With the club awards now completed and the end of another year upon us, we took the time to catch up with Sidmouth CC chairman Fionn Wardrop and began by asking him how, looking back on the past 12 months, on and off the Fortfield pitch, it stands beside previous years.

The chairman responded, saying: “Our 1sts finished third in the Premier Division, the 2nd XI finished top of the top flight in their division for 2nd XI teams and were unbeaten throughout the season and the third XI finished runners-up in their division.

“Having listed the season’s finishes for the senior elevens, it is a mark of recent successes that it feels like an average season!

“The 1st XI results set the tone at the club and they aim to win the league each year, so weren’t happy with a finish in the top flight that saw two teams sitting above them at the conclusion of the campaign.”

We then asked Fionn for his thoughts on the new ‘all-through’ league that seems to offers lots of new interest for many clubs next season - Sidmouth 2nds are going to face a number of East Devon area derby matches with games against the 1st XI of Ottery St Mary, Feniton, Whimple and Kilmington and that will surely generate a lot of additional interest.

Fionn replied saying: “We are so enthusiastic about the all-through league, as our 2nd XI, in particular, has been playing the same group of clubs for as long as most of us can remember [Fionn is a regular in the team].

“Anthony Griffiths is going to captain our 2nds next season and the prospect has rejuvenated his desire for competitive cricket.

“It will be really good for the younger players in our twos and threes to play better cricket and our big hope is that the gaps in playing standards between the teams are reduced, making it easier for players to step up.”

Our final question was, ‘If Fionn Wardrop is chairman in 12 months’ time - what would he like to be looking back on as having happened over the 12 months of 2018?’ and the reply was: “The biggest challenge for most cricket clubs these days is to maintain and grow participation - and we are no exception.

“My biggest hope is that the work we do will result in more players using and enjoying our fantastic facilities, and an even wider group of volunteers contributing to club life.”

Our thanks go to Fionn for his time with this interview and we wish all at Sidmouth CC the best for 2018.