Sidmouth suffered a surprise opening day defeat in the defence of their Tolchards Devon League title defence when they were beaten at home by Paignton.

However, club chairman Fionn Wardrop was staying up-beat despite the disappointment.

He said: “Unfortunately we had a similar start last year when we lost to North Devon. Paignton have some talented players who have come up through their system, so it’s no surprise to see them play well. Matt Cooke summed this up well post match when he said ‘Paignton, a team that fielded all eleven home grown English players with the oldest being 25 years of age. Young and inexperienced yes, enthusiastic and keen to succeed, undoubtedly’.”

There were positives to take from the opening game as Fionn alluded when he said: “Positives were the performances of Nick Gingell, who didn’t play last year, and Scott Barlow. Zac Bess also spent some time at the crease and our spinners, Miles Dalton and Charlie Miles, bowled well.”

The Sidmouth 2nds did make a winning start with victory over Cornwood II. The chairman said: “The 2nds played really well against a side that are always a tough opponent – especially on their own ground.

“Tom Moore made 84 and batted beautifully. All of the bowlers bowled and, unusually for the 2nds, the fielding was really sharp!”

No such joy for the third eleven who suffered a heavy defeat to a Hatherleigh side that were relegated down a level at the end of last season.

Fionn said: “It’s always hard for the 3rds at this time of year as we are missing school players, students and teachers throughout the club which affects their numbers.

“They had a bit of a shocker, but that was as much due to good opposition as anything else. The 3rds will only get stronger as the season progresses, so no cause for concern.”

On Sunday, Fortfield plays host to the Unicorns trophy match between Devon and Sidmouth. The game starts at 11am and Fionn says: “ This is a big game for Devon that they need to win and with Josh Bess, Scott Barlow and Liam Lewis in the squad it’s also a big game for Sidmouth.

“All are welcome to come and watch and it is great to have this standard of cricket on our doorstep.

“We are looking for volunteers, not specifically for this match, but through the summer for tasks such as collecting deckchair money so anyone who wants to help is welcome to contact me via email at fionnwardrop@yahoo.co.uk