WELLINGTON 2nd XI paid the penalty for a poor batting display as they went down by eight wicket away to Staplegrove in Division Two of the Somerset Cricket League.

Wellington, put into bat, were bowled out for 139 in 33.5 overs, despite an opening stand of 65 between Paul Short, who top scored with 67 made in 63 minutes, and veteran Rob Moysey, who laboured to two runs off 17 balls.

Wickets tumbled steadily with Wellington losing half their side before reaching 100. The only other batters to reach double figures were Aks Latifi, who scored 14, and George Davis who struck 21 from 17 balls.

Staplegrove’s most successful bowlers were William Read who took 3-36 in eight overs and Joe Greenwood who took 3-34 - also off eight overs.

The target on a good day for batting proved no problem for the Grove, once a big club side in Somerset, whose openers Thomas Pantling (29) and Read (90 not out), put on 79 for the first wicket.

Joe Pantling (4) was out with the score on 121 but Wellington’s bowlers enjoyed no more success as the Taunton side knocked off the remaining runs by the 21st over without further loss. Davis and Moysey took the only wickets.

It was a dismal day for the Wellington club with the thirds cancelling their ‘home’ match against West Monkton in Division Seven Red of the Somerset League which was to be played at Brompton Ralph, having been switched from Sampford Arundel.

It meant West Monkton were awarded 35 points while Wellington were left without a point.

In other matches in the division, Taunton Deane 5th XI won by 190 runs against Uphill Castle 3rd XI, while Wembdon 5th XI beat Huntspill & District by seven wickets.