YORKSHIRE fast bowler Steve Patterson admits his title-winning season is a dream come true, but one he never even considered when plying his trade in Hull.
An integral part of the Tykes' first County Championship win since 2001, Patterson has come a long way since the days when he used to play for Hull Cricket Club.
Back then he was used to running out on the pitch at The Circle, long before the KC Stadium was around, and competing in the local leagues.
But the former Malet Lambert School pupil admits he wouldn't be able to call himself a champion if it wasn't for those early cricket experiences.
"There haven't been too many cricketers from Hull who have won the title so that's special for me," Patterson told the Mail.
"I'm not back in Hull too much these days but I still represent the city with pride.
"I'd never be in this position if I hadn't grown up in Hull and been given my chance playing for Hull CC.
"Hull is really thriving on the sporting scene and I'm proud to be a part of something that is really strong.
"It's a very special feeling for me as I grew up dreaming about playing for Yorkshire.
"I'll never get to play for England so this is the greatest achievement for me."
Now living in Leeds so he can be closer to Headingley, Patterson has enjoyed a memorable last couple of years.
He got married back in 2012, before moving into a new house and becoming a father six months ago.
Winning the title has capped a wonderful period in his life, but the former Leeds University student hopes he can extend that successful streak.
"If someone had told me two years ago all that would have happened, I'd have snapped their hand off," said Patterson, who will celebrate his 31st birthday on Friday.
"Ever since I got married, things have just got better and better. I can't possibly top all that but I will try.
"I truly believe we can win the title again next season because we have built a great squad.
"We have been consistent this season and hopefully we can enjoy two or three more good years.
"Even though we have lost players to England duty, we managed to win the title because we keep producing good players from our academy."
Clinical in all departments this season, Yorkshire lost just one of their 16 matches, winning eight and drawing seven.
A thumping win over Nottinghamshire sealed the pennant and was a triumph for coach Jason Gillespie, whose three seasons at Headingley have also seen the Tykes finish as runners-up last season following their promotion from the Second Division.
Opening batsman Adam Lyth has chalked up 1,489 runs to get points on the board early on, but Patterson says the secret of their success has been the strength of their entire squad.
"Everyone has gone about their jobs brilliantly," he explained.
"Six of our bowlers average a wicket every 30 runs or better and we have nine batsmen averaging 40 or more.
"When one player struggles, there is someone there to pick up the slack for them.
"Teams who rely on two or three players struggle when they have an off day.
"We have also been lucky with the weather because getting four consecutive days of decent weather in the north of England isn't easy."
The weather certainly couldn't spoil their game against Sussex at Scarborough in August, the game which gave Patterson the belief they could go on and win the title.
"That was the defining moment for me," he added. "On the final day, it looked as though the only outcome would be a draw.
"They put on a century partnership for their fifth wicket, but we bowled well and bowled them out with an hour and a half to spare.
"That was the game that told us we were good enough to win the title.
"Winning the title at Trent Bridge was a very special moment and it led to some brilliant celebrations.
"But we will still be going out to win the title again next season."