THE end of the year is a good time to reflect on what has passed and to look forward, too.

The rich sporting scene offers many opportunities for this, and I start by revealing my Team of the Year.

This is undoubtedly Cirencester Cricket Club.

After many years of knocking on the door they have been promoted to the West of England Premier League.

For the town players, this will be unknown territory.

The recent county league awards presentation evening recognised their achievement and several players picked up gongs. I recognised the name Carter among the recipients, but it was not the old man of the mower and roller (Phil) but his son Matt, who keeps wicket for the club.

There is more good news from Cirencester Park. Ace clubman Brian Woodcock, a well-known Rioja drinker, tells me that having sorted out the bar area, the club is now focusing on the kitchen facilities.

There seems to be several good reasons for visiting the attractive Park ground next summer.

Brian also tells me that his dodgy knee should be in order for next season. Good luck, Brian, but I should tell you that bowlers are not shaking in their boots at the prospect of your return to any batting line-up.

Now for Administrator of the Year. Perhaps this should be a lifetime achievement award as the winner is Tony Clack of Down Ampney who triumphs because of his service to air rifle and pistol shooting.

An international competitor himself, Tony has been the father figure of our local league.

I reckon he must be at least 10 years older than me, but he doesn’t look it.

This must be put down to his being a regular swimmer at the open air pool and leisure centre in town, using those facilities daily. Never having visited either establishment, I cannot confirm this.

Young Cricketer of the Year is Harvey Jupp of Lechlade, a gifted young spin bowler.

To bowl spin against talented adult batsmen takes not just ability but courage and confidence and it can be a tough business.

But Harvey can turn the ball both ways and is a real prospect.

In 10 years’ time I would like to see him playing for our county and challenging for the national side, if of course they have not poached another South African to fill an England place.

The excellent Alan Heath, who does so much for youth cricket in this area and is the driving force behind youth activity at Lechlade, gets a special award for finding talent and encouraging it. But, more importantly, for providing resources for many teams as well as Lechlade.

Having put Phil Carter’s name to one side (chain smokers are disqualified), I award Groundsman of the Year to Terry Day of Bibury CC.

The Bibury ground is a delight. I do not have many regrets but one of them is not ever playing there. I did encounter Bibury CC in the field of play but that was at the Oaksey Bowl.

Terry has done many things in his life, the bravest being Anne Robinson’s builder.

But now his love, loyalty and wholehearted effort are focussed on making playing cricket at Bibury a pleasure.

Extending my thoughts to Bibury FC, I weep. Fine facilities, fine people involved, and yet their reserve team has folded. Better things will surely come next season.

And of course for Gloucestershire CCC and Forest Green Rovers. Dare I mention promotion?