LARGO BATSMEN SHOW TRUE GRIT.

Following last weekends dismal performance against Edinburgh Accies it was with a considerable degree of trepidation that Largo CC's 1st.XI hosted free-scoring, league leaders Edinburgh CC at East Drive on Saturday.
Winning the toss Edinburgh captain Kashie Hussain elected to bat on a "belter" of a wicket. Despite the early loss of Ashraf to Gillin for a "duck" Hussain's decision was vindicated as he and Majeed added 141 runs before the captain's polished innings ended on 86, caught A.Warrender, bowled S.Warrender. Majeed continued the onslaught building mini-partnerships with Farooq, Balil and Akhtar before being caught by S. Warrender from the bowling of Robertson for 139. The visitors closed their innings on 307 for 5 from their 50 overs.
Despite the batsman friendly conditions and a highly controversial "not out" decision going against them the Largo bowlers stuck to their task and at least secured some valuable bowling points S. Warrender with 2 for 31, Gillin 2 for 64 and Robertson 1 for 51 were the wicket takers.
Reaching a target of 308 was highly unlikely having succumbed for less than 100 the previous week but the Largo batsmen were determined to show their metal and make Edinburgh work for every wicket, bat out the 50 overs and pick up as many batting points as possible and commendably this is what they did. A.Warrender and Dom Coates set out the Largo stall showing solid defence and patience against the accurate Edinburgh attack until young Coates flushed with the success of a delightful "four" was out going for another one next ball. Largo skipper Kinnear joined Warrender and together they took the score to 54 for 1 at drinks(25 overs) with the home support delighting in the frustration of the Edinburgh team in failing to achieve the quick roll over of the Largo batsmen thay thought they would achieve.
Warrender fell shortly after drinks for 34 having established a solid base for the other batsmen. Anderson then joined Kinnear and together thay took the score beyond the 100 mark the first Largo target. Having scored 22 Kinnear was bowled by Majeed quickly followed by Barclay with the score 110 for 4. Promoted up the batting order Andy Robertson joined Anderson and showed to any doubters what a destructive batsman he can be with the pair adding 80 runs in 11 overs a combination of Andersons elegant stroke play and Robertson power. Anderson was bowled from the last ball of the match for a fine 71 with Robertson on 38no and Largo on 190 for 5.
While this was well short of the Edinburgh total the Largo side have much to be pleased about not least the grit and determination shown by the whole team and that of the batsmen in particular. They can look forward to next weeks match against Watsonians in Edinburgh in a much more positive frame of mind.