The Darlington and Stockton Times | News, Sport, Business, North Yorkshire, County Durham

More celebrations for Flyer phill

From the archive, first published Friday 19th Jan 2007.

DARTS hero Phill Nixon was bowled over yesterday when he landed an award from leading sportsmen from a different field.The Ferryhill Flyer's remarkable runner-up performance in last week's British Darts Organisation world championships won him fans across the region.Among them are players and staff at Durham County Cricket Club, which yesterday made him an honorary club member.Players Gary Scott and Ben Harmison presented the membership, which gives Mr Nixon free or discounted admission to all home matches and priority booking for international fixtures at the Riverside in 2008, yesterday. Mr Nixon, who started the championship as a 150-1 outsider, clawed back from 6-0 down in Sunday's 13-set final to level the score, before eventually losing 7-6 to England captain Martin Adams.Andrew Jarvis, from the cricket club, said: "Phill really captured the imagination of the public and it has been fantastic to hear everyone talking about his performance and determination. "We are delighted to offer him honorary membership of the club and we look forward to seeing him here at the Riverside at the start of the season."Mr Nixon, 50, said: "I have been watching the Ashes Down Under and cannot wait to watch some live cricket at the Riverside over the summer."The region will continue to celebrate Mr Nixon's performance with a civic reception today.Residents are urged to gather outside Ferryhill Town Hall, between 1.45pm and 2pm, to greet Mr Nixon and his family as they arrive in a limousine provided by A&K Limousine Hire, of Ferryhill, courtesy of The Northern Echo.The family will then enjoy a buffet and presentations by Ferryhill Town Council, Sedgefield Borough Council and Durham County Council.

Archive Home