FLOODS dominate this column but happily floods of goals! My ‘Town Flier’ colleague will be dealing with the remarkable events at the County Ground (three matches 14 goals for, 0 against) so I shall concentrate on the resurgence of Forest Green, whose two fine away wins have placed them firmly in contention for the title.

There may be no need for the play-offs.

The first success was the New Year’s Day rout of championship pacesetters Newport County. Rovers inflicted a 5-0 defeat on the highly-rated Welsh side. Then it was up to Hyde, in Greater Manchester for another convincing win.

Both games were played on cloying surfaces, resembling, at best, Christmas puddings but Rovers adapted well, attacking at pace all across the field.

Opposing defenders looked as mobile as traffic bollards with attackers speeding by on either side.

Cirencester Town FC have played a part in Rovers’ success as the players were training on Christmas Day in the admirable arena at the Corinium Stadium.

The next game is away to Nuneaton on Saturday. Then, on Tuesday (January 15) comes a home match v Gateshead.

If anyone is thinking of going, I must state that Rovers play in Nailsworth, not in the wooded land across the Severn.

When Gateshead arrive I have a personal matter to deal with. Gales of laughter greeted my announcement at the away game earlier in the season that the newspapers I represented were the Wilts and Glos Standard and the Stroud News and Journal.

Someone said: “Aw, Pet, you do talk funny”, but not having an interpreter present I cannot confirm this.

A lesson in West County culture is obviously needed so the Geordie press will be plied with cider and fed on lardy cake. At half-time there will be readings from Cider with Rosie.

There was another much needed lesson in this newspaper before Christmas (Letters Page, December 20, 2012 ‘Facilities are open to all’ sent in by Claire Minett, Business Manager, Cirencester Kingshill School). I was delighted to learn of the many Cirencester activities that Kingshill School plays host to. This is very much to their credit.

Charlotte Shepherd’s fine article in last week’s Standard emphasised the excellence of the town’s Gymnastics Club. If they are still seeking premises, how wonderful it would be if the school could accommodate them as well.

Monsoon weather has inconvenienced us all, but it has brought one advantage. There is much cricket on TV at the moment and this means there is the chance to watch the Australian Big Bash.

This has brought the opportunity to watch captain Klinger who will be leading our county this summer. He is impressive, not only scoring runs quickly but doing it by using orthodox shots. He is the right age and temperament to relate to our young cricketers which makes me extremely confident regarding the coming season.

The dream for the season is promotion for Cirencester, Poulton, Lechlade and, of course, the county team. Realistically I would be happy with two from that quartet – the county side and any of the others.

Staying with cricket, Mrs Light informs me she saw Cirencester’s ‘Mr Cricket’ Phil Carter on prime time TV. Not only that, he was dispensing wisdom and behaving in a statesmanlike fashion. She is convinced it was Phil because he never smiled. However, I am not convinced – can anyone confirm this?

There is news of Matt Bulman, former Ciren Town goalkeeper. He has just extended his contract at FGR but is adding an extra dimension to his talents. When not needed on the field or subs bench Matt joins the home media team (all seven of us) and commentates for Radio Glos.

He brings both common sense and knowledge and his composure is a splendid foil to Bob Hunt’s ebullience.

Matt is now sporting a new hairstyle, very similar to that of Cirencester resident Tweedy the Clown. Tweedy is now starring in the Cheltenham Everyman pantomime, Dick Whittington. It is an excellent show with a fine plot. Namely, a Gloucestershire boy goes to London, gets rich, gets the girl and becomes Lord Mayor – three fine achievements.

I could manage only one, but the best one, of course.