THE last time we beat Worcestershire in the County Championship only four members of the current team were alive.

It has been a long 27 years. The win was not easily achieved. Worcester, although at one time 22-6, really did dig in.

The game was splendid one with first one side then the other on top. Those who decided to watch a one-sided Test match (too many) got it wrong. There was some real cricket to watch at Cheltenham.

The start of the game was remarkable. James Fuller, Will Gidman and Craig Miles bowled beautifully. For the only time during the Festival the ball swung and the visiting batsmen could not cope. Fuller was especially effective, taking a hat-trick. T

he exuberant James almost completed a lap of honour. His watching family could not have been more proud.

The match stretched well into the fourth day, when some sublime strokeplay with captain Klinger leading the way brought the long-awaited victory.

Both four-day games had been excellent - there is still life in the County Championship. The Twenty20 games were variable, but very popular. Warwickshire and Glamorgan sold out in advance, but the matches were both one-sided and over quickly.

Warwickshire whacked us, while we did the same to Glamorgan. The Northants game was a good one with some fierce hitting by Gidman and Cockbain bringing hopes of an unlikely victory.

Ed Young made a welcome return in the final game, taking three Welsh wickets. We have missed his left arm spin bowling. Cheltenham, of course, means much more than cricket.

The Exiles and Life Members lunched (rather well) and the band of the Royal Signals marched and played, while the RAF Falcons made a spectacular parachute drop.

The Woodhouse brunch was mentioned on Radio 4 and earned national press coverage. Ladies Day was as glamorous as ever, but it was Friday's visit of the chair of my favourite village cricket club that was the epitome of Cotswold elegance.

Throughout the 11 days there was the chance to meet many old friends. I was pleased to entertain Mike 'The Bike' Appleby and Paul Arnold, members of the Deer Park staff cricket team in the years when 'to be young was very heaven'. Well - almost young.

Many generations of Cirencester schoolchildren will remember Mike, serving with distinctions in three local schools.

It was, however, a special Cheltenham appearance, passing largely unnoticed, that gave most pleasure. Sue Drinkwater of the Chedworth CC was scoring for Worcester. Sue has done much for the cause of women in the man's world of scoring, both within this county and without.

To be on the balcony among visiting media, calmly recording a first class game at Cheltenham of all places was a lifetime's ambition. These are good times for the Drinkwater family.

Son Max has been accepted for ordination, his brother Luke is set for a Lighting and Sound course at the Rose Bruford Drama School and local bowlers are still feeling the force of husband Darryl's bat.

The Hammond Roofers established themselves in the centre of the members' stand, sometimes breakfasting on champagne, strawberries and cream cakes. One of their most voluble members has been telling me we should have signed a spin bowler for the T20 competition.

He is right, of course, but I have no intention of telling him. Thrilled as we all were by Alex Gidman's double century, gravel grandee Roger Cullimore set aside a bottle of Pol Roger Champagne for Alex to celebrate with. My pint of Timothy Taylor's in the Red Lion served in a proper glass did the trick for me.

After the Festival it was straight to Cirencester Park to watch the final of the CDCA T20 competition. In a lively game Bourton Vale beat Tetbury. I could not present the correct trophy, as last year's winners Lechlade have mislaid it. There were a large number of people watching and it was a relaxing end to a very busy few days.

I leave the last word to Mrs Light who in leading the intercessions in the Cheltenham College Chapel gave thanks for our county cricket club. "We celebrate its many achievements, its pursuit of excellence, the contribution it has made to our communities and its discovery and fostering of talent," she said.