lauded praise on local lad Mark Wood who became a World Cup winner last week after England had won a tense and pulsating final over New Zealand at Lord’s. The nailbiting encounter which gripped the nation, finally swung the way of the hosts - following two ties - after they had scored more boundaries. Mr Lavery said: “It’s truly wonderful for the North East and in particular the town of Ashington to add to the total of World Cup winners – Bobby and Jackie Charlton in 1966 for football and now Mark for cricket. It was a fantastic sporting occasion and to have our own Mark Wood at the centre of such an unbelievable spectacle was utterly amazing. Everyone in this country was rooting for Mark and the England team and not only have we (Ashington) produced the two times ashes winning fastest bowler in the World in Steve Harmison but now a one time ashes winner and World Cup winner in Mark Wood with both players products of the immensely popular Ashington Cricket Club. The club is a credit to our community and has been for a long time and the effort, commitment and dedication of the committee, players and staff during difficult times is something we should all be proud of. All in all it was a tremendous result for the region as a whole.” Sean McCafferty the first eleven skipper at Langwell Crescent said: “All the lads are buzzing for Mark. We were all out watching the final together – lads who have grown up with Mark alongside others who have known him maybes six months or a year – but everyone was supporting him and we couldn’t be more proud of Mark that he is a World Cup winner. He thoroughly deserves it.”