WILTSHIRE'S top bowler Graham Shadwell has returned from the first ever Europe versus Asia Test series with two gold medals and hopes his success will be a springboard for future success on the world arena.

Shadwell, 28, who won the national under 25s championships in 1999, was partnered by another Briton and two Spaniards to beat teams from Malaysia and Asia and he is now looking to the World Championships in five years' time in Australia as his next major target.

He said: "This success was totally unexpected but it does stand me in good stead for the the World Championships. If I'm realistic, I think next year's event in Scotland will be too soon but I am definitely targeting Australia in 2008.

"To play in the first ever Asia series was an honour for me and to return successful as well is a great achievement.

"The heat was almost unbearable, as at times it reached 40-42 degrees, but you had just had to try and ignore it and bowl as well as you could."

The Spencer Moulton player represented England in the Home internationals a few weeks ago and he is now looking forward to the national championships which are coming up at the end of the season.

"My confidence is sky high at the moment and I am looking to take my present form into these events and continue my success."

After returning from Asia, Shadwell only had one day to recover before playing his Wiltshire singles quarter-final against Ben Hatton but he seemed completely unaffected as he demolished the Amesbury bowler 21-0 in a blistering display.

He said: "I was tired after my trip but luckily for me work allowed me to have the Monday off and so I was able to go into the match mentally and physically prepared.

"Ben didn't play at all badly but I just couldn't put a foot wrong. This is the first time I have ever won by such a margin and as it was also my birthday it wasn't a bad present.

"I can't believe how well things are going for me and I am just waiting for something to come and bring me down with a bump."

Shadwell works for Wilts Wholesale Electricals in Trowbridge and is grateful to the support they have given him in his quest to reach the top in bowls.

He said: "Without the support of my work I wouldn't be where I am now. They have been very understanding about giving me time off and I would like to thank them for being such a great employer."

His semi-final on Sunday against Wiltshire team-mate Neil Smith, from Wootton Bassett and Shadwell is taking nothing for granted.

"Neil is a top player who I know well from playing for Wiltshire and this will be my hardest match of the competition so far," he said.