Light's Out - illuminating the local sports scene (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Good things are in evidence at Kingsholm

9:00am Thursday 11th October 2012 in Sport

GLAWSTER! - GLAWSTER! The Shed were in full voice on Saturday and rightly so.

Bath had been defeated and that is always reason to celebrate, but so many good things are happening at Kingsholm that the cheers signified more than a victory.

The wretched remnants of the Redpath regime have gone. No longer the team and management seem on different wavelengths, no longer are locals disaffected. Something special is beginning to happen.

An exciting, spirited team is emerging, and with it some players of real star quality.

How good will Freddie Burns be? What an acquisition Ben Morgan is proving! Then there is, of course, the question the whole of Cirencester is asking - will Henry Trinder get an England cap?

Schooled behind a desk at Kingshill and on the field at the Whiteway, Henry is the model for all youngsters so happily involved on Sunday mornings. Coach Nigel impresses me.

He has quickly grasped the significance of The Shed. "It is a privilege to play in front of them", he said on Saturday. If he and his team remember that there is no limit to what they may achieve.

Perhaps two forwards are needed, but certainly after too many drifting years the Kingsholm future is bright.

Some of you may think I have been a bit harsh on the departed Redpath look at the Premiership table. Did he not move to Sale?

THE Forest Green defeat at Wrexham does not worry me - not many teams can win there. Losing to Tamworth (Tuesday 9th) will be a cause for concern, as are injuries to two players, Klukowski and Bangura. In addition, Reece Styche and Eddie Oshodi received red cards.

I am a great admirer of both Reece and Eddie. They are exciting players with a great deal to offer both now and in the future but there is no excuse for behaving as they did. They are both young men and obviously have some lessons to learn. The first of these is you cannot take Forest Green forward if you are suspended.

Much of my weekend was spent at the final (or is it?) Grammar School reunion. Now I know what Kipling meant when he said: "The men who were boys when I was a boy shall sit and drink with me." Within five minutes of entering the Bingham Hall, I had selected the nucleus of a good soccer team. Harry Parker, Robin Packham, Gordon Stratford and Johnny Tugwell would look after the right side. 'Golly' Sollis would play in goal and Henry Archer would be centre-half.

Cirencester veterans will remember Henry leaving the Grammar School at the age of 14 to join Wolverhampton Wanderers.

A few rugby players such as Mick Painter and Steve Skelley would make up the numbers. Secretary manager would be Ralph Wilkins, in his day a full back who took no prisoners.

I may see one or two of my fellow pupils at the Cotswold Hall, Northleach, on Friday, October 19, at 7.30pm. Alex Gidman, accompanied by other Gloucestershire cricketers, will be there for a question-and-answer session good value. He does not hide but tells things as they are. All proceeds go to his benefit fund and as one who values his loyalty to Gloucestershire I shall be there.

There are so many cricketing functions on, I am having to miss some - the Poulton evening for instance. This lively club goes from strength to strength, especially at youth level. They have grown hugely in recent years, taking advantage of promotion to the County league.

At the CDCA presentations on Thursday, it was pleasant to hear Robbie Hopkins of Williamstrip mentioned in despatches. I played with Robbie's dad, Ray, many years ago at Rodmarton when Stan, Norman and Mick all also from the same family, formed the nucleus of the team. It is good to see the family name still represented in local cricket.

I close by referring back to rugby. Mrs Light has in her wardrobe both Bath and Gloucester rugby shirts. You can guess which one she is wearing today. GLAWSTER!