WELLINGTON’S hopes of gaining their third straight win in the Somerset Division of the West of England Premier Cricket League were dashed when they lost a rain-affected match by 19 runs at home to Wembdon.

In a game reduced to 20 overs a side because of rain, Wembdon batted first after losing the toss and made 151-6 in their allotted overs while Wellington were bowled out for 132 in 17.4 overs.

Opener Arward Barnard scored 75 for Wembdon, Mohamed Imthiyas Slaza 44 and Karl Trunks 21 as the visitors set a target for the home side. Toby Shirzaker took 2-23, while there were wickets for Luke Desave, skipper Arron Campbell, Nathan Yarde and Tom Hopkins.

Sri Lankan all-rounder Lakshan Edirisinghe led the run-chase with 46 off 27 balls, while opener George Ruell scored 28, Campbell 13, Jacob Hurry 13 and Callum Hendy 16.

Lewis Townsend took 4-11 in two overs for Wembdon, while Harry Everett finished with figures of 2-27.

It was Wellington’s fourth loss in six matches and they slipped to eighth in the table, while Wembdon moved above them into seventh spot.

Temple Cloud opened up a lead of 15 points at the top of the table after they gained an eight-wicket victory over Shapwick and Polden who were bowled out for 49 in 18-4 overs. Reece Croker took 4-8, George Fox 2-6 and Dan Nolan 2-9.

After Temple Cloud lost two wickets for 12 runs, Croker (27) and Nolan (12) knocked off the runs without further loss.

The match between North Perrott and Ilminster was abandoned with Perrott 49-7 when the game was called off through rain, while Yeovil were 54-3 when their match against Taunton Deane also ended through rain.

In the other fixture which began, Butleigh were 38-2 in their game against Bridgwater when it was abandoned.