WEATHER permitting, Wellington play their first game of the season in the Somerset Division of the West of England Cricket League at Chard this afternoon (Sat).

If last season is anything to go by, it could be a close game in South Somerset with Wellington finishing fifth in the table, one place above Chard with 19 points separating the sides.

Wellington's first team has been strengthened by the signing of Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Sandaken Pathirana.

He has had two summers in this country playing for Greater Manchester League club Shaw, snapping up 85 wickets at an average of 5.88 in 2019, and 72 wickets at an average of 13.69 in 2021. His batting average in both seasons was 30. He is obviously going to be a useful addition to the side.

He is included in Wellington's line-up which is: A Campbell, C Ruell, S Whitefield, D Sandekien, J Hurry, C Hendy, E Evett, L Desave, J Beal, T Stirzaker, T Hopkins.

Wellington 2nd XI, skippered by Ian Hewson, are home to Trull in Division Four of the Somerset League.

The 3rd XI, led by Richard Hewson, play away to West Monkton in Division Seven Red of the Somerset League.