Wellington 174-7 North Petherton 175-7
On a glorious Glastonbury weekend, Wellington succumbed to yet another defeat losing away to North Petherton by 3 wickets. Wellington’s failure to ‘kill off’ teams was again evident as indisciplined bowling and fielding in the closing stages allowed North Petherton to steal the initiative and seal, at one stage, an almost unlikely victory.
After a patient opening partnership of 53 between Bere (44) and Williams (15) was broken, Wellington capitalised removing the home side’s middle order in quick succession with young Capaldi taking 3-36. Struggling at 89-5, North Pertherton required a further 85 runs at more than six an over before the superb T.Williams (54n.o) took the game away from Wellington’s grasp. Having seen off danger man P Short (2-27), Williams was unfazed by the task in hand, and helped by lacklustre fielding, batted with remarkable ease. Lewis Irish (29) was also a major benefactor as crucial chances were missed in the field. Wellington took late wickets, but Williams saw North Pertherton recorded their fifth win of the season.
Earlier in the day, Wellington set a challenging total of 174-7 with thanks to Alex Sparks top scoring with 69. After a patient start, Sparks accelerated with two sixes and a flurry of hard run twos. Sparks was ably supported by Moysey (29) and P Short (26) who both made good starts.
After a difficult and turbulent start to the season, Wellington, threatened by the prospect of relegation in both teams, need to pull together as a playing squad to ensure a quick turnaround in the club’s current fortunes.
The 1st XI face a relegation battle away to fellow strugglers North Newton next Saturday with the 2nd XI at home to Glastonbury 3rd XI.
