Taunton Deane Cricket Club overcame the elements to welcome Wellington for the first game of the league season.

This was despite the Convent Field being largely underwater on Thursday, but in two days the ground was playable.

It was in large part due to the extraordinary efforts of the ground staff.

Harry Smith, the Deane captain, won the toss and had no hesitation in asking Wellington to bat first.

At 27 for four, Wellington looked to be in serious trouble but Jacob Hurry provided the backbone of the innings with an excellent 75.

Luke Desave then made a rapid 51 as Wellington eased past the 200 mark.

At one stage 250 looked a realistic prospect, but the last three wickets fell for three runs to leave Wellington with a total of 216.

At 80 without loss and then 126 for one, the Deane looked to have established a good base with the openers, Smith and Tennessee Harlow, striking 11 boundaries between them.

However, once Harlow was out for an impressive 49, the required run rate remained stubbornly at around six an over.

Wellington maintained good pressure with only four boundaries being scored in the final 20 overs.

The large away support grew increasingly confident of a first win in this division and the Deane could only reach 206 before the final wicket fell.

Wellington’s joy was mirrored by the Deane’s disappointment but, most importantly, we got a game on.

Taunton Deane First XI travel to play Congresbury CC in WEPL Premier Two on Saturday, starting at 12pm.