AN epic game saw Gloucestershire win by just seven runs.

The YB40 over game at Cardiff was surely one of the best ever 546 runs scored and it was in doubt until the last over.

Outstanding for Gloucestershire was Chris Dent, not out 150 hitting 17 fours and three sixes. If you play an innings like that you do not deserve to lose but the Welsh side made a fine effort to chase down the total.

Captain Wallace, often a thorn in our side played a true captain's innings and a violent assault by Graham Wagg - 54 off 31 balls, four fours, three sixes, gave Glamorgan a real chance.

James Fuller, pick of the bowlers and back in the side dismissed him at the critical moment and we were home - just. Not all our bowlers stood up to the Welsh challenge but thanks to Chris we had enough runs.

With a variety of shots, the confidence to play them and the ability to clear the boundary he played one of the best one-day innings ever. The mood at Bristol is an increasingly buoyant one.

The team are playing successful cricket and batting in an entertaining fashion. Captain Klinger is leading from the front and is now scoring so many good runs.

The prophets of doom are silent (when was this last the case?) and the team is beginning to play to its potential. In addition the catering has never been better - try the Hammond room for fine value and good company, and building work is coming off fast, but of course it is the cricket that matters.

Now it is off to Worcestershire - always a pleasant place to visit and in May a definite delight. Having just thrashed Kent, home spirits will be high.

Back to his best form for Worcestershire was opening bowler Alan Richardson, taking a career best 7-23. Allen has been hampered by injury in his career, which has taken him to four counties (Derby, Warwick, Middlesex and now Worcs). At one time he nearly joined us and in recent years he has kept Worcestershire in Division one almost single-handed.

Worcestershire lost three senior players who succumbed to the Surrey shilling (wicket keeper Davies, off spinner Gareth Batty and batsman Solanki) but have battled on with players like Richardson typifying a fighting spirit. They are in a state of transition so we may achieve a long-awaited win. W

hatever happens the highlights of the day will be the cakes in the ladies pavilion - there is nothing better in English cricket.

The game against Cambridge University was useful. Injured bowlers got some useful overs under their belts none doing better than Liam Norwell with match figures of 9-41.

With all fit there are going to be selection problems of exactly the right sort. Senior batsmen Alex Gidman and Hamish Marshall got big runs and there were five first innings catches for wicket keeper Roderick. Riches indeed! Mrs Light and I enjoyed a good Gloucestershire Saturday.

Firstly a visit to a farmers market where we could park cheaply, meander around interesting stalls and shops with no danger of being run over and most importantly commune with others all enjoying the admirable atmosphere that makes Stroud a delight to visit.

Then the sofa, the Test Match and self-indulgent cream buns. Not usually a TV watcher I wanted to see Kane Williamson play. When with Gloucestershire Kane was determined to learn. He never let us down with his cricket and looked to be a fine test cricketer in the making. Doing well with bat and ball at Lord's he was one of the few Kiwis to do themselves justice.