THERE is still all to play for in the YB40 competition.

Defeat for our county side at Taunton is sad, but not disastrous. Hopefully there will still be something to play for when Somerset come to Bristol on August Bank Holiday Monday.

That will be a great day, whatever happens, as the new pavilion will be officially opened. Festivities start at 11am, the cricket at 1.45pm. Whatever happens on the field, I shall be a very proud President.

Our bowling attack needs freshening up. Chris Dent was the most economical at Taunton. Liam Norwell, David Payne and Graeme McCarter must be considered, and more runs are needed to back up captain Klinger. His not-out century against Somerset was masterful but his support minimal.

I will be commentating for FGR Radio and BBC Radio Glos at   Lincoln on Saturday. On Sunday I will be at the cricket at Bristol. And then to Bristol again on August 20 to host (socially) England Lions v Bangladesh.

The following day Mrs Light and I head for Whitstable where we stay for the Gloucestershire Kent four-day game. I have promised Mrs L that as well as watching the cricket she can cavort along the Kent coast line, an opportunity she may deserve!

Then it is back to Nailsworth for Forest Green v Luton on Saturday, August 24, if the Kent match is over in time. It is a tough life being both President of the County Cricket Club and a Forest Green fan, however I doubt if any readers are sympathetic.

There is more good news about 'Dawkins' Ducklings', otherwise known as the Gloucestershire Cricket Academy.

Kieran Smith from Stroud, Marc Lezar, who bowls for Frocester, and Joe Barrett from Oxfordshire are in the England U17s mix.

I have reminded the Gravel Grandee (you all know his name - it is on all those green lorries) of the party we are holding at The Crown at Frampton Mansell in 2020 to celebrate Gloucestershire winning the County Championship.

Our young players will be on the crest of a wave then.

Writing this column has led to an expansion of my media activity as on Thursday evening I broadcast to the nation, or at least its beating heart at Stroud FM. I have done it before, but am eternally grateful to Mrs Light.

She sits calmly in the studio and makes appropriate gestures if I lurch towards libellous language.