underwent a five-day refurbishment prior to its reopening.

The revamped store specialises in cricket equipment, with more than 250 bats on display.

Mr Blenkiron, who now plays for Bilton Cricket Club, in Harrogate, said: “The shop has been in my family all my life, and I have always been involved with it.

My parents are winding down now, but will still help out here part-time.”

Mr Pratt, who famously ran out Australian captain Ricky Ponting after appearing as a substitute fielder at Trent Bridge, in Nottingham, during the 2005 Ashes series, now plays for Bishop Auckland Cricket Club, and Cumberland County Cricket Club.

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