WELLINGTON maintained their 100 per cent record at the top of the Somerset Division in the West of England Premier Cricket League with a four-wicket away victory over North Perrott yesterday (Sat).

Having bowled out North Perrott for 187, Wellington faced a revised target of 189 to win in 49 overs.

However, Wellington do not do things the easy way even if they keep on winning. On a day of grey skies and rain, they slumped from 38-1 to 67- 4 - and looking in some trouble. But then up stepped skipper Arron Campbell (41) and Alex Sparks (53 not out) to steady the ship with a fifth-wicket stand of 82 runs.

There was still work to be done when these two were parted but Luke Desave joined Sparks and made a valuable 23. Not for the first time this season Sparks provided the backbone of Wellington's innings, his score coming off 70 balls which included four boundaries.

Sam Rowswell took 2-17 in his seven overs, while Dan Brain gave away only 35 runs in his spell of ten overs, taking 1-35. There were also one wicket apiece for Jamie Ogborne, George Retter and Archie Frost.

Earlier Perrott's decision to bat first appeared a good won as they got to 144-5 before Campbell put the brakes on their innings with 4-37 in his ten overs. There were also two wickets each for Toby Stirzaker and the dependable Rob Moysey.

Opener Retter top scored for Perrott with 61, while Jack Henderson knocked 33 and Sam Rowswell 29 not out. Perrott's last five wickets tumbled for a total of 42 runs - which was where the game was lost for the home side.

This was Wellington's 13th victory on the bounce and they are getting close to crossing the championship line, especially as second-placed Chard crashed to 86 all out at Frome, losing by 47 runs in a revised run-chase. It now means Wellington now need only one victory from three remaining games to become champions.

Scores: North Perrott 187, Wellington 189-6