AT AN international level the once gentile game of cricket has had to sharpen up and modernise its image. That it has done so successfully can be seen from the packed crowds around the world, not least at the seven triumphant Test matches in England this summer.

Unfortunately, this success seems to have come at a price, with certain sections of the crowd indulging in boorish, jeering and in some cases lewd behaviour.

This is epitomised by a group known as the barmy army, who seem to show more allegiance to the worst aspects of England's other national game, football, than the finer points of cricket.

And, as seems inevitable, such loud and often drink-fuelled antics trickle down to sport at lower levels.

At least at Test matches the stadia allow for containment of spectators who can be policed and, if their behaviour gets out of hand, then the offenders can be evicted. That is not the case on the village green or at local club level.

At last weekend's cup final between Arnside and Windermere at Burneside, the behaviour of some spectators offended others.

Some people called the shouting and appearance of a streaker as "a bit of fun". Others were offended especially as there were a number of children present who were not only exposed to the nude intrusion but also had to listen to foul language.

It is reported that some families were so offended that they packed up their belongings and went home. It was particularly unfortunate that the speeches at the presentations were drowned out.

The role of drink is perhaps central. Many local clubs, struggling to make ends meet, are keen to cash in on potential bar sales at such events.

With a cricket match lasting most of the day, there is the potential for drinking to get out of hand and lead to uncontrolled and unacceptable behaviour. With the game enjoying such a renaissance, there is also the probability that non-traditional fans will be more attracted by the peripheral "fun" than the game itself.

There is a careful balance to be struck between having such fun and spoiling it for others.

But if cricket's revival is to be reflected at the local level, the leagues and clubs may be compelled to invest some of the potential bar takings at major events in paying the constabulary to send a couple of officers to keep the excesses in check.

It would be a shame if the traditional image of combat between leather and willow against the backdrop of an English village green was lost completely to loutism.

Defying all odds WHAT should have been the final blow to the hopes of Lowick to keep its local school has instead inspired the campaigners to fight on.

The Government-appointed independent schools' adjudicator ruled that it was too late to save the 19-pupil primary from closure. He failed to reckon with the amazing resilience of the school's champions, who say they can now concentrate on making their rescue plan work.

With the help of the Co-operative movement and even the Department of Education and Skills, who granted independent status, the Lowick New School will open its doors next week.

How it can manage as a non-fee paying independent remains to be seen. But if anyone can defy the odds and make this innovative scheme work, it is the battling Lowick and Blawith Educational Trust led by the intrepid head Shirley Rainbow.