Warwickshire players were given a fantastic reception by supporters of Birmingham City and Aston Villa as they took to the field at the eagerly awaited Second City Derby at St. Andrew’s yesterday.
Skipper Ian Bell and members of the Warwickshire squad paraded the Royal London One-Day Cup – which the Bears won at Lord’s in September – at St. Andrew’s during the interval of the Sky Bet Championship match, which finished 1-1.
Birmingham City and Warwickshire CCC have built a close relationship in recent years and Sunday’s invitation came from Blues’ Director Panos Pavlakis, who was keen to celebrate the Bears’ trophy win.
Supporters of both teams were in the Bears’ party at St. Andrew’s yesterday, with opening batsman Ian Westwood a lifelong Bluenose whilst Ian Bell is a huge Villa fan.
Thanks to everyone at Birmingham City Football Club for accommodating the Bears yesterday and to the fans of both teams for such a great reception.
