WELLINGTON’S hopes of winning their opening match in the Somerset Division of the West of England Premier Cricket League were dashed when they lost by 13 runs away to North Perrott.

This was despite a Man of the Match performance by opener George Ruell, who was run out four short of a century, and a fine debut by new overseas’ star Lakshan Edirisinghe who took three wickets and followed this with a knock of 24, the second highest score of the visitors’ innings.

Perrott, put into bat, scored 216-9 in their 50 overs with Freddie Wolfenden (54) and James Salaman (53) being their main scorers. Sri Lankan all-rounder Edirisinghe took 3-27 in ten overs while Toby Stirzaker claimed 2-35 and skipper Arron Campbell 2-43.

On a good batting wicket, the target of 217 was getable but Wellington got off to the worst of starts, losing opener Nathan Roberts for a duck with only two runs scored.

Ruell, however, kept his cool while others were losing their wickets at the other end. He put on 48 with Jacob Hurry (13) and 49 with Edirisinghe as Wellington reached 99-3.

But they lost two more wickets cheaply before Luke Desave (13) joined Ruell and the pair put on 27 for the sixth wicket.

But once Ruell fell with the score on 187-8, there was little resistance although Nathan Yarde scored a breezy 23 off only 18 balls. The Wellington innings ended on 203 all out with only one ball of their innings remaining.

Salaman was Perrott’s leading wicket-taker with 4-47 in his eight overs. Dan Brain took 2-37 in his ten over stint while Sam Rowswell and Pawan Watagedara both picked up a wicket.

Perrott collected 20 points for their victory while Wellington went home with eight.

Wellington are home to Yeovil, who lost to Bridgwater 2nd XI, on Saturday, May 10 .