Wellington lost their pre-season match with Devon Premier League club Exeter for the first time in four outings last weekend when the hosts won in style with a strong side on show.

Wellington had won the three previous meetings and were asked to bat first and found ex Sidmouth player Z.Bess in excellent form with the ball and later he would do well with the bat as he took 4-7 in 6.1 overs delivered in two spells.

A good number of wides boosted Wellington’s total early on and Alex Sparks can be thanked for his capital knock of 79 that bonded the Wellington innings together in the 41.1 overs for which is lasted.

Sam Murdock – back with the Club – made 22 on his return and he worked the ball around well and he added 53 for the sixth wicket with his skipper to get Wellington to 139-5, but the return of Bess saw the Red and Blacks would be all out for 157 with 23 balls left unused.

Rob Moysey made a useful contribution of 10.

With the bat Bess and Richardson each made good fifties for Exeter who were troubled by Ian Hewson and Jack Beal who took the new ball for Wellington, but they got through this period of play to set up the win for their side.

It was completed by Lenighan who hit 39no and Holman who supported his skipper with 9no.

Paul Short was Wellington’s successful bowler.