TWO true Stroudies will be rejoicing. Proud to call both friends, I am rejoicing with them.

One is Roger Cullimore, otherwise known as the Gravel Grandee, the other is international wicket keeper and artist Jack Russell.

The reason that the three of us have a warm glow within us is that our beloved Gloucestershire County Cricket Club has been promoted to division one of the County Championship.

This is where it belongs.

Roger and I are of similar age and it has been our hope that within our lifetime our county will win the championship outright.

Now from within division one we have the opportunity to do this and add the coveted title to the one day trophies already on our honours board.

Fortunes for our team changed at Cheltenham.

Yet again this was the fulcrum of our season.

The festival was preceded by a meeting that looked forward to what needed to be done.

The team was tweaked and a tougher unit emerged.

The two four day matches played there showed an increased determination and intensity.

More importantly both were won.

Very good crowds saw us surge up the table.

Two away wins followed at Derby and Worcester and we were on the brink.

A rain affected round of games ended the season.

Rain may have stopped play but it started something else – celebration.

Next year will be tough but it will be enjoyed.

My Next year’s diary is open waiting for the new fixture list.

Two other cricket matters need to be mentioned.

Firstly, Stroud beat Frocester.

This result will be remembered when two or three local cricketers meet during the winter Stroud captain on the day Louis Gegg will not allow them to forget it.

Secondly, the T20 competition in the Cirencester area produced a final with a last ball finish.

Tarbarrow beat Poulton.

There were some other distant affairs such as a world cup win and a thrilling ashes series but nothing can beat our winning run that started at the College ground.