BUNNY TO BE AWARDED A BENEFIT IN 2015

Durham County Cricket Club is delighted to announce that Graham Onions has been awarded with a Benefit Year in 2015 – and he will be helping charities including the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

The 32-year-old seamer spent three years in the Durham Academy before making his first class debut in April 2004 and has since established himself as one of the best bowlers in the country.

“I am really proud to have been granted a benefit year and I’m looking forward to sharing it with all the members” said Onions.

“I have enjoyed some amazing moments with Durham. From signing my first professional contract, to making my home debut and winning the Friends Provident Trophy at Lord’s, then the three championship medals and recently the Royal London One-Day Cup.”

“Playing for Durham means the world to me and and I always feel incredibly lucky to be representing the club I love.”

The Gateshead-born star has won the LV=County Championship title on three occasions and in 2013, he took an incredible 70 wickets to help Paul Collingwood’s men secure the league crown for the third time in six seasons.

Onions has a total of 371 first class wickets for his county, with best figures of 9-67 against Nottinghamshire in 2012.

In international cricket he will be remembered for playing a key role as England reclaimed the Ashes in 2009. Onions took two wickets with the first two balls of the second day’s play at Edgbaston and his good form was rewarded with a place on the tour to South Africa.

Illustrating his fierce determination, Onions defied the hosts’ hostile bowling attack in all five of his innings and ensured that England secured a creditable draw in the four-match series.

“I am immensely proud that I have represented my country. Making my test debut at Lord’s, getting on the honours board and playing a part in an Ashes winning team are highlights that I will never forget. ” added Onions, who has nine Test caps for England.

“Throughout next year I’ll be hosting some exciting events which I really hope will raise lots of money for four charities that are very close to my heart.”

Onions has selected the Special Care Baby Unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, the PCA Benevolent Fund, and Steve Cram’s COCO (Comrades of Children Overseas) charity.

Durham County Cricket Club Chief Executive David Harker added: “Graham is a great example of what Durham is all about. He is a local lad who spent time in our academy and progressed through the ranks before achieving England honours.

“I’m delighted that Durham supporters will have an opportunity to recognise his contribution to the club over the years and I really hope that his benefit is a huge success”