WEPL Somerset Division
Wembdon 239-8 beat Wellington 186 by 53 runs

WEMBDON travelled to Wellington on Saturday and were certainly tested by both the pitch and the Wellington squad but earned a 53-run victory to cement their place in third, writes Dan Bingham.

They elected to bat but, by the ninth over, Wembdon had lost three wickets with the top order all back in the pavilion.

The in-form pairing of Jon Brockwell and Liam Pigden had a big rebuilding job to do.

Unusually, Pigden (40) was the more aggressive, striking three consecutive boundaries, and he and Brockwell (49) shared a stand of 87 for the fourth wicket and took Wembdon past 100. 

The hard-fought fightback quickly unravelled when three quick wickets fell, however, leaving Wembdon on 126-6.

The left-handed pairing of Brendan Pope and Josh Henry came together and a half-century (54) for Pope and 40 for Henry in a stand of 96 helped Wembdon pass maximum batting points.

Max Sellick struck a quickfire 20 to move Wembdon along to 239-8.

The Wellington reply started with a maiden but, after five overs, they were 24 without loss and looking in control.

Brockwell made the breakthrough in the sixth over, clean-bowling Campbell for eight, then bowled fellow opener Hine for 12.

Wembdon had to wait six more overs for the third wicket when Dan Bingham started his spell with a wicket maiden, while the introduction of Sellick brought a run out by Henry in his first over followed up with a wicket-maiden in his second over.

Wellington, under the guidance of captain Luke DeSave (50) set about rebuilding, and DeSave and Aks Latifi batted for 12 overs following drinks, adding 61 chanceless runs.

At 140-5 from 34 overs, the hosts sensed a shock comeback but Wembdon upped the intensity and Sam Puddy removed both batsmen within four overs.

The innings came to an abrupt end soon after with Buller trapping Hendy lbw, while Pope was brought back into the attack claiming a run out from his second ball before yorking Derrick first ball to end the Wellington innings on 186.

Wembdon are on the road again next Saturday to second-placed North Perrott.

On Sunday, Wembdon are holding their Annual Club Day featuring the Dave Palmer Memorial Match.

In addition, there will be a barbecue, bar, bouncy castle, tea/coffee and cake.

The day features a junior cricket festival from 10am and will be supported by the ECB’s Cricket Fest.

Everyone is welcome to The Green.

In Division 4 of the Shrubbery Hotel Somerset League, Wembdon 2nds were beaten by 36 runs after a valiant run chase at Huntspill & District.

Matt Osmant’s 84 was the dominant knock as Huntspill finished on 227-9, with E. Howes taking 3-32 for Wembdon.

Several Wembdon batsmen made starts, but only M. Watts (54) truly kicked on as the hosts were dismissed for 191 - T. Garner finished with 3-40 for the victors.