Surrey ended Hertfordshire’s four years of dominance in the Aegon Summer County Cup to win their first title since 2000 in Eastbourne.

The team, led by former ATP top 200 player Danny Sapsford, defeated the champions 5-2 to round off a remarkable comeback after they lost their opening match to South Wales on Monday.

Chris Eaton, who made the second round of Wimbledon in 2008, and Joe Salisbury, who made his first ITF final earlier this month, were instrumental to the victory with three rubbers wins and it was fitting that they won the vital fifth point.

But captain Sapsford admitted it was the pair’s second point in which they came through in three sets which really swung the game.

“I think it was that middle part where things were really tight because I would have made Herts slight favourites in the evening session,” he said.

“But when they won that third set we knew we only needed one more point to do it and it wasn’t too nerve racking in the end.

Your Local Guardian: Winners

That winning moment: Joe Salisbury and Chris Eaton are glorious in victory

“It was just brilliant to finally get one over on Hertfordshire after so many years coming second so I can only hope this will be a sign of things to come.”

Surrey had jokingly named themselves the ‘Hunters’ in respect of long-time Surrey county cup stalwart Geoff Hunter who was not playing this year, and Jack Carpenter insisted the fun atmosphere within the camp had made a difference.

“The mood is always good and we have enjoyed ourselves this week,” he said.

“We were saying over dinner and we believe it now that we never expect to be defeated at all.

“We are the Surrey Hunters. We play for the hunt and having found a new partner in Tim Patient I think we’re going to go on and do some pretty good things.”

Your Local Guardian: Surrey with the Cup

Winners: Surrey, the new Aegon Summer County Cup holders