WELLINGTON 2nd XI kept up the pressure at the top of the second division in the Somerset Cricket League with an 82-run victory over Ilton at the Playing Field.

Wth four matches remaining, second-placed Wellington are 17 points behind the leaders West Monkton who gained a six-wicket victory over Burnham on Sea.

Wellington, put into bat by Ilton, scored 246-4 in their 40 overs with all their batters contributing runs to a useful score. Openers Aks Latifi (69) and Paul Short (54) put on 100 for the first wicket while Neil Hendy (45) and Olli Beale (28) carried on the good work, with skipper Rob Moysey (13 not out) and Mark Salter (10 not out) adding useful runs at the end of the innings. Damian Price took 2-31 while Andrew Mason and Matthew Knight both collected a wicket apiece.

Ilton never seriously looked like getting the runs after losng their first wicket on 25, against the bowling attack of Moysey (3-16), Alex Derbridge (3-16), Tom Hopkins (2-35) and Beale (2-19). Wellington collected 35 points for their tenth win of the season.

West Monkton’s win over Burnham was their 11th in 15 matches. Burnham chose to bat first and scored 204 all out in 38.1 overs. Opener Bradley House scored 50, Ollie Farnham 50 and Connor Lefrere 41. None of their last six batters managed double figures.

Joe Holman was Monkton’s most successful bowler with 4-6 in 3.1 overs, while Charvik Ranaweera took 3-35 in eight overs.

Monkton were steered to victory by Richie Bellringer who scored 59, while opener Jordan Lee scored 44 and Will Ostler 54.

Wellington 2nd XI play away to Frome 2nd XI on Saturday, August 16, while West Monkton are also away - to Huntspill & District. Broadway & Horton, in third spot, are away to Ilton.