EVERYTHING’S splendid – apart from the results. That is the Cheltenham Festival verdict. There have been two defeats so far, but three games are still to come.

The four-day game against Kent was a credit to both captains. On a benign wicket, it could easily have been 650 plays 650 with the game meandering to a dreary draw on the final day.

Captain Klinger was not prepared to let this happen. Speaking exclusively to this columnist at close of play on the first day, captain Michael explained he wanted to win and was prepared to take risks to do so.

Plan A was to make Kent follow on and bowl them out again. When this looked unlikely he approached the Kent captain and negotiations took place. The result of spirited but cheerful negotiations was Kent being set a target of 411 on the final day.

A marvellous day’s cricket resulted with Kent narrowly winning. A spirited knock of 199 by Jamaican Brendan Nash won the game for Kent, but not without drama. Falling to his knees in considerable distress he had to be semi-carried to the pavilion, retiring ill. It is doubtful if he could have returned had he been needed. Kent scraped home.

There were critics who thought the Kent target too easy, in fact some did not agree with the two captains engineering a finish.

I am not among them. Having had the opportunity of talking to both captains, they must be commended for a great final day. Either team could have lost – instead the game won.

Tom Smith, the spin bowler on loan from Middlesex was supposed to be our match winner. His 18 overs cost well over 100 runs and he was wicketless. Craig Miles, however, after a poor first innings was the likely match winner. His figures of 4-76 in 17 overs were outstanding. Skillfully used as a strike bowler, his four wickets, all good ones, nearly won us the game.

The Twenty20 fixture on Sunday was a great disappointment. The pitch was very dry and the surface crumbly. Warwickshire had a varied attack and used it to good effect. A score of 140 would have been a good one but Gloucestershire could not pass 100. Warwickshire won easily.

A sell-out crowd witnessed a poor game. Still there are two to come – bring on Northants and Glamorgan. And if we beat Worcestershire in the four-day game all will seem rosy. To see Alex Gidman score 211 in the four-day game was a delight. His love of, and his loyalty to this county does him credit.

Despite some trials and tribulations during his captaincy Alex remained determined and dignified. He deserved every run. He would especially be pleased to have had Chris Dent at the other end for much of his innings.

Two Gloucestershire lads (Stroud and Thornbury) batting together and entertaining us all was a delight to see. There are many more in the 2nd XI who are playing a three -day at Frocester this week. It is an unfortunate fixture clash, but I am very reliably informed that the Frocester tea and cakes will make missing Cheltenham worth it.

On the last day of the cricket Festival a service will take place in the College Chapel at 11.30am. I hope I do not have to ask Mrs Light (The Rev Penny) to pray for a victory. That should not be necessary should it?