Here’s our weekly chat with Sidmouth CC chairman Fionn Wardrop.

First up, we asked Fionn about that splendid Fortfield surface that produced such a wonderful batting performance from the club’s 2nd XI last Saturday.

Fionn said: “Colin Whitehall always prepares good wickets; I can’t remember a poor one in his entire time at Sidmouth.

“The batsmen get a true surface to play on. If you’ve got some pace you get bounce and carry and a good spinner who gives it a tweak will get turn and bounce.

“For any player looking to develop their game to a high level it’s the ideal surface to learn on.”

Next up we asked about the disappointing defeat suffered by the 1st XI at Paignton and whether that signalled the end of the side’s efforts to retain their Tolchards Devon league top flight title.

Fionn replied saying: “Sadly, a second defeat against Paignton this term leaves us closer to the bottom than the top in terms of points so we have to be realistic about what we can achieve this year.

“That said the first team are defending champions and I’m sure they will have the pride and desire to finish as high in the table as possible.”

We then asked about the club award of a framed score sheet – the latest being the one presented to Dave Watkins after his recent century in the club third eleven.

Fionn said: “Rob Fowler, who is the third team manager, has organised the framed score sheets. It’s really kind of him and a lovely touch for the players.”

Last, but not least, for this week, we suggested to the chairman that is must be mighty pleasing for all at the club just how seamlessly players are now stepping up from thirds to seconds this season.

Fionn responded saying: “The players who come up from the third eleven have looked at home, which is great.

“The step up isn’t a big one so it’s not too difficult for talented players.

“The bigger challenge is helping players to make the transition from the 2nd XI up into the 1st XI.

“Hopefully the gap will close when the all-through league arrives next year.”