WELLINGTON 2nd XI went down to a six-wicket loss at home to title-chasing Ilminster 2nd XI in a high-scoring game in Division One of the Somerset Cricket League, writes David Derrick.

And, for the fourth time in a row, Wellington’s bowling attack conceded runs at an alarming rate after the home side had themselves scored an exemplary 273-2 in their 45 overs.

Wellington batted first on winning the toss with a background of hot, sunny weather, and it was Aks Latifi and Paul Short who strode to the crease and added 23 first up before Short was dismissed caught.

A total of 173 were then added for the second wicket as Latifi and Andy Hurry ruled the roost with wicketkeeper Latifi making a sumptuous 135 in 111 balls with 20 fours and four sixes. Hurry made 69 not out in 78 balls with nine fours and Thom Trott 41 not out in 51 balls with four fours as the Wellington total exploded to 273-2 at tea with only Thompson and Treacher taking wickets for an Ilminster side that had struggled to make an impact with the ball.

No single Ilminster batter made a Latifi-style innings, but all six who did take to the crease did as required with their skipper Vining crashing 88 not out in 56 balls with 13 fours and one six. Wickets came the way of Robbie Watts, Rob Moysey and Neil Hendy, but this was a massive win for Ilminster as they chase the title.

Meanwhile, Wellington 3rd XI are up to second in Division Seven South after they were awarded the points following the cancellation of their fixture against Bishops Hull.

A game was fashioned between the Wellington side and a hybrid Hull team with Archie Evans scoring 107 for Wellington in a score of 206-7 in 30 overs which Hull managed in 20 overs!