WELLINGTON 3rd XI got a taste of pre-season action for 2026 at Chard CC on Sunday, 19th April, in clear and sunny conditions.

The home club's 3rd XI provided the opposition on the Dening Field in a meeting of two teams who will play at the regionalised Division Seven level of the Somerset League this season, writes David Derrick.

Tyler Fyfe’s side was asked to bat first after Chard won the toss. Ben Evett and Phil Baker opened up for Wellington's third string and they and their team had high hopes of a good start with the bat, but Morgan and Pritchard, with two wickets apiece for Chard, set Wellington back somewhat.

Archie Evans with 17 and Nick Roberts with 20 were the mainstays of Wellington's effort as they both played well. Dalwood with 4-10 in 7.4 overs sealed the deal for the home side as Wellington were despatched for 62 in 22.4 overs as Tony Hutchings went undismissed for Wellington.

Fyfe inflicted an early blow on Chard as he bowled Green nick and crop as he took 1-7 in five overs. However Johnson, with 34 not out in just forty balls, saw Chard home in a serene manner to a nine wicket win with a ton of time and overs to spare. Scores: Wellington 3rd XI 62, Chard 3rd XI 64-1.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, 25th April, Wellington 1st XI travel to Yeovil for their third and final pre-season match while the 2nds travel to Chard for a T20 tri-series with the host club's 2nd XI and South Petherton 1st XI. The game at Yeovil will commence at 12.30pm and the T20 day at Chard will see the Red and Blacks take on their hosts at 10.00am and then vie with South Petherton at 1.00pm before Chard and Petherton meet at 4.00pm.