CONDITIONS for golf were splendid on Saturday, especially on Minchinhampton Common. I can write about this with some accuracy as I crossed it twice in 20 minutes.

Not realising that FGR’s match had been called off I had headed for the New Lawn to catch the coach to Alfreton. Radio Gloucestershire told me the sad news and therefore it was back to Cirencester, and decision time.

It was far too nice a day to stay in so where should I go? Cheltenham races? Whaddon Road to see Luton play Cheltenham Town? I headed instead for the Corinium Stadium to see Cirencester Town play Redditch.

This was undoubtedly one of my better decisions. Joining not only the Sports Editor but a representative of the Non League Paper – which produced a double-page spread – I saw a fine game.

A spirited Cirencester side came from behind to win 3-2. Full credit must be given to manager Brian Hughes. With the Town 2-1 down, he tweaked the team. Josh Parsons had been playing just behind the front two strikers but was now pushed up to join them and on came substitute Ed Williams.

Redditch were now asked questions their defence could not answer and two goals brought victory. Not only that but they silenced the noisy visiting fans who I am told were not gracious in defeat, with some of their language giving offence. We could all do without that.

By the time you read this our county cricket club may have announced their new head coach. Four candidates were on the short list at the beginning of the week. One has had considerable international experience, another has just been involved with a championship-winning side. The other two are well respected ECB coaches. It is a strong list and any one of them could bring the county success.

The whole process has been splendidly handled with a total news blackout and my accurate information is the result of much listening and deduction. Presidents are told very little.

One thing I can tell you is that former coach John Bracewell and his wife Bernadette are not returning to New Zealand yet. They are staying in Bristol, a city they both love. John is hoping to find work here and Bernadette will be continuing as secretary to Hamish Marshall’s benefit committee. There is no one better for the job.

I take Mrs Light to Cribbs Causeway for shopping once in a while – and last Thursday was that occasion. We had the pleasure of bumping into Hamish and his charming family. He is very much looking forward to the new season. New captain, new coach, new challenges and his benefit season. He will cope being one of the most balanced, level-headed characters I know.

One cricket piece of news should have excited me. Craig Miles of nearby Purton has been chosen to go with other emerging international cricketers to South Africa for special training. Good for him!

However, the last time the ECB coaches got their hands on him they sent him back crocked. Craig is of slim build so I hope he has bulked out on a splendid Wiltshire diet of lardy cake and pasties.

Such a diet, however, has done me no good as I have been put to shame by a picture that appeared this week on the website of this paper.

The photograph is of the spritely Mrs Enid Miller celebrating her 100th birthday. She is surrounded by her family, one of whom is her son Keith, who more than 55 years ago opened the batting for Cirencester Grammar School. I was his partner.

Mrs Light was quick to point out that Keith is by far the better physical specimen and I have been put on a strict diet. The cricketing connection goes farther than that, however, as in the early 1930s Mrs Miller’s husband Lesley played for Rendcomb. In the same village team was my father.

Readers who know Rendcomb may wonder where the team played. The answer is on a sloping field known as ‘The Landidge’. Seeing it now it is hard to believe cricket was ever played there.

With no football played at Alfreton on Saturday, Forest Green could not extend their run of fine form – three games, nine points, ten goals, which are riches indeed. They should keep it up next week when lowly Nuneaton are the visitors. I am being taken to lunch there by former county cricket club chief executive Tom Richardson. If you see us there do not hesitate to discuss any cricket matters.