WHAT a joy – a proper cricket match! The second Test match against the West Indies was watchable throughout and the finish was thrilling.

To listen to Michael Atherton and Mikey Holding commentating was a privilege. Both men, as players, served their countries with distinction and both represent the true values of the game.

Each, of course, wanted their own side to win, but they knew the quality of the game was more important than the result.

Test cricket is the jewel in the crown of the greatest game. Thank you to both teams, to Sky TV and to two of cricket’s greatest.

I wish I could wax as lyrical about the fortunes of our county cricket club. Another limp performance in the county championship has resulted in defeat by Worcestershire – a defeat that emphasised the problems of the season.

Firstly, our young players have not trained on. Only Liam Norwell and Kieran Noema-Barnett have shown any sign of improvement this season. Too many have regressed. Bowlers Craig Miles and Matt Taylor especially so.

Both have been on ECB programmes as potential England bowlers and both have come back showing none of the ability that made them international prospects.

Why was there such a rigid selection policy for T20 cricket? Norwell and Chris Dent never played and Gareth Roderick was selected once. Matt Taylor and Chris Liddle were picked too often. The economy of both was nearly 10 runs per over.

In addition, the balance of the side was wrong, always being a batsman light. Whoever picks the team got it wrong.

Is the squad budget big enough? Now ground development is behind us we need to concentrate on cricket. It may cost us but statistics show how weak we are. We have fewer bonus points than any other county.

What is happening about recruitment? Other counties have already started.

Rumour has reached me concerning one batsman who has played at international level and has leadership experience being unhappy at his current county. He should be approached now. We could offer him an interesting package, but do we show enough ambition? Perhaps that is the key question of all. Whatever happens we must be honest about our current situation and do something about it.

Locally, it has been an interesting season. Cirencester CC have been buzzing throughout. Former players have returned, selection committee meetings now mean something and their cricket festival showed the club at its best. They are my Club of the Year and the promotion-winning second XI are my Team of the Year. Their record is outstanding.

Fairford are ending the season in fine fettle with seven successive wins. This well-run club are on the verge of something special.

Bibury and Langford show village cricket at its best and I have my eye on Cricklade. They may well earn and accept promotion into the county league. They have the potential to grow.

I worry about Lechlade and have to ask how strong is the club? The 1st XI has now been relegated after one season in WEPL Premier One – and a very weak 2nd XI has been relegated too.

Of course, clubs need to concentrate on their 1st XI – which in Lechlade's case have at times played well – but has this been at the expense of the club itself? They have some considerable close-season thinking to do.

Sadly, the final of Lighthouse T20 competition between Fairford and Bibury, sponsored by your correspondent, was on Sunday postponed due to rain for the fourth (or was it the fifth) time).

It looks as if I might be presenting the trophies for the rescheduled game at the beginning of next season.

This column has been written earlier than usual as Mrs Light and I head on holiday to Russia, returning in time for the Forest Green v Swindon Town League Two fixture.

Ex-Swindon youngster Will Randall and Toni Gomes boosted FGR's attacking options by arriving late on in the transfer window, from Wolves and Liverpool respectively.

They both made the bench on Saturday at Wycombe and my wish to have Sam Russell back in the starting line-up was granted.

Sadly, it was more of the same on the pitch and there was no way back after going in at the break 3-0 down.