WELLINGTON play one of their biggest cricket matches for many years when they face Taunton Deane in the final of the 20-overs a side Baker Cup at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton, on Monday, August 4 (5p.m.), writes Barry Knott.

The Deane have played in the final 22 times, winning on 14 occasions, while Wellington have appeared in only three and have yet to be on the winning side.

The most successful team in the 90-year history of the competition are 23-times winners Taunton who have appeared in 31 finals.

Last year it was Taunton St Andrews, who have appeared in 27 finals, who won the cup after beating Taunton to chalk up their 13th success.

Meanwhile, Wellington and the Deane will have the chance to have a good look at the opposition when they play each other in the Somerset Division of the West of England Premier League at the Playing Field (12 noon). Deane are leaders of the division, but share top spot with Ilminster, both teams having the same number of points. Wellington are down in seventh spot, but only 37 points off the lead. Both teams have only five games remaining.

Wellington 2nd XI, who top Division Two in the Somerset League, are away to seventh-placed Taunton 2nd XI on Saturday, while Wellington 3rd XI are 'home' to Wembdon 5th XI in Division Seven Reds, with only nine points separating the teams.

*The Baker Cup is named after Herbert Baker, a young assistant cricket pro at Taunton School, who died of peritonitis at the age of 30.

“Bert” Baker was a popular all round sportsman and was involved with Staplegrove Football Club where, in addition to playing full back or half back, he was also secretary.

In the summer he played for Taunton where his ability as a fast bowler earned him many wickets.