Sigh indeed.   Today marks the last day of the domestic cricket season and although the day dawned bright and clear with an unseasonably decent temperature, the curtain closing on yet another cricket season only confirms that summer has slipped away.   And as the last wicket fell I become acutely aware that what awaits us now is the onset of another winter with all of its cold, dark and gloomy prospects. 

No warm sun on my back;  no more light evenings and, yes, no more cricket.   But the domestic season ended in remarkable fashion at the Oval this afternoon - so much so that I was glued to the TV rather than lounging about in the afternoon sunshine.   This four day game went to the penultimate session on the last day which was more than surprising given that Surrey had been dismissed for just 67 in their first innings on the first morning.

In reply, Essex had piled on the runs to reach 477 for 8 only for Surrey to fight their way back like the newly crowned Champions they are and record 541 in their second innings.  That left Essex needing 132 to win and deny Surrey the honour of going through the whole of the Championship season unbeaten.   In a tense finish, Essex crawled over the line - just - reaching 134 for 9.

It was cricket at its very best and I could have been forgiven for thinking I was watching the finale of one of the great international test matches.  So the season ended on a high and in remarkable fashion, leaving cricket buffs like me to be saddened at its passing.

And what to look forward to now, I wonder?  Well, maybe the Ryder Cup will be interesting but I can`t say I`m excited by the prospect of the Premier League`s Super Sundays, Magic Mondays, Terrific Tuesdays, Wonderful Wednesdays and all the rest of the over-hyped circus masquerading as competitive top level football.  Oh, and there`s Halloween, Bonfire Night, Christmas and New Year to come.   

No wonder I will long for the return of the truly beautiful game.  See you next season.