Last wicket stands see Largo to unlikely win

             Second in the league table, Largo 2nd XI, entertained 3rd placed Edinburgh side, and old friends and rivals, Morton at East Drive on Saturday with match ball sponsorship provided by Scotlands Larder. Morton opted to bat on winning the toss and made a steady start against good bowling from Seath and Hobday. Two wickets only were down at 68 but 3 wickets for the addition of only 4 runs encouraged Largo. A useful stand of 25 for the 6th wicket was broken at 97 and 7 runs later Largo broke through again before capturing the last 3 wickets with the score still at 104. This was a disciplined bowling performance from all 6 bowlers used aided by some fine fielding, including 3 run outs, and a good debut behind the stumps by young Ross Walker.

            Largo were soon in difficulty themselves but Barnes and Tocher were making a recovery until they both fell to stunning catches. Marshall and Seath both played a couple of aggressive shots but were soon out as well. When Nairne contrived to drag the ball back on to his stumps Largo seemed doomed to defeat at 66 for 8. But in contrasting styles Sayer, slaying, and Walker, blocking, responded to the crisis. Another excellent catch dismissed Walker with 18 still required but Hobday took up the blocking role with effect and Sayer continued to be ruthless on anything loose. Finally, amidst great tension and with 2 required Sayer hit the winning runs with his seventh four in an undefeated innings 34 and Largo had an improbable victory.

            So it’s three wins and the better of a draw for Largo 2nd XI giving them 93% one-third of the way through season. Next week the visitors at East Drive are Peebles County.

Morton 104 all out in 44 overs (Turton 27, Mitchell 21, Seath 2-17, Marshall 2-18)

Largo 107 for 9 in 42.1 overs (Sayer 34no, G. Nairne 18, Sharp 3-30)