THERE couldn't have been a better way for Exhall and Wixford to clinch the 3D Cotswold Hills League championship.

Skipper Leon Gates ended a six-season association with the new champions with a six to defeat Elmley Castle by seven wickets and finally end Shipston's domination of the top flight.

When Gates arrived at Exhall in 1995, Shipston secured their first of five successive title triumphs. Now, as the Australian prepares to return 'down under', he takes with him the memories of a fantastic swansong.

"The spirit throughout the whole club has been the key to our success," Gates explained.

"It's not been just about the first team. To see the look on the faces of chairman John Canning and secretary Ian Thomas after the game last weekend made it all worthwhile," he added. "They spend hours at the club and the winning the championship means a lot to them."

The triumphant captain ended the day with 47 unbeaten runs against his name after Scott Carmichael and Pat Brosnan had laid the platform for success in pursuit of Elmley's 180.

Young seam bowler Sam Grinstead had earlier taken three wickets in his final over after Robin Eaton and Craig Sheward had given Castle a flying start.

And, with the news that Shipston had taken maximum bonus points with the bat at Overbury, Exhall knew they had to win the match. And, the popular Gates ensured they did it in style.

The Australian planned to stay in England for just a couple of seasons after meeting up with fellow lifeguard - and now girlfriend Amanda Bradshaw - in West Sussex.

"I enjoyed life so much I decided to stay," Gates recalled. "The social side at the club is second to none and I will miss it immensely when I go back home.

"The Cotswold League has been a tremendous league to play. You get to know all the opposition players, there's a little bit of sledging but at the end of the game we all have a drink together.

"The Elmley lads were brilliant last weekend and the same goes for the Shipston guys when we beat them this season. I think it's good for the league to have a new name on the trophy and I will miss it next summer."

When Gates, who also took three wickets on Saturday, arrives back in Perth, he plans to catch up with his family on a tour of his native country before settling down for some "suburban" cricket in Western Australia.