In the first reverse fixture of the season, Taunton Deane First XI travelled the short distance to Wellington where the home side was asked to bat.

The opening pair of Roberts Junior and George Ruell were untroubled by the blustery conditions and put on an opening partnership of 126, before Roberts was stumped by Josh Cobb off the bowling of Rufus Williams-Pritchard for 54.

Rufus claimed his second victim 14 runs later, but Jack Beal and Jacob Hurry then took Wellington past 200.

The final six wickets fell for 32 runs leaving the Deane a target of 241 to overcome.

Rufus Williams-Pritchard returned his best performance of the season with four for 39 while James Salt’s figures of three for 30 confirm the club’s confidence in the quality of players coming through the Youth Section.

As has so often been the case this season, the Deane batting showed insufficient resilience.

Harry Smith top scored with 41 but it was the partnership of 78 between Ben Chaffey, who was 39 not out, and Dan Trick with 32 that gave the Deane supporters a glimmer of hope, but it was not to be.

Only five more runs were added after Dan Trick was dismissed and the Deane 1st XI suffered their 10th straight defeat in the league and are rooted firmly at the bottom of the table.

The Deane Second XI welcomed Winscombe to the Convent Field where the game attracted interest not only from the teams’ supporters but also from those enjoying the Armed Forces’ Day in Vivary Park.

Former Deane player Jack Fraser certainly reminded home spectators of his talent as he cracked 19 boundaries in his 112.

He was ably supported by the generosity of the Deane who contributed 43 extras to the Winscombe total of 228 for nine.

The Deane response was dominated by a blistering 90 from opener Ged Williams-Pritchard whose runs came from just 45 balls.

When he fell to Jack Fraser, the score was 129 and the calm after the storm was provided by skipper Ali Warren with 42 and Max Johnson who made 33.

The Winscombe total was passed in just 31 overs leaving enough time to enjoy the sight of five England penalties all hitting the back of the net.

The Deane First XI team are at home to a highly successful Congresbury side next Saturday while the Seconds travel to Long Sutton.