PROUD Maldon Cricket Club captain Chris Harris admitted it was a "sweet feeling" to go through the entire season unbeaten.

The Drapers Farm side won the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division two title a fortnight ago and signed off with another win, against Easton, on Saturday.

It means they won 19 times during the season and did not lose a single game, rocketing back into division one and winning the title by an enormous 60 points.

Harris described their proud record as the "icing on the cake" but added that his side cannot rest on their laurels as they prepare for a much tougher year back in the top flight.

"Having secured the title two weeks ago, I wanted to finish off the season by remaining undefeated as this would be the icing on the cake," he said.

"Our win at Easton has capped off what has been a fantastic year for the side.

"From a personal viewpoint, it was a sweet feeling to sign off with a century and it's great to be back in division one.

"However, we can't rest on our laurels.

"We know that we'll be facing stiffer opposition next year and won't be dictating every week.

"This will test me as a captain, but I welcome the challenge that division one presents.

"We've built momentum over the course of the year, which I think we can take into next year."

Harris sung the praises of his whole team but singled out star man Reece O'Connell.

He said the Australian, who set the tone for Saturday's win with a quickfire 56 from 29 balls, had been a "revelation".

"Reece scored over 1,000 runs and took over 50 wickets, which no other player in the Two Counties can match," said Harris, who was relentless in Saturday's match and showed no mercy to Easton's bowlers, as he notched up 122 from just 64 balls.

"We're blessed to have him here at Maldon.

"His attitude with the side has been perfect and has helped me galvanise the group of players.

"However, this is a team sport and there have been many contributions from all the players throughout the season.

"Aside from my team's success, I'd also like to say congratulations to the second team for gaining promotion.

"Playing in division four keeps the gap to three divisions, which helps in creating healthy competition for places.

"Across the club, we have many youngsters coming through the ranks, which bodes well for the next five years."