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

First up, we asked him for his thoughts on last week’s action for the senior XIs, starting with that surprise 1st XI defeat at the hands of Bradninch.

Fionn said: “It was a disappointing result at Bradninch. Feedback from our travelling support was that it was a good day to bat first as the wicket became harder to play on as the match progressed.

“We didn’t help ourselves by dropping Charlie Walker early in his innings, allowing him to take the Bradninch total higher than we would have liked.

“Our innings lacked a major contribution and that is something we will have to put right this weekend as Exeter have been scoring very heavily in their previous games.”

Next up we asked him about his thoughts on the 2nd XI and the matter of them having this ‘huge’ fixture tomorrow at Kilmington.

Fionn said: “Yes, ‘Griff’ [Sidmouth 2nd XI skipper Anthony Griffiths] has described it as a ‘cup-final’ and he is not far off.

“The winner of the game is likely to win the league. It’s a great opportunity for our young second team to test themselves against a very good team with some impressive batsmen.

“The confident way in which we overcame Exeter 2nds last week suggests we will give Kilmington a good game.”

Finally, on playing matters, we asked about the third eleven, who were without a game last weekend, but who had promotion confirmed with four games remaining.

Fionn said: “While promotion looks secure for the 3rd XI in terms of points on the board, it will be good to do it in style and forthcoming matches with Upottery and Bradninch 2nds will make for an exciting finish.”

In general terms, how does the chairman view a season so far in which, with just four match days to go, all three senior XIs are ‘in the mix’, with chances of winning their respective divisions?

Fionn says: “It’s really good to have plenty to play for and a credit to the captains and our chairman of selectors, Saj Patidar, that we have been able to field three consistently strong XIs.”

Next we moved onto the club’s Josh Bess and the fact that last Sunday he chalked up 50 appearances for Devon in terms of the county three-day matches programme.

Fionn said: “Josh is a fine ambassador for our club and county and deserves all the credit that comes his way.

“He plays an enormous amount of cricket every summer and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he goes on to reach 100 Devon matches in a few years’ time.”

Last, but not least for this week, we asked the chairman for his thoughts on why so many clubs are seeming to find it harder and harder to field full elevens every week.

“I am sure that if matches such as the recent fantastic Test between India and England were to be shown to a wider UK audience there is little doubt that the game’s appeal would grow.

“Players don’t play as many games as they used to and it is a lot of hard work for club volunteers to field teams for every game.”