The team from "down under'' was on top of the world last night after being crowned debating champions.

Australia beat England by six votes to one to be named the World Schools' Debating Champions, ending a week of cut and thrust between teams from around the globe.

It also ended a week in which Bermuda has come under the international spotlight and emerged with flying colours for its organisation of the event and the welcome given by its people.

Last night, after more than an hour of debate in front of a packed hall at St.

Paul's Centennial Hall, the Australians were crowned world champions.

As the result was announced by Premier David Saul the elated teenaged Australians hugged each other with joy -- as they became the first Australian side to win the championships.

"We're on top of the world. We have been working towards this for the last several months and it has been an effort by the coach and the team,'' said Roger Wong, who with his team mates Pip Webb and Rosalind Dixon were looking forward to celebrating their win.

"We were pleased to have got this far,'' said England team member James Williams who with his team mates Vicky Perkins and Michael Birshan remained upbeat despite the loss.

"It was an excellent debate and Australia were worthy opponents and worthy winners, but we will be back next year.'' The Australians had to oppose the motion "That this House believes that terrorism can be justified in some circumstances'' and each speaker had eight minutes to make their point.

England, the defending champions, used the examples of East Timor, Iraq and Tibet to show that terrorism could be justified because international pressure for change was not working.

Australia wins Australia countered strongly and exposed slight differences between the English debaters -- a move which landed them the trophy.

Other trophies were also presented to the best individual debater Jonathan Wallbridge from New Zealand and the runner-up Riaz Hussain from Pakistan, who were also awarded the prize for best non-English speaking team.

Chief judge Elizabeth Virgo, who also organised the Ninth World Schools' Debating Championships, said the debate in the final was of a high standard, although it did contain some inaccuracies.

"In the end, the judges came down to a majority decision of six to one for Australia.

She added: "The overall standard of debate got higher and higher towards the end of the week. It was a good final, it was actually very close,'' added Mrs.

Virgo.

"Bermuda's hosting of the championship has been an enormous success. Everyone seems to have known it was taking place and I have been stopped in the streets and telephoned at home.

"The Island's schools have been thrilled and excited and the school children have been sitting and listening to debates on topics which were quite challenging. Really it has been a fantastic event,'' said Mrs Virgo.

Sen. Terry Lister, chairman of the Bermuda Debate Society, echoed Mrs Virgo's sentiments.

He added: "It has been excellent, the young people were superb. The whole event has done credit to Bermuda. This has been a great commercial for the Island.'' Dr. Saul acted as chairman of the debate and said: "I am proud that Bermuda has been able to host this competition and do so well.

"So often do we hear and see in the media reports that the youth of today are not like they used to be in the old days.

"They are not. They are a lot better and I think on the evidence of the debate everyone will agree with me.''