ESSEX have become the first side to finish the County Championship season unbeaten since the 1890s after securing a comfortable win over Yorkshire.

Ryan ten Doeschate and his side were crowned Division One champions with two matches to spare, but Essex were determined to complete the campaign without suffering a defeat.

And an astonishing win over Hampshire last time out has been followed up with a comfortable win over Yorkshire.

The players were set to finally get their hands on the County Championship crown at Chelmsford, much to the delight of those in attendance at the Essex County Cricket Ground.