Wellington second XI, for a fourth Somerset League Division One game in a row, saw their attack concede runs at an alarming rate with too many extras to boot, writes David Derrick.
Their most effective effort with the bat was not built on as second-placed Ilminster's second XI visited the Lloyd and Whyte Cricket Ground last weekend and swamped the Red and Blacks second string's exemplary 273-2, made in 45 overs, by making the target in 33.1 overs.
Wellington batted first on winning the toss with a background of hot, sunny weather and a baked outfield to accompany them, and it was Aks Latifi and Paul Short who strode to the crease and added 23 first up before Short was dismissed caught.
A second-wicket score of 173 was then added as Latifi and Andy Hurry ruled the roost as the bat was dominant and then some, as keeper/batter Latifi made a sumptuous 135 in 111 balls with 20 fours and four sixes.
Hurry made 69 not out in 78 balls with nine fours, and Thom Trott 41 not out in 51 balls with four fours as the Wellington total had exploded to 273-2 at tea, with only Thompson and Treacher taking wickets for an Ilminster side that had struggled to make an impact with the ball.
No single Ilminster batter made a Latifi-style innings, but all six who did take to the crease did as required, with their skipper Vining crashing 88 not out in 56 balls with 13 fours and one six as he led from the front.
Wickets came the way of Robbie Watts, Rob Moysey and Neil Hendy, but this was a massive win for Ilminster as they chased the title.
For Wellington, it is a visit to West Monkton this weekend as the two Division Two promotees from 2025 meet at Camel's Hump, occupying the bottom two slots.
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