Will Rhodes ‘very proud’ after lifting Bob Willis Trophy

Warwickshire Captain Will Rhodes was 'very proud' to lift the Bob Willis Trophy at Lord's.

The Bears – crowned County Champions the previous week – made it a domestic double after routing Lancashire by an innings and 199 in less than three-and-a-half days.

There were plenty of celebrations after securing the Championship for an eighth time in front of the Members and supporters, but this was extra special considering the strong connection between Bob Willis and the club.

“Very proud. It was a very special week and very special day,” said Rhodes when trying to explain his emotions.

“We only needed four wickets and it didn’t take us long! We’ll have a few celebrations tonight. 

“Doing it for Bob with that Warwickshire connection is fantastic. It was something we wanted to achieve when we came here to Lord’s as we didn’t want to make a mockery of ourselves.

“I wanted us to send out a statement to why we’re champions and I’ve think we’ve done that today. We’ve dominated this game from ball one really and they’ve not had a sniff at winning or drawing this game from the very first session.”

Rhodes’ side may not have been pre-season favourites, but their red ball performances throughout the summer have been exemplary.

With a talented but relatively inexperienced squad, the Bears have defeated the strongest teams in the Championship – Essex, Somerset, Notts (twice), Lancashire and Yorkshire.

“That’s the sort of level of performance the guys want to take in to the winter and next summer,” Rhodes added.

“When we actually settle down and I’m at home chilling on the sofa it’ll reflect pretty well. It’ll take a few days to sink in as we we’ve effectively won the double.

“Two trophies in the cabinet with a very happy coach and a very happy gaffer which is what you want to see. “