Bracebridge Heath skipper Mark Fell insists his side's seventh successive ECB Premier League title is every bit as sweet as their first.

Bracebridge wrapped up another league crown with a 71-run victory over Grimsby at their Cross O'Cliff base on Saturday.

Paul Cook top scored with 73 as Fell's side made 231 for seven in their 50 overs.

In reply, the visitors were skittled out for 160, with Aaron Onyon taking six wickets.

The victory ensured Bracebridge could not be caught at the top of the table.

Fell insists, with their league rivals desperate to knock his side off their perch, retaining their crown becomes more difficult every year.

"This achievement feels every bit as good as the previous years," said the 48-year-old batsman.

"I honestly think it is more difficult, every year, to win the league because the other teams in the league are desperate for us to slip and fail. I haven't got a problem with that – that's how it should, it's human nature."

Fell believes his side's quality shone through during the title run-in as nearest rivals Skegness' challenge faded.

"We've done well this year," added Fell. "We didn't start the season as well as we could. We didn't start slowly, but we didn't start playing our best cricket until the last six weeks.

"But that's what quality sides do, they perform well when the pressure is on.

"I was very impressed with Skegness this year and I think if they'd kept their Afghani quick bowler (Hamid Hassan) for the whole season, it would have been a bit closer.

"Quick bowlers like that really make the difference in this league and it would be good to see more of them."

Fell singled out several of his players for praise following their latest title triumph.

"Aaron Onyon has been brilliant with the ball and Paul Cook has been very consistent with the bat," added the former Nottinghamshire batsman.

"Nick John started the season very well while Brett Houston has done well since we put him up to three.

"We've brought a few youngsters into the team, too. They've had their ups and downs, but that's what you expect with young players."