Largo lose out in bottom of the table contest.

Largo's 1st.XI cricketers woes deepened on Saturday when they went down to a heavy defeat at the hands of fellow bottom of the table side Westquarter and Redding. The West Lothian club did a remarkable job in managing to prepare their ground after last weeks incessant rain and although the very "green" wicket was far from perfect both teams were happy just to play cricket on a lovely sunny afternoon.
To his obvious delight Largo captain Andy Warrender won the toss and elected to bowl. Warrenders decision seemed well founded as opening bowlers M.Baddeley and Scott quickly disposed of the opening batsmen and had the home side in difficulties at 7 for 2 after 6 overs.
Largo sustained the pressure and at "drinks", 20 overs, Westquarter were 50 for 3 with C.Baddeley having the dangerous looking Mumtaz caught by Scott for 17. While things looked positive at this point for Largo the Westquarter number three batsman Aslam remained and his ability to dispatch any loose balls and Largo's inability to hold crucial catches were to impact hugely on the outcome of the match. In partnership with Chaudhry Aslam,who was given at least two lives by the Largo fielders, added 100 for the fourth wicket before Chaudhry was run out by Sneddon for 35. With overs running out and plenty of wickets in hand Westquarter decided to have a go at everything bowled to them and Nick Baddeley did a great job in picking up 4 wickets including that of a tiring Aslam trapped LBW for 79. Ironically after the early misadventures in the field three of Baddeleys wickets were the result of fantastic catches - a diving catch to his own bowling for a caught and bowled, a rolling catch taken by his dad Chris out on the boundary and probably best of all a catch by Briony Gillin taken over her shoulder running back towards the boundary. The hoped for small target which seemed possible at drinks had now grown to 166.
With Mazhar and Akram bowling tight lines Largo struggled to build any momentum and out of form skipper Warrender was the first wicket to fall, caught behind for 5. Mowat and C. Baddeley steadied the ship but the score had only reached 34 when Mowat was also caught by the 'keeper for 16 with 14 overs gone. While Baddely Senior attempted to anchor a Largo recovery wickets just kept falling at the other end. Kilminster apparently as much to his own as well as his team-mates surprise left the field with a prized "5fer" taking 5 wickets for a paltry 15 runs in seven overs. Largo all out for 67 and not achieving a batting point.
As the team approaches the second half of the season they must surely be hoping for a period where they are not dogged by the availability problems which have been the hallmark of the season so far.
On Saturday Largo face high flying Kirk Brae from Edinburgh. This weeks match ball sponsor was Tower Stores, Dysart...