ESSEX County Cricket Club, boosted by income of �300,000 from the ECB, made a profit of �333,000 for the year ending December 31.

Chairman Nigel Hilliard said: “Last year’s failure in all competitions was especially disappointing as we appeared, on paper at least, to have an excellent squad.

“Unfortunately our performances on grass were not impressive and while we continue to be victims of our own success by producing players for England and the IPL, members have been used to better performances.

“The club’s main aspiration is to still be successful in the county championship. We do accept that our present group of players are more suited to the shorter formats of the game and it was therefore disappointing that last year results went against us in the limited over matches as well as the Championship.

“Nevertheless, we continue to produce very talented young cricketers; they now need to fulfil their potential if we are to succeed.”

Treasurer Keith Brown said: “Our significant profits of �333,000 reflects a small operating profit of �13,000 supplemented by �300,000 of exceptional income from the ECB. The exceptional income is in respect of maintaining our ground to a specific standard and has been set aside to meet anticipated expenditure in the future.

“We maintained our contribution from membership but match income was down. Our income from one day games is 89% of gate income. Our reliance on Twenty20 income is greater than any other county and with the reduction in home games from eight to five in 2012 this represents a real challenge to our income.

“In 2012 we will be investing a further �100,000 in cricketing by strengthening our squad in the hope that it will bring success in the field.”

The profit for 2011 of �333,368 compares to a 2010 loss of �22,585.