Remember the scenes a year ago: Champagne corks popping, standing ovations and celebrations which went well into the night and the next day.

We deserved our moment of glory after winning the second division, but the celebrations last week when we secured our place in Division One for another season after Yorkshire's demise against Warwickshire were muted to say the least.

You can argue all you like about winning championships and of course I loved being able to lift the second division trophy a year ago, especially as it happened here at Hove. But let's put things into perspective.

We set out to finish in the top six and while that is only one place above the relegation zone I still think it is a remarkable achievement on our part which tops anything during my time with Sussex.

I remember my first year here when we finished seventh and won a place in the Benson and Hedges Super Cup.

This year we have gone one better and that is on the back of having to play the best sides in the country twice. For that, I congratulate the team for their efforts in what has been a frustrating, but nonetheless satisfying and ultimately rewarding season.

There is only one place to be and that is Division One.

Individually there have been so many performances of note. The emergence of Tim Ambrose, Matt Prior, Billy Taylor and Kevin Innes has been massively rewarding for me as captain.

All four are different in their own ways, but all have endearing qualities which are a desire to work hard and a thirst for success. Well done to you guys, you all deserve a huge pat on the back.

Two players whom I think deserve more credit than any others are Robin Martin-Jenkins and Mark Davis. Robin has come on leaps and bounds and for the first time achieved 1,000 first-class runs this year.

To do that batting at number six requires not only skill but also support from the lower order and while Prior and Innes were there on numerous occasions it was so often Mark who gave us the stubborn resistance required to produce partnerships.

Their stand against Somerset at Taunton was the best of the season on the best batting track of the summer as well. I strongly believe that Robin will go on to achieve his ambition of playing for England.

The international selectors seem to be constantly on the lookout for all-rounders but there are precious few who have achieved 1,000 runs in a season.

As for Mark, the prospect of him bowling in tandem with Mushtaq Ahmed next season is a mouthwatering one for me as captain.

There will always be outstanding individual performances during a season but the striking thing about this year more than ever we have produced a real team effort with the emphasis on the word team.

With all that happened in pre-season with Umer Rashid and the disruption caused to the squad by injuries we needed everyone to be strong.

We have been rewarded tenfold and I can end this season extremely proud in the knowledge that we have come through, battered and bruised admittedly, but stronger for the experience.

Performance of the season for me has to be James Kirtley. To come through all he had to endure over his action to take wickets and also win back his England place is great testament to him as a man but also due reward for old fashioned hard work.

I wish him well this winter and look forward to seeing you all next season. Sincere thanks for the support you have given the team.