Saffron Walden claimed their first national title by winning the Play-Cricket ECB National Club Championship in a thrilling encounter with Barnt Green at Edgbaston.

After being 0-1, with opener Hall run out without facing, Birmingham-based Barnt Green managed to post a highly respectable 234 for six from their allotted 45 overs. Saffron Walden's bowlers were put to the sword in the middle of the innings before coming back strongly in the last five or six overs to restrict scoring.

Gavin Haynes, formerly of Worcestershire, top-scored with 67, and there were also good contributions from Froggatt and Dalland.

Generally considered a winning score against most sides in this competition, with 234 on the board, the 'home' favourites were justifiably confident. Indeed when Walden's skipper Steve Plumb was trapped in front of middle stump without scoring, the Barnt Green score looked like it would be too many. But Saffron Walden are no ordinary batting side.

Enter Giles Ecclestone to join Jamie Sparrow. Both played some majestic shots, batting with real freedom as if nothing were at stake. They put on 180 before Sparrow was dismissed for 83. There was very little the Barnt Green attack could do, despite including former Test spinner Richard Illingworth, who seemed powerless to stop the onslaught.

Man of the Match Ecclestone continued his charge until the job was done. Saffron Walden lost a couple more wickets but never looked like losing the initiative they had claimed so belligerently.

Ecclestone was left on 99 not out after Simon Williams, with six needed and a little over three overs remaining, somewhat uncharitably clubbed a maximum over square leg to secure the title for the Essex club.

For full details see the official ECB National Knockout Cup site at ecb.play-cricket.com

© ECB 2002