SO NEAR YET ------

Largo CC's hopes of maintaining their Division 1 status were dented when they lost by a single wicket to Edinburgh Accies in an absorbing tussle at East Drive, Upper Largo on Saturday.
Batting first Ali and Warrender, as they have done consistently in recent weeks, created a platform for the Largo innings in the face of steady Accies bowling putting on 45 runs before Ali(26) was bowled by opener Carmichael. As has happened previously this brought about a mini-collapse as Carmichael bowled Getti for 0 and had Anderson caught for 1. After steadying the ship and adding 34 runs with Rintoul, Warrender(28) was bowled by Dasgupta who was to go on and claim another 3 Largo wickets including that of Rintoul(29) leaving Largo on 105 for 5. With only Coates(14) making double figures the lower middle-order and tailenders could only get the score to to 131 all out in 37 overs. For a change the Largo tail did not wag. This was a hugely disappointing performance failing to bat out 50 overs on a decent wicket with a fast outfield and dry conditions.
With tea came the rain which was to persist in varying degrees throughout the remainder of play with the Largo bowlers trying to defend a very modest total. To get to within one wicket of doing this is testament to the tremendous effort of the Largo bowlers backed up by some great catches. Bowling his best spells this season Andy Robertson inspired the others with his 4 wickets for 20 runs in his 10 over spell. Robertson with Brown had Accies in serious trouble at 69 for 6 in the 21st. over and with Anderson and Rintoul taking up the attack Accies slipped to 105 for 9 with the Largo faithful set to celebrate what had seemed an unlikely win.
However Banerjee, Accies no. 9 batsman, had different ideas and with a combination of good shots, good luck and managing the strike saw the Edinburgh side to the 132 required. Banerjee scored 37no and his last wicket partner 2no in their stand of 30. Largo were "gutted" with the result especially after such a great effort by the bowlers.
On Saturday Largo are away to Edinburgh CC, current league leaders, and on Sunday they host second placed Eastern Knoghts. The coming weekend will be a truly up hill struggle.