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

This week we began by asking what feelings were in the camp after a third defeat in four games with the 1st team being beaten at Exeter last time out.

The chairman responded with: “Three losses from four means we have a big test this Saturday when Torquay visit.

“They have also had a slow start and both teams will feel in need of a win. While results haven’t gone our way thus far it is heartening to see Zak Bess has made nigh on 200 runs already this summer, Josh Bess is not far behind and two of our Devon bowlers, Scott Barlow and Charlie Miles, are our leading wicket takers. We have some fine players who haven’t shown their best yet, so we’re hopeful that strong performances will arrive this weekend.”

Next up we asked what the feeling was in the club with regard to what have been excellent starts for the 2nd and 3rd XIs.

Fionn said: “It’s great to see the 2nd and 3rd teams turning in strong results and, thankfully, we have some depth to our playing squad.

“That said, the 1sts are our flagship team and when they don’t win the other results don’t feel quite so good.”

Our third question this week regarded general playing matters and the response from Fionn was: “I understand that Zak Bess is getting closer to bowling fitness, so that will be a plus for his captain.

“The ‘two Toms’ in the seconds have really impressed me so far this year. Tom Moore is just 16-years-of-age and only started wicketkeeping last summer and looks a complete natural already.

“He has also opened the batting and scored two half centuries in three starts.

“Tom Simmons is even younger at 15, and opens the bowling for the 2nds. He has gained height and pace this summer and looks a real handful at that level. He also takes on advice well and it’s been good to see him targeting (and hitting) the stumps after a less than subtle hint from Anthony Griffiths!”

Last, but certainly not least, we asked for the chairman’s views on what is currently as super All Stars Cricket initiative being run at the club on Friday evening.

Fionn said: “The All Stars are flying, not just at Sidmouth but around the county, and it’s wonderful to see Matt Cooke’s hard work come to fruition.”