WELLINGTON slipped back to third in the Somerset Division of the West of England Premier Cricket League after losing by 71 runs at home to title-rivals Yeovil, writes David Derrick.

But there was a silver lining to this particular cloud as ninth placed Taunton pulled off the win of the season by beating leaders Ilminster.

On winning the toss Yeovil opted to bat first and played a steady innings to get to 148-7 with Hanrahan and Shorto, with 43 and 40, being the most impressive batters. Wellington's bowling was disciplined with Toby Stirzaker being the star turn with a fine analysis of 4-35 in ten overs delivered in two spells, George Davis took 2-59 in nine with Arron Campbell's ten overs of off spin costing just 28 runs with a wicket.

Lakshan Edirisinghe and Nathan Yarde were also wicket-takers as Yeovil were all out for 205 with one ball to spare, having seen Hume with 42 and Fuller add good late runs for the side from South Somerset.

The task of getting the runs in 50 overs represented a reasonable task of run getting. Having lost all-rounder Luke Desave to a hamstring injury in the pre-match warm up and seeing Robbie Watts plucked from the 2nd XI, a new opening partnership was needed and it was Toby Stirzaker who joined Arron Campell first up for Wellington.

By the time that Stirzaker was out for twenty, Wellington's score was 43-5 as Yeovil's opening pair of Brighton and Fuller wrought havoc. James Hibbert with 20 and Oz O'Livey with 19 batted well with Brendan Poole who scored 24 as the Wellington lower middle order fought back, although Dicker and Chesterman wrapped up things - with 15 overs unused.

Yeovil took 20 points to Wellington's six and it is a trip to mid-table Bridgwater 2nd XI on Saturday, August 8, for another crucial game..