Colchester and East Essex sealed the division one title – and then dedicated their success to Rob George.

Former Colchester first XI player George, who died of leukaemia at the end of last year at the age of 21, was a former team-mate and friend of many of the club’s championship-winning players.

He was in their thoughts in every game of their memorable promotion-winning campaign, helped by a poignant poster in the changing room.

The poster, featuring two pictures of George in action, urged Colchester’s players to “Enjoy every game that he can’t”.

And it proved an inspiration to Colchester, who secured the title thanks to a seven-wicket triumph at Harlow last weekend.

Colchester captain Ben Stephens said: “Rob would have been in our squad every week, this season.

“It was tough to lose him at the end of last year and he was one of the boys.

“I’d like to dedicate us winning division one to the Rob George Foundation.

“We’ll be putting up a framed shirt displaying Rob’s name in the changing room, in his memory.”