GOOD luck, Alex! There can be no other reaction to the astonishing news that Alex Gidman is to leave Gloucestershire and join Worcestershire.

Alex’s service to our county club has been unstinting and selfless. As player, captain and mentor to younger cricketers he has been a key figure for 12 years, and a successful one too.

His career batting average for Glos is higher than that of Charlie Barnett, George Emmett, Jack Crapp or Arthur Milton, all of whom played for England.

It is his loyalty, however, that stands out most. Alex has had offers to leave Gloucestershire, notably in 2007 when Warwickshire expected him to sign for them. They made a lucrative offer. Alex turned it down and stayed with us.

Now 33, he is seeking a new challenge. Anyone who saw him play at Cheltenham this year should not be surprised. Despite it being his favourite ground he was not just out of form but looked out of sorts. He has had a patchy season, scoring 1,000 runs, but 500 of these have come in the last two matches (Worcs & Leics).

It would have been churlish of the board not to grant his request to be released from his contract and he leaves with everyone’s good wishes.

Where does this leave Gloucestershire? First of all is the need to have our promising cricketers under long contracts. This is happening. Will Tavare and David Payne are the latest to sign and they have been glad to do so, despite both being the subject of 28-day notices of approach from other counties.

All this player movement and potential movement shows the need for a transfer or compensation system.

Despite some sumptuous batting and a record-breaking stand between Alex Gidman and Gareth Roderick, it was a poor game. Much of the bowling from both sides was below first class standard and the match drifted.

There was the chance to set up a thrilling last day, Leicestershire being set 420 to win in 90 overs. This opportunity was spurned and a tame draw ensued. Some members complained to me about lack of coverage of cricket in the national press. My view is if there is a story to tell the papers will tell it. There was no story in a boring draw watched by a few hundred people.

There is a story to tell about Tetbury CC and their recent resurgence. 'Tetbury must be saved' was the cry some two years ago. Now they are a beacon of success. Chedworth, who deserve praise for winning the CDCA Division One title have been there or thereabouts for some time but Tetbury producing winning teams is something new – and most welcome.

Captain of the 2nd XI is a well known name at Forest Green. Jamie Ponting combines his cricketing duties with being chairman of the supporters club at the New Lawn. In both jobs you have to be 'all things to all men – and women'. Good luck, Jamie.

Saturday was a busy day. After spending the morning at a school reunion (we are all declining gracefully!) it was off to the New Lawn to see Forest Green and Halifax. Cirencester were playing at the head of the next Nailsworth valley, taking on Shortwood in the FA Cup and it was a temptation to go there, such has been the recent form of FGR.

Staying with Rovers proved to be the correct decision. Second-placed Halifax were well beaten in the best game of the season so far. James Norwood was back to his best and there was a goal for him and also one from Jon ‘The Beast’ Parkin.

This was an important win for Rovers as their season seemed to have hit the buffers. Now back on track the next few matches will prove if it is a branch line to mediocrity or a main line to play-offs.

I hope it is the latter for the sake of chairman Dale Vince and manager Ady Pennock. Both are decent men and have staked much on taking the club forward.

In press conferences, Pennock tells it as it is with no excuses. In an affable post-match exchange on Saturday I suggested he had put on a pound or two since coming to Gloucestershire. I had the worst of the exchange, as Ady replied: “Just trying to catch you up, John.”

Mrs Light has taken the manager’s side and banned lardy cake. If you see me looking miserable you now know why.