Here’s our regular ‘chat’ about all things Fortfield with Sidmouth CC chairman Fionn Wardrop.

This week we began by asking Fionn for his thoughts on what had been a very good day for the 1st XI with their home win over Torquay and, in particular the six wicket haul for Will Murray.

He responded: “Will [Murray] has been a stand-out player for Sidmouth for probably about 15 years now and it came as no surprise that he produced his best bowling of the season to date at a time when his team most needed him to.

“Getting a ‘sixfer’ when you are only permitted a 10-over shift is no mean achievement and it was a terrific spell from him.”

Next up, we asked about the 2nd XI and the wonderful 200 run stand, as well as that ‘run-ou-on-99’ fate that befell Issac Thomas.

The chairman (who is a regular in the 2nd XI and who opened the bowling in the Torquay innings, said: “The 2nds played really well again and have certainly made an impressive start to the league season.

“It was a real pity for Isaac [Thomas] not to make his ton, but he was clearly worn out and a little slow in coming back for the second run!

“He took it really well and no one doubts he will hit three figures before long as he makes batting look so much easier than most.”

We then asked about the splendid century from Anthony Griffiths in the same game and the response was: “Griff judged his innings beautifully, starting when it wasn’t easy, and then grinding it out before really accelerating at the end.

“He is a real asset to our club on and off the field, not just in his own deeds - which are considerable - but in the way he helps others.”

As for the third XI and their defeat at Chudleigh, the chairman said: “It wasn’t such a good day for the thirds, but, on a day when the weather was unkind to a lot of sides, they definitely had the tougher part of the conditions.

“Jordan Fowler turned in a good all-round performance and its good to see Byron Knowles back on the field again after a nasty ankle injury.”

With regard to the Sunday first team defeat in the Servicemaster Devon T20 Cup at Bradninch, a contest that saw Sidmouth without their Devon contingent [away on Unicorns Trophy duty with Devon in Dorset], Fionn said: “Sunday cricket is tough these days as we always have a number away on representative duty.

“We came up short on Sunday, but a number of lads gained some first team experience so it was still time well spent.

Last, but certainly not least, we asked the chairman for his views on the appearance in the Devon side of the three Bess brothers.

Fionn said: “We are all delighted to see the Bess brothers in the same Devon team and they deserve the recognition they have had this week. It was great to see them on BBC Spotlight!

“Better still is the fact that they all contributed during the match and Luke made a gutsy debut, helping Devon to a draw.

“It reflects very well on our club to have such tough and talented players representing us at a higher level.”