Kings Stanley have won their fourth title in four seasons after clinching Division Five of the Gloucestershire Cricket League.

Their 40-run win over Langford on Saturday coupled with second-placed Sheepscombe’s surprise six-run defeat at home to Parkend meant their celebrations could start a week earlier than anticipated.

“It’s been a good season,” said skipper Jamie Bish. “It’s been a strong, all-round team performance.”

Indeed it has because they’ve won 15 of their 17 games and are now 28 points clear of the chasing pack.

Their win over Langford, who started the day in third place in the 10-strong division, was typically impressive after they won the toss.

Opening batsman Josh Gray led the way with 123 from 117 balls as Kings Stanley made 240-7 in their 40 overs.

Langford then closed on 200-9 with spinner Jason Huxstep taking 5-24 in his eight overs.

Gray and Huxstep have both enjoyed good campaigns.

“Josh has batted nine times and scored 349 runs,” said Bish, who has captained Kings Stanley to all their recent title successes.

“Jason is a bowling all-rounder, he’s taken 21 wickets this season.”

And there have been big contributions from other players as well with club chairman and spin bowler Gavin Dean picking up 28 wickets while Australian overseas player Oliver Cranny, who has now returned home, has also been a big hit.

“He played 16 games for us and scored 469 runs,” continued Bish. “He scored a hundred in his first game against Gloucester 2nds and scored four more 50s.

“He also took 28 wickets with his medium-pace.”

Bish is now looking forward to the challenge of playing in Division Four next season where they will be up against the likes of Whitminster, Churchdown and Cranham.

“I’d like to think we’ll be competitive,” he said. “Without being over-confident, if we can keep the squad together I think we can get another promotion, but we’ll have to wait and see.”

Kings Stanley 2nds, meanwhile, have also enjoyed a fine season and are currently second in Division 8D.