WELLINGTON ended a run of four successive defeats by gaining a splendid seven-wicket home victory over Bridgwater 2nd XI in the Somerset Division of the West of England Premier Cricket League.

Bridgwater went into the game in fourth spot with an outside chance of winning the championship - or gaining promotion.

However, after deciding to bat first at the Playing Field, they were bowled out for 106 - a target which proved no problem for Wellington following an opening stand of 39 by George Ruell (14) and Luke Desave (23).

Jacob Hurry (1) went cheaply but Lakshan Edirisingh (42 not out) and skipper Arron Campbell (7 not out) made sure there were no more losses in taking Wellington over the line with an unbeaten fourth wicket stand of 40. Thomas Ford took 2-21 and Kyran Devitt 1-20.

Earlier Bridgwater must have regretted their decision to bat first after making a dreadful start, losing half their batters for only 25 runs.

Opener John Hill, who scored 17, was one of those to perish against Wellington’s bowling attack which was led by Desave (5-42), who could not buy a wicket in his side’s game against Wembdon the previous weekend.

Tom Furzland (20), Tom Wickens (16) and Ford (16) managed to avoid a total collapse by Bridgwater as Edirisinghe (2-1), Toby Stiraker (1-27) and Andy Hurry (1-18) kept up the presure on the visitors who were eventually bowled out in 29.5 overs.

Bridgwater’s loss means they will almost certainly finish outside of the top two and will be playing in the Somerset Division again next season, while Wellington look as though they will finish in a comfortable mid-table position after looking at one stage this season that they might challenge the leaders. However, they have not always enjoyed the best of luck and felt decisions went against them in the recent Baker Cup final.