IPPLEPEN felt the full effects of the Wessells’ factor in a 53-run defeat by Lewdown.

Wessells top scored for Lewdown with 68 in their total of 176 all out.

South African Wessells opened up with Tom Pengelly and took the score to 126 for five before Pens’ skipper Keith Wakeham cleared him off.

Dan Fogerty, a recent arrival at Lewdown from Bridestowe, was next best with 23 batted through to the end.

Wakeham (3-50) was the leading wicket-taker for Pens while Ethan Keller (2-27) and Steve Bowden ((0-25) bowled 10 tidy overs each.

Ipplepen were in trouble from the word go as Wessells pinned them down then got them out.

At 25 for five when Sam Wakeham was bowled by Wessells, Pens were down and very nearly out.

Sam deFriend (31) and Jack Wylie (27) put on 68 for the sixth wicket to avoid total embarrassment.

After Wessells took five wickets for three runs in eight overs, Leon Horn (3-30) kept the pressure on as Pens were bowled out for 123.

Pens are still looking for a win after being promoted, but Wakeham was keen to put the latest defeat in context.

“Wessells was the difference,” said Wakeham.

“We dropped him first over and could have played him better.

“I was pleased with young Wylie's knock and the spirit remains good.

“We need to keep working hard as a win this week could take us to sixth.”

Tallan Burns, the Lewdown captain said while Wessells is a game changer he can’t win matches single-handed

“Johan once again proved why we he is the best player in the division,” said Burns.

“Leon Horn bowled exceptionally and without him breaking the partnership the game could have got a lot closer.

“Dan Fogerty performed well with the ball and bat and looks like he is going to prove to be a very good signing.”

Burns said it was a long way from a complete performance and there is plenty to do.

“A few decisions went against us, but not enough people stood up with the bat,” said Burns.

“We took our foot off the gas and allowed them 20-30 extra runs.

“We bowled 30 extras as well, which we can't afford to keep doing as it could cost us matches.

“However, a good all-round team performance.”