WELLINGTON suffered a disappointing 23-run defeat at Bridgwater in the first round of the Somerset Cricket Foundation's Major Cup for WEPL based sides, writes David Derrick.

Jacob Hurry's charges put in another stirling bowling performance, having won the toss as Bridgwater's second string was reduced to 69-7 through the efforts of a balanced pace and spin attack, but a robust eighth wicket stand of 48 saw Bridgwater into a better, if not wholly dominant position, and meant that Wellington were chasing north of 130,

With Toby Stirzaker removing Fursland with the first ball of the game, the Red and Blacks could not have had a better start. Arron Campbell, with more accurate off spin that realised 3-15 in four overs, saw off Bridgwater 2s top and middle order with only Butt's 19 being of any consequence for the home side as at 69-7 Wellington were in command.

But, through Locke with 28 and Singleton with 29 not out, Bridgwater guided themselves to 132-8. Wellington's attack flexed between pace and spin with George Davis earning himself more plaudits in the opening stages of what should be a stellar career with the ball by taking 2-25. Stian Smith with 1-10 in four overs was again miserly when delivering his leg spin with Lakshan Edirisinghe taking the other wicket to fall.

Wellington lost four wickets in two two-wicket blocks to be 36-4 which led to a 25 run fifth wicket stand between Jacob Hurry and George Ruell that got their side to within around half of their required total; this was ended when Hurry was out for 19.

Ruell top scored with 32 not out, but there was not a resilient stand thereafter to propel Wellington home and the game was up when George Davis was out when Pope took his fourth victim for ten runs with two apiece for Locke and Fursland.