WELLINGTON showed championship-winning qualities in beating North Petherton away by 18 runs in the Somerset Division of the West of England Premier Cricket League last Saturday.

Bowled out under grey skies for 148 in less than 40 overs, Wellington turned on the style - but only after Petherton had put on 54 for the first wicket on what looked a comfortable run chase.

Wellington's bowlers simply wore down the opposition on a damp wicket, taking four wickets in Pethy's middle order for only three runs.

It was yet another case of Wellington showing their gritty character which has enabled them to maintain their 100 per cent record this season.

Wellington play at home to Taunton on Saturday looking to make it a record-breaking 16 straight wins this summer.

Earlier, put into bat, Wellington lost openers George Ruell (5), a century-maker and match-winner the previous weekend, and Jacob Hurry (1) for only 15 before Tom Hazel-Evans (27 ) and Sandaken Pathirana (35) put on 48 for the third wicket.

And not for the first time this season, skipper Arron Campbell stood firm with 33 in 62 balls and Jack Beal ran out of partners on 22 not out.

Mondli Khumalo took 4-22, Will Bere 2-15 and Lewis Knight 2-38.

Petherton, trying to avoid conceding a double to Wellington this season, made a confident start. But they began to look uncomfortable after losing openers T Lott (38) and Khumalo (23), Yet even on 115-4, Petherton would have been regarded as favourites to achieve a relatively low target of 149 to win.

But Luke Desave (3-32) and Sandaken Pathirana (3-31) had other ideas and Petherton began to crumble, slumping to 130 all out in 41.1 overs. Toby Stirzaker also took 2-25, Rob Moysey 1-12 and Campbell 1-29.

Scores: North Petherton 130, Wellington 148