Here we have our ‘weekly chat’ with Sidmouth chairman Fionn Wardrop about all things the Fortfield club and first up we asked for his view on the state of play with regard to the 1st XI.

Fionn said: “The 1sts have had two really good away wins in a row and a feature of the past few weeks has been the all round contributions.

“Nick Gingell changed the momentum of the Heathcoat match by scoring incredibly quickly just before the tea break.

“Charlie Miles has taken ‘fivefers’ in both of our last two games and Will Murray and Scott Barlow are turning in good figures every week.

“Matt Cooke got us off to a great start at North Devon and Anthony Griffiths ensured that it wasn’t wasted.

“In the first few weeks we maybe leant too heavily on Josh and Zac, so it has been great to see everyone contributing of late.”

Next to the 2nd XI and we put it to Fionn that the side simply cannot stop winning! He answered that one with: “Yes, the 2nds are certainly looking strong now and indeed, will only get stronger through the summer holidays.

“The shift to an all-through league in 2018 can’t come soon enough and it will be a big help in closing the considerable gap in playing standards between 1st and 2nd XI cricket which will make it easier for the promising 2nd XI players to step up when required.”

We then put it to Fionn that there have recently been some terrific performances from the younger players at the club – particularly in the third XI.

His answer to that one was: “”It is really pleasing to see the 3rds going well and they will also get stronger in coming weeks.

“We’ve had two century makers in the last fortnight weeks with Byron Knowles and Dave Watkins both registering their first Sidmouth tons.

“Byron followed this up with 50 and 5 wickets last week, so is in a golden patch of form.

“Jordan Fowler turns in good bowling figures every week and, at the other end of the experience spectrum, Graham Munday glues the team together with runs and wickets whenever they are most needed.”

Next we asked about the forthcoming luncheon for playe5rs and former players that is being held prior to the club’s Under-19 home fixture on Sunday, July 23.

Fionn said: “We are hosting a lunch for players and former players on that Sunday and anyone who has played for Sidmouth is welcome and places can be reserved by calling or emailing me on 07539 747 263 / fionnwardrop@yahoo.co.uk

The Folk Week draws ever nearer and this was the subject of Fionn’s next thoughts. He said: “The folk week parking has been well supported, but we still need more volunteers. Anyone who can help should email Mike Dibble: mikedibble@beagroup.co.uk

Last, but certainly not least, we asked Fionn about the big Dveon game that the club is staging from Sunday through to Tuesday. Fionn said: “We are very pleased to be hosting Devon CCC in their minor counties championship match with Cheshire. The Devon team is captained by Sidmouth’s Josh Bess and also features Zac Bess and Liam Lewis. The three-day match runs from Sunday (July 2) through to Tuesday with play starting each day at 11am and spectators will, as ever, be made very welcome.”