A RECORD century, a hat-trick, splendid catching and a bowler being ‘beamed out’ – Gloucestershire's T20 Blast victory over Essex had all that and more.

The Bristol ground was more bubbly and boisterous than it has been for years.

Essex arrived full of international T20 stars but our young side was undaunted. There was among them a slight figure, quiet and gracious. Captain Klinger was back.

Speaking to him on Friday he seemed totally at ease with himself. His family were settled in Perth, he had enjoyed a good Aussie season and his contract with Western Australia had been extended. He had enjoyed a rest and was now ready to perform for Gloucestershire.

Coffee helped him to overcome jet lag and his hitting was ferocious. Eight sixes on the big Bristol ground showed his power.

Gloucestershire fielded much better than Essex, showing that the T20 Blast is very much a young man’s game. Left-arm spinner Tom Smith took a late innings hat-trick but James Fuller, short of confidence, was banned for bowling two unintentional beamers.

Mrs Light and I experienced another joyous day at Fairford on May 21. A Chance to Shine tournament took place involving local primary schools. Teams from Southrop, Meysey Hampton, Kempsford, Ann Edwards (South Cerney), Fairford, Siddington, Hatherop and St. Lawrence (Lechlade) took part.

The winners were Hatherop, who performed spiritedly throughout, edging St Lawrence A in a nail-biting final. More than 100 children took part playing eight-a-side Kwik Cricket. This form of the game is superb for those just starting to play, giving everyone a chance to bat and bowl. There were no cross words, no disappointments, just utter enthusiasm.

Of course the winners were thrilled with their success but just as importantly respected and applauded opponents.

Those who think children should not play competitive sports because losers may be shown up are wretchedly wrong. When I presented the cup to winners Hatherop, I said to the splendidly-polite audience I wished I had a cup for every participating school as they all deserved one.

Fairford’s Mr Cricket, Dave Taylor, was the prime force in organising the day, but he could not have done it without the help of junior leaders from Farmor's School. They were superb.

Had those who mutter 'no cricket in state schools' or 'the youth of today – what is the matter with them' been present their eyes would have been opened.

The Chance to Shine scheme, now in its 10th year, has introduced more than a million state school children to cricket. It is a charity but the brainchild of the ECB. They do get some things right.

Returning exultant from Bristol on Sunday evening, I headed straight for the television, looking forward to the second half of Swindon Town’s play-off match against Preston.

Oh dear! The match was over as a contest. Swindon had not turned up. This can happen at Wembley where nerves can cause a team to freeze.

Those who I felt most sorry for were the fans who had made the expensive trip. Their hopes were dashed within minutes of the kick-off.

The whole experience was more than a kick in the teeth. The boot landed two feet lower.

Cirencester CC march on with another victory and Lechlade again topped 300. This time there was only a minor contribution from their South African run machine Bradley Dial.

“I have never seen anyone who hits the ball harder,” said Lechlade coach Luke Sellers. Dial is already on the radar of a couple of English counties and has turned out for Kent seconds. Who knows what he may achieve in the game.

The late David Allen (Gloucestershire and England) had a grandson who, of course, plays for Thornbury. He is probably about 14 years old now. “Do not coach him,” said David, “leave him as he is.”

Reading the weekend’s cricket scores, I see A Allen had taken 6-28 for Thornbury's third team. Grandmother Joyce will be very proud and her late husband would be as well.

I hate the modern cricket clothing. The England team look like a collection of posh house painters.

Congratulations to New Zealand. They wear cable stitch cricket sweaters with a V-neck, and an appropriate black trim. They look like a proper cricket team.