Borehamwood
17 November 2002

Middlesex retained the trophy after a ding-dong with Sussex who were ahead several times through the first half of the competition. Middlesex then got their noses in front and gradually increased their lead to finish comfortably ahead of Sussex. The next four counties were very close indeed with only 19.5 points separating them at the end after the running order changing hands frequently. Essex are clearly getting their act together and maybe have ideas about being top dog again? The hosts Hertfordshire had their best result since the event started in 1987 and but for a couple of unfortunate disqualifications, could have been third or fourth.