WELLINGTON 2nd XI remain in the relegation zone in Division One of the Somerset Cricket League despite putting up a decent enough show against divisional leaders Long Sutton at the Lloyd and Whyte Cricket Ground, but eventually went down to a seven wicket defeat, writes David Derrick.

Wellington batted first on winning the toss and saw several players get set, but the team as a whole didn't post the telling innings it needed despite eight double figure scores being recorded. Aks Latifi and Paul Short with 26 and 24 respectively added 45 opening wicket runs at a good tempo, but both had been removed by the time that the score hit 55.

Nathan Roberts with 12, Neil Hendy with 25, Alex Derbidge with 15, Nick Roberts with 14, Rob Moysey with 11 and Will Parkman with a fast tempo 15 not out in seven balls all made solid entries in the scorebook.

It may still be relatively early in the season, but Sutton looked good value for their lofty position as Heywood with 4-49 in nine overs and Herridge with 3-21 in six overs did good work and some other tidy figures were posted.

A ninety run opening stand between Crocker who made an eventual 76 in 89 balls and Sutton skipper Cook with 39 in 64 balls set the visitors on their way and pretty much did the bulk of the work required with the bat.

A knock of 32 not out from J. Vigar in 46 balls saw Sutton over the line in 34 overs and to 34 points. Justin Joseph and Rob Moysey along with a run out gave Wellington's second string their wickets as they collected eleven points and face a trip to second placed Broadway and Horton on Saturday, 20th June. Scores: Wellington 2nd XI 167-9, Long Sutton 171-3.