COLCHESTER and East Essex Cricket Club are the county’s T20 kings.

And senior player Ben Stephens has described their success on Essex Finals Day as a “very proud moment”.

Having defeated South Woodford by 31 runs in the semi-final, the Castle Park outfit went on to sink Chelmsford by 37 runs.

Both matches were played at Billericay and Colchester now progress into the regional finals of the national competition – the last 32.

“It was a brilliant day for the club and a huge achievement,” said senior player Stephens, one of three surviving players from the club’s last Essex T20 success, in 2008.

“We’ve got a young team and to have watched them break through and then rise to this challenge was a very proud moment.

“I feel like one of the elder statesmen at the age of 29.

“The likes of Jack Hebron, Ollie Bocking and Henry Foster are all home-grown Colchester players.

“It was a joy to watch and be part of and the nice thing is that it was a genuine team effort, both in the semi-final and final.

“Everyone chipped in at crucial times, whether it be a vital catch or great piece of fielding.

“These lads have grown up watching T20 cricket.

“Some of the shots they played were outrageous and it’s brilliant to see them enjoying themselves and playing without fear.”

Captain Andrew Kennedy and Joe Austin are the other players that featured in Colchester’s success in 2008.

Colchester will now face the winners of the Middlesex, Herts and Home Counties competitions in the regional finals on August 2.