Largo Lose Out In ‘Bottom Of The Table’ Tussle

Largo 2^nd XI welcomed EUS (Edinburgh University Staff) to East Drive for a division 4 East League game. EUS won the toss and elected to bowl on a damp wicket.

The start was delayed due to heavy rain in the morning and the game was reduced to 45 overs each. Batting on the damp wicket was always going to be a bit of a challenge and so it proved to be, with Largo losing wickets early on. Largo found themselves on 20 for 3 after only 5 overs. Alan Tocher and John Braid tried to settle things down a bit and managed to avoid getting out quickly thanks in part to a few dropped catches by EUS. They moved the score onto 65 after 22 overs. Braid was then run out by not sliding his bat in when going for a 2^nd run. Another couple of wickets fell without much being added to the score. Gareth Houston was in next. His big hitting style worked a treat when he hit 2 huge sixes in the same over off the spin bowling of Keily. He was caught out in the 43^rd over for a useful 24. Tom Marshall hit a few runs before being caught. Stephen Warrender, playing his first 2^nd XI game, finished on 3 not out. Tocher managed to use up all of his 9 lives finishing on 53 not out. Largo made 135 for 8 off 45 overs.

EUS played steadily and were on 30 after 10 overs without loss. Largo made a double break through in the next over, when 2 EUS batsmen were caught off the bowling of Marshall. A 3^rd wicket was taken 2 overs later, when wicket keeper Murray Sneddon took a brilliant diving catch. EUS were now on 38 for 3 after 13 overs and Largo sensed they had a real chance of winning the game. However, number 5 batsman Ramsesh started slogging the ball very confidently and with support from opener McDonald they reached the required total without any further loss of wickets. EUS won the game, with Largo picking up 5 points.

All of Largo’s young bowlers (Roberston, Ealand, Bevens and Warrender) bowled well and were unlucky not to pick up any wickets.

Largo bowling highlights: T. Marshall 3 for 25.

Largo batting highlights: A. Tocher 53 not out, G. Houston 24, J. Braid 19.