ESSEX were able to get their hands on the County Championship title after finishing the campaign unbeaten.

Champions Essex completed their history-making season with a convincing 376 run win against Yorkshire in Chelmsford yesterday.

And head coach Chris Silverwood was quick to praise his side’s outstanding achievement.

“The achievement is incredible to be honest,” said Silverwood.

“But the whole team has contributed.

“The bowling attack has been relentless and we make it difficult for the opposition.

“Jamie Porter stepped up beautifully, Simon Harmer has fit in well, Sam Cook has now come in and everybody has done their bit.

“The bowlers have done exceptionally well this season but everyone’s contribution has been shared equally.

“I think we have scored 13 hundreds this season, with them coming from eight different players.

“So the batsmen have done their bit as well.”

Having gone the campaign without suffering a single defeat, Silverwood knows that Essex’s opponents will be eager to beat the champions.

But the head coach has challenged his players to go on and replicate the form demonstrated in the triumphant campaign.

“You don’t win a Championship everyday so we have to take it all in, savour the moment and enjoy this,” said Silverwood.

“That feeling that the players have got of winning this now should give them motivation to drive on and do the same again next year. Come January, all the teams are level again and that is it.

“We will move forward and I don’t think it will take a lot of motivation to spur these players on for next season. We can’t allow complacency to come in, so it will be important to remind them that we are starting again.

“Everyone will want to beat us next season and it is up to us to make sure we stand up to the challenge.”

And Silverwood was also happy Essex’s fans were able to join in with the celebrations.

“We have a very passionate group of supporters,” he said.

“They’re all out here enjoying themselves, mixing with the players and that will be the passion that drives us forward.”