Sidmouth thirds completed their 2017 Tolchards Drinks Devon League campaign with defeat in their final game – a home meeting with Thorverton 2nds.

The third team completed their season a week before the club’s other two senior sides because, on the final match day of the campaign (Septemnber2), they will have no game as they were due to meet an Exmouth III side that withdrew from the league just before the start of the campaign.

The third team manager, Rob Fowler said: “We sit second, but with one game for all the other teams left, we may have to settle for a third place finish, but it has been a good season.

As that is it in terms of another league campaign it’s important we acknowledge the help we have had along the way.

“A big round of thanks are due umpire Ian French and scorer Richard Sommers. Thanks also to groundsman Colin, to Gill for our teas, and all the helpers who have put them out and cleaned up.

“With regard to our campaign, I don’t think anyone thought, back in April, we would do as well as we have done.

“We have continued to put the emphasis on developing the youngsters. We have seen some fine individual performances and a first league ton for Byron Knowles and David Watkins.

We have seen maiden half century knocks from the likes of Wesley Holmes, Louis Adey and young Jash Patidar, who also struck a midweek XI century.”

He continued: “In terms of campaign efforts, we had 400 plus runs from the bat of Graham Munday – he also took 23 wickets - but the top wicket taker throughout the league term has been Jordan [Fowler] with 29 and Luke Raistrick also got into double figures with 10 wickets.”

The third team chief rounded things off with: “Last, but certainly not least, a huge vote of thanks to all the players who gave service to the third eleven during the 2017 league season – see you all next year.”