THE first century of the cricket season at the Fort Field season was struck on Sunday.

THE first century of the cricket season at the Fort Field season was struck on Sunday when Angus McVey took toll of the Shaldon attack.Shaldon had stepped in to fill a fixture void when Chudleigh withdrew at short notice and their bowlers had McVey edging the ball through the slip cordon for his first runs, but it was not long before he discovered the middle of his bat.Kris Williams dragged a ball back on to his stumps to give Shaldon some early joy but the runs came thick and fast in a second wicket partnership of 115 between McVey and Sam Richardson, who made 40.Anthony Griffiths made a brisk 65 and figured in a 79-run stand with Will Sobczak, whose 20 not out eclipsed his elder brother's two. It took Sidmouth to 267-4 in 40 overs.It was always going to be a tall order for the Shaldon batsmen and they lost a wicket in the second over when Will Murray snapped up an opener at short mid off to give Tom Mason a wicket. The visitors' Jimmy Fulner revelled in the challenge and completed a half century in a second wicket stand of 74. His departure signalled a collapse as Graham Munday and Will Murray bowled in tandem, eight wickets falling for 22 runs.l A much sterner test was provided for Sidmouth on Saturday when Surrey Championship side Beddington visited the Fort Field for the first time. Sidmouth made a highly respectable 253-6 with an opening stand of 109 between Josh Bess and Anthony Griffiths, who both made half centuries, setting the tone. Australian Kris Williams made a confident 44 and there were sound contributions from Luke Bess, Nick Gingell and Murray.The Sidmouth total looked vulnerable, with 126 being put on the board in good time by Beddington's openers against Sidmouth's seamers, but Williams' off-spin provided a brake. Two more wickets for him and a splendid catch at backward square leg made it a good all-round performance on his debut.From 126-0 Beddington slipped to 144-3 and then struggled to maintain the challenge in the fading light, especially with Adam Dibble returning to the attack and picking up a couple of wickets. Nevertheless they reached a respectable 227-7.The warm-ups for the Francis Clark Devon League season continue tomorrow with the 1st team facing Exeter University at the Fort Field and the 2nd XI visiting Feniton. It will be Nick Gingell's second match in six days against the University - on Sunday, playing for Devon he came in at number seven and promptly struck two fours to seal a five-wicket win for the county side. This Sunday at the Fort Field sees Clyst St George visiting.