Disappointment for Largo

             Clackmannan 2nd XI were the visitors to East Drive to play Largo on Saturday in the penultimate match of the season sponsored by Henderson Loggie, Chartered Accountants, Dundee. Largo started well with tight bowling and a couple of early wickets but some powerful hitting from Cunningham threatened to take the game away from Largo. His departure for 37 almost immediately followed by the dismissal of Bayes improved things for Largo. Despite missing a number of difficult chances in the field Largo stuck to their task well and must have been pleased to dismiss Clackmannan for 131. The bowlers all did well, Hobday showing a welcome return to form and bowling intelligently and Nairne bowling tightly. Seath, Smith and Galloway also made significant contributions.

            Galloway and Dakin started brightly as Cunningham and Bayes now showed their skill with the ball. A flurry of wickets reduced Largo to 19 for 3. Tocher departed to Nash after a couple of fierce blows but Wilson and Cook were stabilising the innings until Cook was adjudged lbw and Nairne followed soon after. When Wilson and then Seath were bowled by a fired up Bayes Largo seemed doomed to defeat. Fleming and Smith battled hard until Fleming was trapped lbw but Smith found valiant support from number 11 Hobday. With 7 balls remaining, Smith became the third Largo player to be dismissed lbw and the game was lost.

            While Largo’s unbeaten league run has now been ended and Clackmannan have edged ahead of them at the top of the table Largo are still in control of securing a promotion slot in next weeks final league match at East Drive.

Clackmannan County 131 all out in 45.2 overs (Cunningham 37, Hobday 13-2-34-3, Nairne 13-2-23-2, Smith 5.2-2-24-2, Seath 11-4-40-2)

Largo 55 all out in 44 overs (Wilson 14, Bayes 5-15, Nash 4-10)