WELLINGTON 2nd XI’s hopes of winning the second division title in the Somerset Cricket League suffered a big blow when they lost by 36 runs away to bottom side Frome 2nd XI.

And although Wellington stay second in the table, the leaders West Monkton may have clinched the championship before the top two teams play each other at the end of the month at the Playing Field.

Batting first after winning the toss, Frome were bowled out for 222 in 37.4 overs with James Unwin (74) and Ryan Gullock (69) top scoring and sharing in a third-wicket stand of 103 runs. Ethan Smart also hit 28.

Alex Derbidge was Wellington’s most successful bowler, taking 3-34 in eight overs, while skipper Rob Moysey took 2-55 and Neil Hendy 2-34.

Hendy, the recent batting star in Somerset Over 50s’ thrilling win over Durham, also top scored for Wellington with 46 before being run out. Paul Short made 29, Ollie Hunt 25 while Mark Salter was 24 not out. Smart snapped up 4-10, Jonathan Dredge 2-22 and W Thomas 2-35.

Wellington are away to Broadway & Horton on Saturday, August 23, while West Monkton are home to Taunton. Fixtures: Huntspill & District v Burnham on Sea, Broadway & Horton v Wellington, Middlezoy v Frome, Staplegrove v Ilton, West Monkton v Taunton.

Meanwhile, Wellington 3rd XI went down by 70 runs ‘at home’ to Taunton Deane 5th XI in Division Seven Red. Batting first, the Deane scored 248-5 with J Monsey being their star batter with 112 off 83 balls with 22 fours. N Thomas knocked 32 and C Balston 54 not out. Archie Evans took 2-36 and Connor Wickenden 2-23.

Evans hit a splendid 104 for Wellington off 98 balls while Tyler Fyfe made 27. D Armani took 5-24 and A Salter 2-22.