JUBILANT Elmstead Cricket Club captain Aidan O'Brien believes his title-winning team have pulled off a "once in a lifetime" achievement.

The Vicarage Meadow side secured the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship title for the first time in their history after Saturday's final match at Braintree.

Although the first division content was abandoned due to wet weather, they still gleaned enough points to ensure they could not be caught by runners-up Wivenhoe.

"It was a strange feeling - one of huge relief and shock at what we've achieved but also an amazing one we'll never forget," said O'Brien.

"The celebrations went on until the early hours and people of all ages associated with the club enjoyed the success together, which was fantastic.

"It's a once in a lifetime thing and it'll take a while to sink in, in terms of the size of the achievement.

"The club were formed in 1889 and nothing like this has happened before. That's 128 years!

"Never in a million years did we think we'd win the league, so for the majority of the season we've played carefree cricket without pressure. That and team spirit have won us the title.

"My team-mates have been amazing and we're a really close-knit group who have played together for years, even if some had the odd stint away.

"Credit also needs to be given to everybody behind the scenes who have given so much in the past and present to get us where we are now.

"I'm so grateful to those that have made it possible, for their hard work and dedication.

"My favourite part of Saturday was when our scorer, Jill Davis, said to me with a tear in her eye 'I've waited 40 years for this'. She's been scoring for the first team all that time."

O'Brien also had words of praise for runners-up Wivenhoe, who pushed his side all the way and were unlucky not to beat Elmstead on the penultimate Saturday.

Wet weather saved the champions when they appeared on the ropes.

"Wivenhoe are a big club and a very good side who have always been up there in this division," added O'Brien, who thanked club sponsors WDL, The Spice and Colchester Fuel Injection.

"They should be proud of their season, but it just emphasises how well we've performed.

"The rain saved us against them, which shows some things are meant to be.

"However, we've won the most games and lost the least, so have rightfully earned our place at the top.

"To our great credit, we've also played 90 per cent of the season without our overseas player, which just shows what a great unit we are. It's been a great pleasure captaining these lads and one I've thoroughly enjoyed."