FRINTON Cricket Club chairman Paul Kendall admitted being proud and honoured after bringing a coveted Tendring Sports Award back to Ashlyns Road.

The new Read Brothers Ltd East Anglian Premier League champions were crowned Sports Team/Club of the Year during the prestigious ceremony in Clacton.

They saw off competition from Performers Gymnastics Academy and Chase Lane Primary School’s year five and six footballers to be crowned winners at the Princes Theatre.

After collecting the award along with other committee members and club supporters, Kendall said it capped a great year for the club.

“We were absolutely delighted, proud and honoured to win an award,” said Kendall, whose side won the league for the first time in their history and also became the first-ever Essex winners.

“It’s been a wonderful year for our club and this puts the cherry on the cake.

“It’s recognition for everyone who has played some part in our success and not just the first-team boys.

“It’s for everyone – from the youngest colts to our most senior, experienced players to the committee, who work so hard for the good of the club.

“It’s been a real team effort.

“Everyone has contributed in some way and hopefully this award will help inspire all the young lads who play their cricket at Frinton.

“They’re the future of the club and we want them to share our sense of pride.”

Kendall admitted preparations are already in full swing to push on and hopefully reclaim the title silverware in 2020.

“The planning is already underway in terms of next season,” he said.

“While this year has been exceptional, we’re very conscious of not resting on our laurels.

“We want to keep pushing forward and don’t want to stand still.”

There was other success for the Frinton area at the Tendring Sports Awards.

Tendring Technology College pipped Clacton County High School to land the Educational Establishment Award.

Third place went to Kirby Primary Academy.

Athlete Sam Plummer, a student at TTC, sprinted to success in the New to Sport category.

The Tendring Sports Personality Awards celebrated the spectacular achievements of individuals, teams, coaches and volunteers from across the district.

They were organised by Tendring District Council and Active Tendring and the sponsors were Active Tendring, Rose Builders, Orsted, D Marvan Services and Morrisons.