WELLINGTON gained a scintillating 44-run away victory over Temple Cloud in the Somerset Division of the West of England Premier Cricket League, writes David Derrick.

Jacob Hurry had little hesitation in choosing to bat first. From 16-2, with a wicket each to Croker and Fox, the door was firmly shut by Luke Desave and Sam Whitefield who added 149 for the fourth wicket from a position of 80-3, of which Lakshan Edirisinghe made a composed 30 (four fours, 42 balls).

Desave made his maiden league ton as he crafted 103 in 134 balls with 16 fours as his transition from the pure bowler of pace is now that of opening batter in both forms of the game. Whitefield made his fourth league half century in a row with a pulsating 79 in 69 balls with fourteen fours and a six.

A score of 229-3 became a final 272-9 for Wellington as a late punch came about from James Hibbert (21 in 15 balls with three fours) and Jacob Hurry with 13 not out. Mortimer with his off spin took 4-44.

Croker and Ward started at a good pace for Temple, but when Ward was run out their impetus was stifled. Eventually Croker with 60 made in 61 balls with nine fours and three sixes was trapped LBW by Arron Campbell to leave Temple at 92-3.

The fifth wicket pair Hales and Thompson added seventy runs in slow time.

Temple’s innings drifted from 100-4 to 170-5 when Thompson was out for 35. The home side were eventually all out for 228 in 49.1 overs as the wicket taking duties were shared out. A caught and bowled chance was accepted by Stian Smith to remove Hales who laboured for 36.

Desave topped his great day by taking 2-31 and it was left to Toby Stirzaker (2-45) to end things for Wellington