Wellington Cricket Club are getting ready to go for the 2026 season at all levels, writes David Derrick (club secretary).
With changes in personnel who will perform management tasks at senior and junior levels, and at overarching points in the club’s structure too, the summer ahead is one of opportunities and potential.
Jacob Hurry succeeds Arron Campbell as club and 1st XI captain and will take to the field in his new role three times in pre-season matches before the opening West of England Premier League Somerset Division at the beginning of May
Fast bowler and club coach Toby Stirazker will be Jacob’s deputy while Sri Lankan all-rounder Lakshan Edirisinghe returns as the club’s overseas player.
The 2nd XI, with Rob Moysey in charge once more, are in 2026 is now playing at a level more akin to the 1sts by virtue of consecutive promotions; as recently as 2021, the side were playing in the regionalised Division Six level.
Off spinning all-rounder Alex Derbidge will be Rob’s assistant.
Left-arm medium pace bowler Tyler Fyfe is the new 3rd XI captain in succession to Connor Wickenden who was in office for two-and-a-half seasons.
Experienced youth cricket operator Tony Hutchings is Tyler’s number two and will bring a wealth of experience in one of the team’s core aims to be where the club’s next generation of senior players begin their journey.
Saturday, May 2nd, is the opening date for league play in 2026 with the 1st team playing away to Ilminster in a WEPL Somerset Division match, the 2nds at home to Wedmore in a Somerset League Division One match and the third string are away to Wembdon 5ths in a Somerset League Division Seven South fixture at Cannington College.
Junior section matches commence on Sunday, May 3rd, in the Taunton and District Youth League for Under 11s under the management of Natalie Anderson and for Under 15s under the guidance of Jim Weir.
In what will be a busy opening weekend for the club, Isla Hendy’s women’s and girls’ Section start their Somerset Cricket Foundation softball season and the 1sts travel to Ilminster CC twice in 24 hours to take on both the host club and Taunton CC in a new WEPL-based T20 competition – the Four Regions Cup – both on Sunday, May 3rd.
***
Around Wellington Sport is sponsored by Tone Gate Motors – visit their website by CLICKING HERE