WELLINGTON chalked up their seventh successive victory by beating North Petherton by 27 runs at home to maintain their position at the top of the Somerset Division of the West of England League today (Sat).

As in some of their previous games this season, Wellington did not have things all their own way.

Batting first, they were 140-7 but Alex Sparks came to the rescue with an innings of 64 while Rob Moysey (23) and Tony Stirzaker (13 not out) shared in a last wicket stand of 38 as Wellington were bowled out for 206. Tom Lambert and Lewis Knight both picked up three wickets.

Star of Petherton's innings was former Taunton Town goalkeeper Lloyd Irish who was on 99 when he was caught and bowled by veteran Moysey. Petherton lost their last three wickets for two runs as they slumped to 179 all out.

Wellington's vice-captain Luke Desave took 3-38 and Stirzaker 3-32, while Sri Lankan all-rounder Sandaken Pathirana snapped up 2-52.