Largo Lose Out

In a game sponsored by Barclay Brothers, Methil, Largo lost out to visitors SMRH in a closely contested game at East Drive on Saturday. With the weather glorious, the wicket rock hard and the outfield lightening quick there was no real surprise when Largo elected to bat when they won the toss. That turned out to be the right thing to do as Craig Walker and Sharif raced away at 4 an over until the Edinburgh side looked at their 1^st change bowlers to turn the tide. They finally got success when Walker fell one short of a deserved half century. There was no stopping Sharif though as he zoomed through the 50 mark without drawing air. He was well supported by in form bat Guy Robinson who showed his makeup when he walked after offering a faint edge to the wicket keeper for 20 runs. When Sharif got out for an entertaining 92, Largo wobbled a bit and the projected 250 looked more like a sub 200 until Billy Simpson slapped the ball about the park for a quickfire 24. Largo finished their 50 overs on 210.

SMRH knew they had to score 211 for victory but suffered a set back when Barclay claimed Largos first wicket after 8 deliveries. Despite some tidy bowling from Sharif, SMRH cracked along at a fair pace as they averaged more than a run ball for the first 10 overs. The ever-dependable Mowat broke the partnership as the game swung back in Largos favour with the wicket of Farquarson for 38.  SMRH dug in a pair of left-handers wrestled the game back from Largo with some sensible cricket and fearful hitting. Stuart Ritchie became the hero when he claimed two wickets in successful balls and suddenly SMRH looked uncomfortable. They finally scrambled over the line with two wickets and 4 overs left.

Largo did not do a lot wrong in the game but did not do enough to win it.  Overall the performance was better than last weeks with Sharif and Craig Walker starring with the bat and Stuart Ritchie showing he is one of the best bowlers in the league on his day.