Wellington 2nd XI are up to sixth in Division One of the Somerset League’s Reserves competition following this fine four wicket success at Glastonbury last Saturday when they claimed 34 points – the same haul as the 1st XI enjoyed.
Playing on an artificial pitch Wellington won the toss and asked the home side to bat first and they had removed both openers by the time the score had reached 15 as Adrian Lee and Martin Short brought balls back to castle Holland and Moore.
Wellington’s joy was short-lived though as Wade with a superb 71 and Crees got the Glastonbury score up into the fifties, but Martin Short – enjoying a great start to the 2007 season – produced two perfect deliveries to see Crees and Cox back to the pavilion and at 67-4 Wellington were fighting back.
All the time though Wade was looking like making a huge score as he cut, drove and pulled powerfully all round the wicket.
In the end he was well caught by Julian Jones at deep mid-wicket as he held a great catch off of Chris Rudd (2-62).
Glastonbury keeper Collins was left with the tail and it was a young tail at that, but the home side manoeuvred to 190-9 in 45 overs with Vassali making 19no.
Bob Trott bowled an excellent spell of off-spin to take 2-39 in 10 overs as he maintained a perfect line and length.
Wellington fielded well in general on a bumpy and uneven outfield and can be happy with their efforts at tea.
A wicket was lost at 15, but Kevin Crout and Bob Trott took the score to 54 with a series of glides and angled bat shots that used the outfield – uneven, but fast – to it’s full extent.
Crout hit well over the top and had made it to 24 before he was caught at point.
Trott hit a capital 25 before he too was caught in the covers.
Skipper James Dyke was well caught behind and at 87-4 with just over a hundred needed the game was in the balance, but an innings of quality from Chris Rudd saw Wellington recover and then push onwards for victory.
Rudd hit 66no with ten fours and two sixes in a powerful knock that bounded his team’s innings together. With Dave Luxton (12) and Martin Short (27) he found able assistance as Wellington closed in on the 191 to win.
Glastonbury tried all options, but could not remove Rudd and the winning runs came courtesy of five wides with over three overs to spare.
Wellington 2nd XI now move up to sixth in the table and seem to be adapting to life at the higher level well.