IT IS SAFE to read on. This is an almost Ferguson-free column.

Admirable as Sir Alex’s achievements are his resignation dominated national news to far too great an extent.

This column is very doubtful about the increasing cult of personality that is beginning to intrude into all walks of life.

All too easily it leads to a loss of a sense of perspective, as events in Manchester this week showed. Interesting, certainly, but of great national importance – never!

While all this was happening some marvellous cricket was being played in the gloom and between storms at Bristol.

Weather prevented a win but our team played attractive cricket.

With the weather playing a large part there was just one way for Gloucestershire to win after Hampshire had been dismissed for 274.

That was to score 400, gain maximum batting points – then declare and bowl out Hampshire on the final day. This optimistic plan very nearly worked.

Scoring at more than four an over, Gloucestershire achieved their first aim, maximum batting points, declaring at 404 for just four wickets.

Captain Klinger led the way with 163, receiving attractive support from Dent (45), Housego (56) and Alex Gidman (69). Local fans could not remember when the county last batted as attractively and well.

Hampshire had not knocked off the arrears and had lost four wickets when this rain-affected match ended. Glos 11pts, Hants 6pts.

Craig Miles and Jack Taylor took six of the Hampshire wickets. These are home-grown products from our Academy.

Previously they attended comprehensive schools, Craig at Bradon Forest in Purton and Jack at Chipping Norton.

They may not play much cricket in state schools these days but in this county so much is done to enable state schoolchildren to play cricket, and the results are now becoming obvious. Credit to all concerned.

Miles may be a new name to some. Built like footballer Peter Crouch (Mrs Light tells me he is better looking), he has an easy run-up and action.

He ripped the heart out of Hampshire by taking three wickets in 25 balls, two were international batsmen.

Watching by the sightscreen was former England bowler Geoff Arnold.

He was making copious notes. ‘Horse’ as he was known in his playing days (his initials are GG), he is a man of few smiles and even fewer words.

In response to a question, enveloped in Cotswold charm, he did admit his reason for being there.

His response can be quoted: “I have been asked by the ECB to report on two bowlers – one on each side.” My guess is that Craig Miles has earned himself an U19 cap.

During the game, Cameron Herring succumbed to conjunctivitis, Jack Taylor injured his shoulder, Hamish Marshall had a stomach upset and Will Gidman injured his ankle. When will this injury curse ever be lifted?

James Fuller would have played against Middlesex but another wretched day meant no play.

The match this week is against Cambridge University and those recovering from injury will get a chance to prove themselves.

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