WEMBDON extended their lead at the top of the WEPL Somerset Division to 43 points with a narrow 3-run victory over second-placed Wellington.

Sam Puddy (84) helped Wembdon to 239 all out batting first, before a last over run-out from Alastair Cook sealed the win for Wembdon by the tightest of margins.

On a hot and humid Saturday, Wembdon won the toss and had no hesitation in deciding to bat.

Gower was dismissed early on for just 6, as he was clean bowled by a good swinging delivery.

Curd (20) and Puddy consolidated the innings and began to capitalise on some loose Wellington bowling.

The pair added 62 before Curd was needlessly run-out for 20.

Brockwell came to the crease and looked in good touch, sharing a stand of 57 with opener Puddy, but he was bowled for 25 by the tricky variations of Hendy.

After 30 overs Wembdon had reached 139 for 3, with Puddy bringing up his 50 off 74 balls.

The hard-hitting Trunks (23) upped the scoring rate with some big blows, but a superb one handed catch from Hewson, sprinting off the long-on boundary halted his charge.

The returning Hooper then had opener Puddy caught in the deep very next ball to bring an end to a classy knock.

The lower-order helped take Wembdon to 239, but they failed to bat out their overs and were bowled out in the 49th.

Bingham and Brockwell opened the attack and kept things tight as Wellington fell behind the required rate. Brockwell claimed two quick wickets to reduce Wellington to 18 for 2 off of eight overs.

A change in pace was required and the returning Cook claimed the prize wicket of Sparks, trapped LBW for 46.

Cook (1-37) and fellow spinner Gower (1-44) bowled economically and the increasing number of dot balls created pressure. Some good fielding combined with some suicidal running, left Wellington 148 for 7.

Hendy though, hadn't given up hope and brought Wellington back into contention as he went after the Wembdon spinners. He struck some big blows before the returning Bingham had him caught behind to put Wembdon back in front.

But the momentum swung again and Wellington were left needing just eight to win from the final two overs.

An incredible over from Gower, which included four dot balls, made it six required from the final over with just one wick remaining.

After a scrambled leg-bye, Hewson pushed the ball into the deep and immediately called for two, but Cook, fielding on the boundary, fired the ball in with a fantastic throw to catch Campbell short of his ground and seal a thrilling win for Wembdon.

Wembdon travel to Butleigh next Saturday.

Match Sponsor: The Orange Room Conservatories