PROUD captain Mike Comber has hailed the quality, togetherness and work-ethic of his title-winning Frinton cricketers.

The Ashlyns Road side are celebrating a historic achievement after being crowned Read Brothers Ltd East Anglian Premier League champions.

They cemented top spot following Saturday's 103-run victory at Mildenhall.

It means that with just one fixture left - this weekend's home clash against Cambridge Granta - they cannot be overhauled by second-placed Swardeston.

The title is Frinton's first-ever in the Premier League and they have also become the first Essex champions.

"On a personal note, it's obviously a huge achievement to take the team to the top of the league and finish as champions," said a euphoric Comber.

"It's certainly up there with my very best achievements.

"I’ve played cricket at various levels and this has been the challenge I’ve enjoyed the most.

"We've taken each game as it comes and never taken anything for granted.

"Even when we were winning, we kept working and training hard.

"We never took our foot off the gas or took short cuts.

"The players have shown so much fight and determination, digging in when things weren't going well, and I'd be surprised if a team has ever gone through the season only losing one game.

"It's a massive achievement and the atmosphere at the club over the weekend was unreal."

In addition to his players' obvious talent, Comber believes their success is down to sheer hard work and determination.

He says their attitude and commitment to training has been second to none.

"It's been a real team effort and, aside from the players' undoubted quality, our togetherness and work ethic have been key ingredients," said the former Essex man.

"The new players gelled straight away and we've been consistent throughout.

"Every person in the squad is a friend and not just a team-mate.

"I'd happily talk to any of them about anything and that's what makes this success so special.

"We've trained hard, having long, hard sessions, and I couldn't have wished for a better bunch in that respect.

"Every single player has been on the same page and prepared to put in the hard yards.

"No other side could have trained harder than us.

"Sometimes we were out there for three and a half to four hours, in the height of the summer when there was enough light.

"It's no surprise the players are now reaping the rewards.

"Every one of them has been so hungry to work hard and win games and it's been a breath of fresh air."

Comber says he feels blessed to be captain of such an ambitious, forward-thinking club.

Now he wants his team to finish on a high when they welcome Granta to Ashlyns Road on Saturday (11am start).

The team will be presented with their silverware during the afternoon.

"The club is so well run that it feels like a professional set-up," he said.

"In addition to being the champions of our league, I'd like to think we're one of the best club sides in the country.

"I'd certainly back us against any other team and when you consider our ground and facilities, our support and our brilliant cricket week, it makes you wonder if there's any better club to play your cricket for.

"I'd certainly find it hard to think of anywhere and now we want to finish on a high on Saturday.

"I can't thank the supporters enough and their loyalty and backing has made such a difference.

"They've been a huge part of the journey and you don't get that so much at other clubs.

"It'll be nice to celebrate our success with them at the weekend.

"It would be lovely to finish on a high and it's going to be such a special day.

"Cambridge are rivals and we always have hard-fought, sometimes feisty games against them.

"Both sides will be desperate to win and if we could turn them over, it would be the cherry on the cake.

"Then we can walk off the pitch and enjoy the evening with our supporters.

"We've got a full side available and hopefully it can be a very special finale. Hopefully we can put on a real show."