Wellington were unable to secure the Somerset Cricket Board’s Indoor League title for 2016-2017, but still took a credible second place as Bridgwater wrapped up matters with a 33 run win on the evening of Sunday 18th December writes Alex Sparks.

Wellington made first use of the new ball as they bowled first.

Ian Hewson (0-28) and Jack Beal (2-35) as they have done all season set the tone by maintaining a disciplined line and keeping Bridgwater in check.

They were well supported by Neil Hendy (1-20) and Arron Campbell (1-25) and it was Campbell who made the breakthrough for Wellington with Hallaran lured out of his crease and stumped for 24 by Alex Sparks.

At the halfway stage Bridgwater were 52-1.

Vickery made it to 25 and retired, but Hendy with a run out saw the back of Roberts and Wellington were keeping Bridgwater in check.

With 3 overs to go Bridgwater then pushed the scoreboard on thanks to some aggressive running between the wickets from their lower order batsmen.

This put the pressure back on Wellington and the last 3 overs saw 44 runs scored.

This left Wellington with a tough chase of 125.

Arron Campbell and Alex Sparks got off to a steady start before the experienced Higgins tightened the screw in the 3rd over with a wicket maiden.

From here Wellington were always chasing the game and the combined pressure of the scoreboard and the Bridgwater bowling unit saw Wellington fall to 41-4.

Alex Sparks remained at the crease with Jack Beal and they managed to build a partnership and give Wellington an outside chance.

Despite a good partnership the required run rate continued to increase and by the time Sparks was dismissed for a battling 32, the game was up.

It was left to Beal to bat out the remaining over and he should good resilience striking a couple of boundaries and ensuring Wellington batted out their full allocation and finished up with 91.

Despite a disappointing result there was plenty of positives for Wellington this indoor season – Jack Beal finished as the league’s top wicket taker by some margin with nine wickets and has been named as the Division’s Most Valuable Player based on his combined batting, bowling and fielding performances with Alex Sparks and Arron Campbell featuring amongst the top four run scorers in the division.

Pleasingly Wellington will continue playing the indoor form of the game after Christmas when the play in a new Somerset Cricket Board backed venture that will take place in Crewkerne.