MY FIRST duty as president has been performed. At 2.33pm on Friday a text was despatched to captain ‘Max’ Klinger, congratulating him on the team’s fine win and him on scoring his first Gloucestershire century.

A nine wicket win over Leicestershire has taken us to fourth position in the championship and more importantly has increased confidence in an emerging team.

It was far from easy. In our first innings we slumped to 44-5. The follow-on loomed, Benny Howell and Will Gidman, match winners both, took control scoring vital fifties.

It was their bowling however that was most significant. Look at their match figures. Will took 7-104, and Benny 8-96. He had never taken more than two wickets in any innings before, but with three bowlers injured he did much more that fill a gap.

There were also two wickets for Craig Miles playing his second championship match. Craig, together with Jack Taylor, took part in a last wicket stand of over 50. This gave Gloucestershire an important first innings lead. Jack top scored with 61 and to see these two academy products battling together, playing attractive shots and taking the game away from our opponents was heart warming.

Tight bowling kept the Leicestershire second innings score in check and a gettable fourth innings total of 187 was easily achieved. Chris Dent, who scored an attractive half-century, was the only man out.

Each day of this championship match had proved tough competitive cricket. The four-day game is well worth watching. There are no easy runs or wickets these days. Central contracts deny us much chance of seeing the England stars but the overall standard of play is higher than I have known it.

While the first XI were winning, the second team were licking their wounds. Academic battles and first XI calls meant that the team that played against Nottingham was not strong and the Thornbury spectators saw them record their first defeat of the season.

It was defeat as well in the opening 40 over competition on Saturday - the curse of the cameras striking again. A huge opening stand of 193 between Cobb and O’Brien took the game away from Gloucestershire, and irresponsible play at the start of the counties’ innings meant chance of mounting a meaningful reply were gone. We do not do very well when on TV. Let us hope the cameras keep away.

It was so different at idyllic Wormsley. The well-manicured ground set in a beautiful valley brought out the best in our players. The bowlers were both lively and accurate and the fielding sharp. The battling was brutal. There had obviously been much discussion after Saturday’s defeat and this was reflected in a performance that has brought points and a run rate improvement.

There are two attractive fixtures at Bristol this week. A four-day fixture against Hampshire started on Wednesday and on Sunday, May 12, Middlesex arrive. Bob Hunt will be commentating online on both matches. Already this season I have joined Bob at the mike, renewing our FGR partnership. What a jewel Bob is, never short of an appropriate word.

Test Match Special commentators work in 20-minute shifts. Bob does all day, which is approximately six hours. However, he is fortified by mouth watering caramel slices. As president I have used my influence to have them restored to the press goodie bags.

The bacon rolls in the Hammond Room are also worth savouring, especially if they can be eaten in the company of the Hammond Roofers. They represent the beating heart of Gloucestershire Cricket. Swift to criticize but quicker to praise they anticipate each day with relish. It is worth getting there early for a few minutes’ good humour and gossip.

Do you agree with John? Have your say below.