Wellington CC produced a fantastic performance to end the unbeaten record of Ilminster – the West of England League’s Somerset Division leaders – at the Lloyd and Whyte Ground on Saturday, writes David Derrick.
The Red and Blacks carried on the momentum they had gained from their sparkling T20 success at Trowbridge the previous Sunday to win in spectacular style by seven wickets with just under 13 overs to spare for a full 20 point haul.
Under a cloudy sky and with cool conditions doing the rounds in the mid to late morning, it was, perhaps, curious that Ilminster skipper Rice chose to bat first.
Toby Stirzaker, who had been in the wickets in WEPL’s Tier Three T20 competition, had another decent day with the ball in the longer game as he removed Ilminster opener Brock with the score on zero when he bowled him.
Ilminster’s response briefly gathered momentum through a 37-run second-wicket partnership between Panchal and Rice.
Panchal, who has been in outstanding form this season with a highest score of 196, looked capable of steering the innings but was never completely settled.
Having made 22 from 29 deliveries, including four boundaries, he attempted to work the ball to leg but could only return a sharp chance to Stirzaker, who completed an excellent caught-and-bowled to remove the visitors’ key wicket.
That dismissal proved pivotal as Ilminster lost their remaining eight wickets for 113 runs, eventually being dismissed for 150 in 49.1 overs.
Wellington’s bowlers once again demonstrated the value of spin on a helpful surface.
In the absence of George Davis, Arron Campbell took the new ball and delivered an excellent spell of off-spin, returning figures of 1-20 from his ten overs, including two maidens.
Lakshan Edirisinghe matched Campbell’s economy, claiming 1-20 from his full allocation with three maidens, while further spin came from Sam Whitefield, who took 1-15 from four overs, and Stian Smith, whose leg-spin accounted for 2-27 from six.
Luke Desave also played a crucial role, producing a miserly spell of seam bowling. Operating at a slightly reduced pace but with relentless accuracy, he bowled 9.1 overs, conceding just 20 runs while taking two wickets and delivering four maidens.
Only Rice, with 32, and wicketkeeper Lee, who made 27, offered sustained resistance as Wellington backed up their disciplined bowling with a sharp fielding display. Catches were safely held by Whitefield, Robbie Watts, Edirisinghe and Brendan Poole.
Set a modest target of 151, Wellington required only three runs an over for victory.
George Ruell struck three boundaries as Wellington’s openers put on 20 before the first wicket fell.
After Ilminster claimed a third wicket with the score on 39, the visitors sensed an opportunity, but it proved to be their final success.
From that point, Wellington were in complete control as Edirisinghe and Whitefield shared an unbroken partnership of 112 for the fourth wicket to secure a comfortable seven-wicket victory with plenty of overs and time remaining.
Edirisinghe anchored the chase superbly, finishing unbeaten on 61 from 106 balls, an innings featuring nine boundaries and characterised by patience, composure and intelligent shot selection.
Whitefield provided the perfect support, ending 54 not out from just 78 deliveries, including eight fours and a six, as the pair guided Wellington home in impressive fashion.
Only Brock, with figures of 2-31 from seven overs, made any significant impact with the ball for Ilminster, while Vickery claimed the visitors’ only other wicket.
Despite the defeat, Ilminster remain top of the table, seven points clear of second-placed Yeovil, who defeated Chard, while Wellington’s victory lifts them two places into third, now 24 points behind the leaders.
Wellington face another lengthy away trip on Saturday when they travel to Temple Cloud.
Their opponents now play their home fixtures at Farmborough, near Bath, having relocated from their long-time home at Clutton several years ago.
Photos by Gill Paltridge.
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