Largo Shine against Local Rivals

On Saturday Largo 1st XI entertained Falkland 2nd XI at East Drive.  In glorious sunshine Largo skipper Alastair Duncan won the toss and elected to bat on a superb looking wicket and fast outfield.  Duncan had the luxury of picking a full strength team for the first time this season.  Openers Mohammed Sharif and Craig Walker got Largo off to the perfect start as they quickly raced up to 108 off 23 overs before Sharif was caught off the bowling of Mike Watson for a decent 41.  Walker quickly followed his opening partner back to the pavilion after he constructed a well crafted 56 before he was bowled by Brian Watson.  Falkland were back in the game by this point but with the returning Guy Robinson and Gordon Kinnear Largo were in good hands.  Unfortunately for Robinson as he was looking settled he pulled a loose delivery from Farrell straight into the hands of square leg and Largo were 128 for 3.  Kinnear was working the ball around nicely and had quickly raced up to 19 before Asman was caught behind and Largo were 142 for 4.  Kinnear was joined in the middle by Mowat and these two set about building a big score for the Largo side.  As Kinnear worked the ball nicely around the field Mowat was at his bludgeoning best hitting a couple of towering sixes and fours aplenty.  With the score up to 200 Mowat was eventually out for 42 and was followed by Kinnear who was bowled by Mike Watson for a fine 37.  With 10 overs left of the innings young Safiyaan Sharif and the destructive Chris Barclay were at the crease and proceeded to tear the Falkland attack apart.  It was "Safi" who took control first smashing the experienced Falkland bowlers to all parts and had quickly raced up to 24 off only 8 balls before we was bowled.  Barlcay took up the mantle and in the last over smashed two sixes and took 17 off it to give Largo a total of 266 for 7 off their 50 overs, a good total and about right for the conditions.  Barclay finishing on 29 not out.

 

Falkland started their chase badly as their two openers were quickly back in the Pavilion, humbled by the two Sharif's and Falkland were 12 for 2.  Manson and May started to repair some of the damage but with the introduction of change bowlers Ritchie and Barclay they were finding it increasingly difficult.  May was run out by a sharp piece of fielding by Asman in the deep and when Ritchie removed Morris and Barclay Manson, Falkland and given up all hope of chasing the Largo total.  A series of Falkland batsmen came and went.  Ritchie and Barclay bowled unchanged for 20 overs, Barclay the pick with 3 wickets.  The two Watson's saved face a little for the visitors particularly the veteran Brian Watson who made a fighting 52 not out, he was abley supported by Mike Watson and Liam Farrell but with Mohammed Sharif returning to the attack and clearing up Farrell the game had developed into a bit of a  procession with the Falkland team using it more of a batting practice than anything else.  At the end of the 50 overs Falkland were 212 for 9.  Largo had got back to winning ways and will travel to Edinburgh to play SMRH this week with a renewed confidence.  The game was sponsored by Henderson & Loggie, Dundee.