THE cricket season has ended. These are sad words because the best cricket summer for some seasons is no longer with us.

England, Gloucestershire, Barnsley Beeches and the Deer Park School cup-winning team have given us some marvellous moments. The Cirencester CC team have done their bit too, consistency taking them to the league title.

It is time for some awards. I have two awards for individuals. The senior one goes to Bradley Dial of Lechlade whose run-scoring has been phenomenal, earning his club a respectable league position. The junior one goes to Josh Gray who has scored runs for Poulton and beyond. What tipped matters in his favour was his match and cup-winning century for Deer Park victory against Marling. Any Cirencester victory against the Stroud school is welcome.

Example of the year goes to David Taylor of Fairford. He has served both club and cricket in general so well. He does not just organise coaching he has played more than ever this year, batting, bowling and even keeping wicket. He would like nothing more than to see some of the club's promising youngster pushing him out of the side. That day is not too far away, David.

He is at the heart of one my two best moments of the season. The first was the early-season “Chance to Shine” tournament held at the Fairford club. This involved many local primary schools. The atmosphere was joyous, the organisation superb and the sight of so many children enjoying themselves hugely was very moving.

Almost as much as the moment at Lord's when our county cup-winning team treated the ecstatic fans in the Edrich Stand with their victory song. Players and fans were united in triumph.

Bearing in mind the words triumph I sought out a good friend who has done much for his club this season and many others and not just with the bat, but the mower and roller as well.

It was a worthwhile conversation starting with the delicious morning at Trent Bridge when Australia were dismissed for 60, but then moving to the final day of the season when Avening and Cherington were defeated.

Ed Latter took six wickets for seven runs to win the CDCA title for Barnsley Beeches.

Special mention was made of former members Graham Robertson and Andy Johnson who will be as thrilled as AP when the club receives the cup.

More than that there was an appreciation of the game as a whole. The part played by wives, girlfriends, mothers, employers and sponsors was graciously acknowledged as was the club landlord Tom Henderson. AP knows that the game is at its best when played in such places as Barnsley Park, Bibury or Ampney Crucis. To find such beautiful grounds so close together shows us how lucky we are in the Cotswolds.

I am very disappointed that James Fuller is leaving Gloucestershire. He proved himself with his fine bowling in the Lord's final and the contract offer from the county should have reflected that. James was not sure it did and moves to a first division club where he will play for three seasons at least. Good luck, James, and to your family who have been engaging, boundary company.

I chugged off to Grimsby on Saturday in order to escape two hours of “Strictly Come Dancing” but it was worth it. Forest Green drew a fine game.

Usually they return from Blundell Park beaten and battered. Happily the only batter around was that covering the excellent fish and chips organised for us by the supporters club. Thank you Sam and Jamie. Opinions differ about the quality of the game but I justify my view by summing up the views of the Grimsby media and fans who said: “You were the best team here this season and that was the best game.”

Penny and I are very much looking forward to following the FGR promotion challenge which will be even stronger if the “curse of the cameras” is broken at Aldershot this week.

After the Guiseley game on Saturday we head for Stroud and the presentation of the Tetbury Bowls Club awards. There is plenty to keep me busy this winter.

Attending the funeral of Tom Ashley, whose death was announced last week, will be a privilege. A service at Daglingworth to honour and celebrate his life will be followed by a “traditional cricket tea.” What better way to say goodbye to a genuine cricket man.