Gareth Breese speaks after hitting the winning runs in his final game
By Matt Somerford
Gareth Breese stepped into retirement a hero and admitted he did not want the feeling to end as Durham won a low-scoring Royal London One-Day Cup final bythree wickets at Lord's.
A fairytale end to Breese's decade-long career in the north-east could not have gone closer to script as he hit the winning runs after his 3-30 helped skittle Warwickshire for 165 in 47 overs.
"I don't want it to end really," the popular 38-year-old all-rounder told ecb.co.uk.
"I'm really looking forward to going upstairs and spending a few hours in that dressing room with the team that I have spent 11 years with.
"They are a fantastic set of lads and hopefully they will be able to do more good things in the future."
Victory secured Durham's fifth title in the past eight seasons - a run that was kicked off by their 50-over Lord's success in 2007.
Breese was a member of the winning team that day when Durham coasted to a 125-run victory over Hampshire.
They were, however, forced to sweat for success in their second-ever Lord's decider, despite making full use of bowler-friendly conditions after winning the toss.
A nervy chase ensued when Phil Mustard was bowled second ball and then Calum MacLeod also followed without scoring.
Captain Mark Stoneman responded with a run-a-ball 52, but the nerves kicked in as Warwickshire spinner Jeetan Patel grabbed 4-25.
When the New Zealander trapped Gordon Muchall in front - all four of his victims fell lbw - Durham still required 36 as Breese strode to the crease.
But with the help of man of the match Ben Stokes, who finished unbeaten on 38 to go with his 2-25, Breese steered Durham home, under-edging the winning runs away to the third-man rope.
"You get 160-odd to chase down, and you think it's going to be a walk in the park, but good teams don't get to a final to give up and they gave it a good fight," Breese said.
"I was just happy that we were able to put in a team performance. All season it has been really tough - everybody chipped in.
"That's what Durham is about and that's what we've been about for the last seven years, winning trophies.
"We work hard and we party hard and I'll tell you the truth we're going to party hard tonight."
Stokes was happy to sidestep any plaudits in favour of Breese, even though his nerveless display with the bat proved vital in the end.
"Man of the match, aside it's brilliant to come to Lord's and be such a strong team," he said.
"To walk away with another trophy is fantastic."
Asked about Breese's winning runs, he added: "It's amazing how things like that happen. He thoroughly deserves the feeling that he got after hitting the winning runs.
"He's been a great servant for Durham and a great performer and he deserves everything he gets."
Warwickshire director of cricket Dougie Brown admitted his side had been second best on the day.
Skipper Varun Chopra's 64 was a lone hand with the bat and, while they fought back gamely with the ball, they did not have enough runs on the board.
"We came second - credit to Durham they played very good cricket," Brown said.
"They bowled well up front and made it really difficult for us in helpful conditions. We tried to get back into the game - every time we got a partnership going they managed to get a wicket.
"We deserve a lot of credit for the way we stuck at it in the second half of the game and Jeetan Patel again showing his value to us.
"They were seven wickets down with 35 required. It was all to play for but Ben Stokes played really well and Gareth Breese, it's probably a fitting way for him to go out.
"I've got no complaints - Durham have played some pretty good cricket and they deserve the win."
Brown was still able to reflect on a season - that ends by hosting Durham in the LV= County Championship next week - with plenty of positives.
In addition to reaching this final they won the NatWest T20 Blast last month and are well placed to finish second in the championship.
Brown added: "To get to two finals and come away with one one-day competition and be competing in the championship as well, the players deserve a massive round of applause for what they've achieved this year."