YORKSHIRE can be beaten. We have the players, the ability, the spirit – and the Gloucestershire side has received a huge boost with the news that captain Michael Klinger is returning from Australia to play on Sunday.

His decision does not surprise me, knowing his love of and loyalty to the club.

Anyone heading to Headingley for the Royal London One-Day semi-final this weekend can travel with even more hope and anticipation.

Of course it will be difficult. County champions Yorkshire are a splendid side with a crop of emerging players serving club and country well.

However, among the Gloucestershire ranks, there are match-winners. The quarter final victory over Hampshire proved it. James Fuller in his first over showed that.

Just as he had dismissed Alastair Cook first ball earlier in the season, he dispatched the dangerous Michael Carberry.

Searing pace, perfect length, and direction, a tentative push and Chris Dent at second slip did the rest. It was another international scalp for James, who bowled a superb opening spell.

Hampshire struggled initially. Jack Taylor bowled his best white-ball spell and Liam Norwell was also economical, but again our “death” bowling was poor.

I am puzzled why, with one of the best end-of-innings bowlers in Ian Harvey on our coaching staff, we cannot do better at this stage of the game.

Fortunately captain marvel Klinger continues in fine form and scored 87 invaluable runs, but there was still much to do when he was dismissed.

However, we had no need to fear with Geraint Jones and Taylor at the wicket.

Jones is a veteran campaigner who has done much to engender the spirit and confidence in our team. Taylor brings the spirit of the Cotswolds to his cricket, giving the word crackerjack a new meaning.

Hampshire’s hired guns perished under pressure.

Yasir Arafat was hit for two sixes and a four off successive deliveries, and West Indian pace man Fidel Edwards lost his radar.

His final figures of six overs, no wickets, and 50 runs were the worst of the day. The match was won with an over to spare.

Yet again the battle song of our famous county regiment rang out loud and lustily around the dressing room – a special moment. I hope it is heard again in Leeds.

Ian Cockbain is testing his broken wrist in the second XI this week. and whatever team is chosen I'm sure they will do us all proud.

This season’s cup competition has produced splendid entertainment and long may it continue.

No apologies are made for turning to football so late in my column.

But the form of Forest Green is outstanding. Seven matches and seven wins are figures that speak for themselves.

Monday’s match against Bromley was perhaps their toughest game.

Set up to counter attack, Bromley always caused Forest Green problems, but the team that has given away two goals all season held out.

Both goalkeepers stood out in a fine open game, and the result made manager Ady Pennock a shoo-in for manager of the month. I hope the award does not carry the usual curse.

The trip to Kidderminster on the Saturday was a real joy. First of all there was a warm personal reception.

“You are the first representative of the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard ever to visit our ground," I was told.

The food was as good as Forest Green’s football, and the 2-0 win was well deserved.

Jon Parkin came on as substitute for FGR and instantly his diet and parentage were questioned.

He scored a sublime headed goal with his first touch, then with typical cheerfulness asked the Kidderminster crowd what they thought now. There was laughter all round.

The pre-match music at Kidderminster was outstanding. Herman, of Hermits fame, was “on to something good” while the Dave Clark Five were “glad all over.”

Those words spoke for us all – just look at the league table.