WELLINGTON 2nd XI missed out on a chance of closing the gap on leaders West Monkton when they went down by two wickets at home to Staplegrove in Division Two of the Somerset Cricket League.

Batting first after winning the toss, Wellington were bowled out for 166 in 35 overs with opener Aks Latifi top scoring with 62, with three fours and five sixes. Jack Beal made 18 and Oli Beale 15. Thomas Pantling was the pick of the bowlers with 3-35 while Will Reed took 2-13, Joe Greenwood 2-39 and Joe Pantling 2-21.

Grove won the run chase in the 39th over, scoring 167-8 with opener Thomas Pantling top scoring with 30 while Deep Shah scored 26. Wellington skipper Rob Moysey was again in good form with the ball, taking 4-19 in eight overs, while Oli Beale finished with figures of 2-28, also from eight overs.

West Monkton went down by one wicket to Ilton but remain 19 points clear of second-placed Wellington.

Wellington 3rd XI also lost their away game against Division Seven Red leaders West Monkton despite scoring more than 250 runs.

Archie Evans hit 14 fours and three sixes in his 94 for Wellington who made 267 all out with Tyler Fyfe scoring 27, Paul Baker 25 and Simon Burrough 24. Gihan Wickramarachchi took 3-33, Jack Luton 2-32, Phil Anning 2-59 and Andy Nicholas 2-14.

Anning steered the leaders to a six-wicket success with a splendid 108 which included 15 fours and four sixes. Matt Bowen also scored 72 and Craig Plumridge 40. There was one wicket apiece for Fyfe, Evans, Connor Wickenden and Baker.

Meanwhile, Wellington 2nd XI will be looking to bounce back when they play away to Huntspill & District on Saturday, July 19, while Wellington 3rd XI are also home to their Huntspill & District counterparts.