WELLINGTON'S hopes of avoiding relegation from the Bristol/Somerset Division of the West of England Cricket League suffered a major blow when they lost by 122 runs away to Congresbury.

It was another day in which Wellington simply did not bat well and with fellow strugglers Ilminster winning they are now back in the bottom two.

Congresbury, who opted to bat first, made a disastrous start, losing openers Peter Woodland and Jack Kearns both without scoring - to the bowling of Toby Stirzaker and Richard Sharples.

This brought together Justin Yau and Matt Thompson and they set about repairing the damage, with the latter reaching a run-a-ball 50 in the 19th over with the score on 90-2.

The pair put on 111 runs for the third wicket before Thompson was caught by wicketkeeper Callum Hendy off the bowling of Sachindu Colambage for a fine 64, which included nine fours.

Yau, playing patiently, was joined by Tim Sugamar who upped the tempo. They brought up the 200-run mark as Wellington's bowlers began to toil. Yau was finally out for 75 off 120 balls with the score on 213.

Congresbury then lost their last five wickets for 19 runs with Colombage taking 3-47 in ten overs, Sharples 4-48 off 8.1, and Stirzaker 2-58 off ten. Six of Congresbury's batters failed to get into double figures.

Facing a target of 264 to win in 50 overs, Wellington opened with Nathan Roberts and George Ruell with the pair knowing the visitors needed to bat better than they have done of late.

But after an encouraging start, Ruell (24) was out with the score on 38 and Roberts (13) followed only six runs later. And skipper Arron Campbell was out after scoring only eight.

This brought Alex Sparks and Ben Evett, who had scored 98 for the Seconds the previous weekend, together with much resting on their shoulders. However, just when they were beginning to build a useful partnership, Evett (23) was out with Wellington on 92.

Colombage, who has shown this season he can score runs, was dismissed for only four with Wellington still two short of 100.

Sparks lost Callum Hendy (2) with six wickets now down for 108 and vice-captain Luke Desave came out at No 8 with a mountain to climb.

The problem now was not only the loss of wickets but the run-rate which had crept to more than six an over.

It proved too much for the lower order with Sparks top scoring with 46 as Wellington were bowled out for 141.

Sam Evans finished with the impressive figures of 4-23, Adeel Khan 3-24 and Neil Doherty 2-29.

Meanwhile, Wellington must beat Ilminster at home on Saturday, August 24, if they are going to avoid relegation.