By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

TWO new faces and an older one back in the fold dominated Shaldon Optimists captain Todd Ballman’s final thoughts on the season just ended.

Highlight of the summer in the 1st XI was Seamus McKenna’s double hundred against Paignton 2nd XI.

McKenna has not played serious cricket since 2017, but clearly meant business against Paignton.

“It's great to have Seamus back,” said Ballman. “His double ton against Paignton was incredible and he will play a huge part in our team going forward.”

Ballman was not the only centurion in the Shaldon scorebook.

“Thirteen year old Seb Linnitt's ton in the away game at Ottery St Mary was very special,” said Ballman.

“We had some really good performances from our younger players this year. Ben Cohen, another young player, led the bowling attack and was very impressive.

“There is a lot to come from Seb and Ben.”

Shaldon finished third in South Three and were pitched against Premier side Cullompton in the play-off for third-placed teams. They won a game that had an end-of-season look to it 

Reflecting on the season, Ballman said: “As a team we were a little inconsistent, but if we can iron out some of our bad habits I think we will be in for a successful season next year.”

New nets costing nearly £50,000 were laid out during the season as part of a rolling programme of improvements at Shaldon's Hazeldown Oval home.