Only two weeks ago Wellington 2nd XI were looking like having to settle for the runners-up spot in Division Two of the Somerset League’s Reserves competition as their Frome counterparts held a near fifty point advantage, but that is now down to just eight points after their second loss in a row; a one wicket loss at Belvedere sees that the Red and Blacks second string are now right back up there in the race for the divisional title and with Frome having to host third placed Langport this weekend and then visit Wellington the week after the chance for glory is there for Simon Rudd’s squad.

If the side do win the division it will be wins like this – their twelfth of 2010 – that will have been key to such success for Wellington were in trouble at 55-4 chasing 169 to win with 25 overs to go.

Butleigh were asked to bat first and performed solidly against a Wellington attack that had taken all ten wickets on eleven of fourteen occasions this season; Smith with 43 and A.Church with 31 were their mainstays as Wellington performed solidly with the ball – Adrian Lee with 3-36 in 11 overs got through the most work and George Hooper’s 2-28 in 7, Simon Rudd’s 2-20 in 7 and Chris Falltrick’s 1-18 in 4 saw that Butleigh had 168-8 on the board at tea.

Trevor Brooks and Kevin Crout added 32 in 8 overs for Wellington, but four wickets were lost for just 23 runs and this gave the side much to think of, but Richard Henwood, making a second comeback of the season following a back problem cashed in to the tune of 55 with eight fours as he and fellow fifty maker Simon Rudd quashed any issue with the target with an 80 run fifth wicket offering for Wellington; the job was done by George Coate’s 16no and 33 points came Wellington’s way.

The news from Frome will be digested, but will see that no less than a win against Wedmore away this weekend will do ahead of the title showdown on Saturday 21st August from 1.30pm – the early start time for the rest of the SCL season sees the side start at 1.30pm for the rest of the season.

• There was further success for Wellington as the weekend continued as the Sunday XI – captained by Steve Symons – won their home friendly match with Ashbrittle by three wickets with an unbeaten century from Paul Short securing the win; a full report will follow