EUPHORIC Tom Hicks admitted he was “absolutely ecstatic” after piloting Dorset to the Minor Counties Championship Western Division crown.

Hicks led by example as his side defeated Wales Minor Counties at Dean Park to snatch the title from the grasp of Berkshire, who had suffered a costly defeat to Cornwall.

The skipper returned outstanding match figures of 10-94 and also weighed in with a crucial half-century in the second innings to navigate his charges out of trouble and lay the foundation for victory.

Speaking to Echosport, Hicks revealed that he and his team-mates only found out they had been crowned champions hours after their match had been completed.

News filtered through of Berkshire’s demise late on Tuesday evening and it was seen as sweet revenge for unbeaten Dorset, who were pipped at the post by the Royal County two seasons ago.

Hicks said: “We have worked really hard, not only this year, but for the last two or three to build for a position where we can be challenging for honours.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic. A big group of us hung around afterwards waiting for their result to come through and although that was a bit of an anti-climax, it didn’t really matter in the scheme of things.

“Sean Walbridge has mentioned before that it would mean a lot to me to win the title, and it does because I’ve been representing Dorset for 20 years.

“Two years ago we were edged out by Berkshire and finished fourth in the end. We learned a lot from that experience and knew what it took not to let chances like this slip away.”

Now Hicks’ jubilant troops will lock horns with Eastern Division champions Lincolnshire in the final at Dean Park from September 5-8.

However, Dorset may have to take to the outfield without their inspirational captain, whose job as a teacher clashes with dates of the showpiece match.

Hicks added: “We have got one or two issues with selection and I’m not sure whether I’ll be available myself. Because of that, the win was slightly tinged with concern, but we’ve got a good squad.

“We have won all three of our home matches, so we know what it takes to win at Dean Park. It’s not been the best wicket this year but it has produced results.

“We have momentum and there’s no reason why we can’t do it. I think we have only lost one or two matches at home in the last three years.

“I’m disappointed that we lost in the Knockout Trophy because I felt we could challenge on both fronts. I want us to become a side that teams look to avoid, and we are getting some way to becoming that.”