Edwards thrilled after title glory

15 September 2009 | By Russell Staves

Charlotte Edwards says winning the LV= Women's County Championship ranks alongside all the other major honours she has scooped this season.

The all-conquering Edwards has won everything this year, including the ICC World Cup and World Twenty20, and retaining the County Championship is the perfect way to end 2009.

"Winning the title means a lot," Edwards told ecb.co.uk.

Charlotte Edwards gets her hands on more silverware after winning the Women's County Championship

"But not just for me but the girls who I play with. They give up a lot to play cricket, training midweek and playing on Sundays. They deserve it for all the hard work they put in.

"I've loved this season. It's really nice for me to play with my mates. They are the ones who make it all worth it.

"It means just as much to captain Kent as it does captaining England. I've enjoyed playing too. I'm batting as well as ever."

Kent went into the final game of the season with Sussex knowing a point was all they needed to get hold of the trophy they won in 2006 and 2007.

Having won the toss and elected to bowl, Edwards' heart was in her mouth as Sussex rocketed off from the opening over with Sarah Taylor particularly aggressive.

But Kent remained patient and after dismissing the England pair of Taylor and Caroline Atkins, their moment soon arrived when Charlotte Anneveld trapped Laura Marsh in front to secure the title-winning bonus point.

"It was pretty low key when we took the third wicket," admitted Edwards. "I didn't want any whooping and hollering as I wanted to win the game. The biggest thing was to win the game."

Rather than resting on their laurels having secured the championship, Kent bowled Sussex out for 196 before claiming a seven-wicket win - their 10th straight victory of a perfect season.

Edwards made 71 but the chase was championed by Lydia Greenway who made 89 not out.

"The win might have looked straightforward on the scorecard but I can assure you it wasn't," added Edwards. "I was quite nervous as Sussex got off to a flyer.

"Lydia and I played well on a difficult wicket. Lydia was superb. That's the best I have seen her play for a long time. Actually, it might be the best innings I have seen her play.

"I wanted to win this game. It means we have won all ten games this season and proves we deserve to win the title. There is no doubt that we were the best side.

"We are a young side who have got better as the season has gone on.

"It would be hard to pick anyone out but Dee Tress has really come on this year. She's only 16 but she opens the bowling, that's a big achievement. She has been the find of the season. Tammy Beaumont has kept well and scored a hundred in a crucial game. Susie Rowe has been superb too."