Here we have our weekly chat with Sidmouth CC chairman Fionn Wardrop who opened by alluding to how well the first half of the Tolchards Devon League season has gone for the Fortfield men.

Here we have our weekly chat with Sidmouth CC chairman Fionn Wardrop who opened by alluding to how well the first half of the Tolchards Devon League season has gone for the Fortfield men.

He said: “Both 1st and 2nd XIs enjoyed good wins to round off the first half of the campaign, one that has seen the 1st XI recover from a difficult start to sit in a challenging spot in the top flight while the 2nd XI made it seven straight wins.”

As for the coming match day and the start of the second half of the campaign, Fionn says: “I’d think the 1st XI will be looking for more of the same, but with clear improvements from the first half performances against Paignton, Bovey Tracey and Exeter.

“That said, they go into their match at Paignton without Luke Bess, who is at a wedding this Saturday, so Zak Bess steps up for his first game as 1st XI league captain.

“The return of Liam Lewis strengthens the top order and gives us an extra bowling option.

“Josh Bess does, of course, take some outstanding form into the weekend as he followed his century and six wickets against Plymouth with more runs and another five wicket innings for Devon against Cheshire.”

Fionn continued: “The 2nd and 3rd XIs face decent opposition this weekend.

“Cornwood 2nds league position belies their playing strength while the 3rd XI travel to the league’s in form club, Hatherleigh, where they face the twin challenges of their second team and the best tea in Devon!”