Largo start with a win

In weather more akin to the Algarve rather than Alloa, Largo opened up their league campaign with a win away to Clackmannan.

In a game kindly sponsored by the FCE  Group –Leven, New captain Smith took over where past captain Mowat left off, lost the toss and was asked to bat!

The home sides inning started with a bang as the two batsman tried their luck with the new ball. Sadly for them Shariff was more than a match for their ability, and ably backed up by Chris Barclay had Clackmannan 29 for 3 on a ground that 200 would be a par score. This set the tone for the home sides innings with only the captain Rasul showing the determination and grit needed to try and build an innings. Once he departed for 44 the rest of the home sides batting offered no attacking strokes and fell away to 120 all out. It was easy to see it was early season as some indifferent bowling was occasionally matched by an outstanding over. Best with the ball was Captain Smith with 3 for 5, supported by the dependable Shariff, Chris Barclay, Bob Mowat and the enigmatic Stuart Ritchie. The fielding as ever was top drawer with Walker proving to be a very capable deputy behind the stumps.

Largo started poorly and were 16 for 2 as both openers were back in the hutch for single figure totals. The talented Guy Robinson and the gritty Doc Matthews started the recovery until the latter showed a superb piece of honour by walking after giving the wicket keeper the faintest catch; neither of the umpires heard nor saw anything. Asman Ali was victim of the best ball of the homesides bowling attack then the dependable Duncan joined Robinson at the crease. Robinson finally succumbed for a patient and well crafted 29 and Chris Barclay joined Duncan. The game was tightening up a little as both teams sensed victory but as the home side lost their way a little in the field Largo took full advantage and Duncan and Barclay remained undefeated for 17 and 20 respectively as the Largo men claimed the full 25 points.

This was just what the doctor ordered for new Captain Smith with the first game ending in a win but there will be tougher games ahead in this years league.  Next week the batting machine of Marchmont travel to Largo.