HOORAY for Hankins! Young George showed that a young Gloucestershire batsman can succeed.

He showed spirit against Derbyshire and so much more against Northamptonshire, scoring a century which could have saved the game for a Glos side that was otherwise outplayed.

In the first innings the only Glos player to score more than 50 was bowler David Payne. If you do not score enough runs you are always chasing the game. We were and it showed.

The two-day gathering of county chairmen last week did move matters on but was it in the right way?

For the 2018 season we will have an eight-team franchised Twenty20 competition based in cities. These will probably be Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Cardiff, Birmingham, Southampton and two teams based in London, playing at Lord's and The Oval.

This was passed by 16 votes to three with Kent and Sussex being two of the opposing counties. There are still many details to be realised but it is a decision worldwide TV will love.

This competition will exist alongside the truncated county championship and a domestic T20 competition.

Some county chairmen complained that they were outmanoeuvred and surprised at being asked to vote. What rot! I have been there and at every chairmen’s meeting you must be prepared for anything.

Congratulations to Oaksey Cricket Club not just for winning the first division of the CDCA but for taking the step that this success offers by joining the county league.

Langford and Chedworth have in recent years taken this bold step and have done more than hold their own. Your ambition does you credit, Oaksey.

Tuesday was a football evening. Forest Green hosted Eastleigh and a tough 1-1 draw was the result. Both teams stood toe-to-toe and cancelled each other out.

On Saturday, Bromley were finally broken down and a 1-0 victory took Rovers to second place in the league. Players and fans had to be patient as a determined Bromley side gave little away.

Playing at a quicker pace in the second half, a gap appeared, a goal was scored and three points garnered.

Keep possession and keep passing is the Mark Cooper way and Forest Green are skilful enough to make these tactics work. However, while they are consistently getting into good positions too often these are wasted. Better crosses and balls into the area, please gentlemen.

A ‘plastic’ pitch is hopefully coming to Cirencester with one being installed at the Town ground. Forest Green played on one at Maidstone and are still raving about it, mind you they did win 4-1. Go-ahead chairman Steve Abbley is the driving force behind the move.

Reader Gordon Stratford accused me of talking too much about Cirencester Town, South Cerney and Ampney Crucis CC when we met in Castle Street. Taught a lesson by this cheerfully-put comment I paused to listen, hearing that Gordon was 80 years old and had been ordered to appear at the Royal Oak, South Cerney. Former players and friends were planning something special, I am sure it was a marvellous tribute to one of the best.

See you in a fortnight, I am heading for the Far East.