THE crowds at the T20 quarter-finals show the popularity of this form of the game, especially if played at weekends.

It is no coincidence that the biggest crowds at Cheltenham were for the CB40 matches on Sunday afternoons.

I shall not bore you with repeating the Light formula for first class cricket, suffice to say the facts are proving me right.

Yet again Gloucestershire lost to Lancashire on Friday.

I spent most of the Gloucestershire innings shouting at the TV ‘Send in O’Brien’.

His appearance was delayed until No 7. He faced eight balls.

To keep back someone who can, in five overs, change a match is not the best way to use him.

He scored a record-breaking century going in first against Middlesex.

Move Marshall down the batting order!

A word about Lancashire. Someone at Cheltenham bemoaned the fact that they were not the Lancashire of old.

No famous names - no Flintoff, Atherton, Akram or Neil Fairbrother.

Well, the Lancashire of old were serial failures in the County Championship.

They have not won it, despite all their stars, since 1934. This year they might.

They have jettisoned their policy of buying in players and are concentrating on producing their own.

We should all wish them well.

More importantly, however, good wishes to Chris Dent and David Payne from the Gloucestershire Academy. They played this week for the England Development XI.

And, of course, good luck to our first XI in their promotional push at Derby.

Can I dream of celebrating a double victory on Saturday? Gloucestershire and Forest Green.

The next month will be of special interest as Gloucestershire are pushing for promotion.

A young side, playing without fear of failure, have thrilled us all in four day cricket.

Last week was the Gloucestershire Golf Day at Cirencester Golf Club.

Two quotes from John Bracewell: ‘It was good to see Kane Williamson scoring another century’ and ‘I didn’t know Cirencester was so beautiful’.

Kane took the comment on his golf in good part and the cricketers enjoyed every aspect of the day.

Mustoe’s Haulage of Northleach were the winners of the Total-sponsored event, and Will Gidman hit the longest drive.

Do you agree with John? Have your say below.