THERE could not have been a more fitting way for Wellington skipper Paul Short to bring the curtain down on his six seasons as 1st XI Captain than the fine run chase at Uphill Castle on Saturday when his side passed the home side's 270 with four wickets in hand.

Short played a guiding hand of 76 not out as a twelfth win in 17 completed games secured third place in the Somerset division of the West of England premier league.

On a glorious day the minibus with team and supporters set sail from Wellington and they arrived at Uphill to find a well tailored wicket and fast outfield on offer.

It was the Weston Super Mare based side who opted to bat first on winning the toss and they batted well throughout their 50 overs without anyone really going on to a big score as Winn top scored with 54.

Wellington found spin to be their most potent weapon as Paul Short delivered three good spells of off-spin to take 2-45 while Rob Moysey was in the wickets too with 1-40 in ten overs.

Max Capaldi with 2-53 in 10 overs was the third spinner to be used by Wellington and although pace was not the potent force Luke Desave came back to take 4-49 in 10 overs as Uphill lost their last four wickets for just one run with four balls left, but 270 was still a fine effort.

Wellington lost Charlie Davies in the first over, but rallied through Sam Murdock and Alex Sparks as they added 35 second wicket runs before Murdock was caught behind.

Sparks was timing the ball well, but when he was LBW for 29 Wellington were 41-3 and going nowhere.

The game was turned on its head by Max Capaldi and Paul Short who added 79 for the fourth wicket with Capaldi playing a capital knock of 44.

When he was out and a fifth wicket fell too at 127-5 Wellington were at the half way point in their innings and needed a lot of runs, but a fine attacking knock of 78 from Indika Weerwarna and with skipper Short anchoring matters Wellington's confidence grew and Uphill's seeped away.

The pair added 102 for the sixth wicket and this was the boost Wellington needed.

Short and Scott Davey - who has had a fine season - saw Wellington over the line with eight balls to spare with the captain on 76 not out and Davey on 15 not out.