AFTER the longest, hottest summer on record, it had to be a cancelled game due to rain that ended Wellington's successful 2026 season in the Somerset Division of the West of England Premier Cricket League when the visit of Chard was called off at around 2p.m., last Saturday, writes David Derrick.

Jacob Hurry's charges have achieved runners up spot in the league and secured the Four Regions T20 Trophy for Tier Three sides back in July in what has been a top campaign in his first season as captain, having taken over from Arron Campbell.

Of the 18 league games played there were ten wins, one draw, four losses and three cancellations with eventual divisional winners Ilminster always being kept in check until the very end of proceedings - indeed Wellington was unbeaten against the South Somerset side across three meetings.

Wellington eventually finished 36 points behind Ilminster, with Temple Cloud a further seven points adrift in third spot. Taunton (140 pts) and North Perrott (122) were the bottom two sides.

Saturday’s game against Chard was set to see the retirement of long serving and much decorated all-rounder Luke Desave who has chosen to hang up his boots at the age of 36 after 16 seasons with the Red and Blacks as a genuinely fast opening bowler for the majority of this time, and latterly as an economic medium pacer and pinch hitting opening batter.

He is wished well for the future and will always be welcome at the Lloyd and Whyte Cricket Ground.

The team's successful season will be celebrated at the club's Dinner and Presentation Evening which will take place at Oake Manor Golf Club on Saturday, September 26,and at the West of England Premier League's similar event on Friday, 23rd October 23, at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club in Bristol.