Livingston Cricket Club go down fighting in T20 final four

Aug 12 2010 West Lothian Courier

LIVINGSTON Cricket Club bowed out in the T20 semi-finals after revelling in their role of underdogs against a host of top division teams.

Livi went narrowly down in the semi-final against Westquarter and Redding but there was plenty of promise in their defeat.

Westquarter’s batsmen came out firing, led by Baqi (31 runs from 26 balls).

However, Livingston’s accurate change bowlers Wilson (2 wickets for 9) and N Asghar (3 for 4) captured cheap wickets to dismiss Westquarter for 110 in the final over.

A. Kumar (28 from 28 balls) started Livingston’s innings well, but the middle order was pinned down by the precise left arm spin of Baqi (3 for 12).

Livingston made a late charge, scoring 44 runs from 33 balls. However Sajid conceded just six runs in a nerveless final over, leaving Duvvri (30 from 24) and Wilson (12 from 6) unbeaten.

Livingston finished on 106 for 7, giving the Falkirkshire team a four-run victory.

Meanwhile in Murieston, the Livingston Second XI played Edinburgh South II in a Division Seven league game.

Livingston struggled to score to on a tricky pitch, and were eventually dismissed for 108, with skipper Hall (43) and Franks (23) the leading contributors.

In reply, Edinburgh South also found the going tough with Hall, Mackay, Anwar and Reid taking 2 wickets apiece.

However, the visitors held on for a two-wicket victory with 8 overs to spare. Livingston II remain comfortably within the promotion places despite the disappointing defeat.

And on Saturday the Livingston First XI closed out another comfortable home victory, playing league rivals Drummond Trinity to maintain their recent good form.

Livingston made a confident start batting in damp conditions, and were 114 for 1 at the mid-innings drinks break.

The dismissal of Wilcock (46) and A. Kumar (51) sparked a batting collapse, but with the help of the quick-fire innings of Hosamane (20), Livingston climbed to 179 all out.

Drummond’s innings immediately struck trouble, as both S. Kumar and Duvvri struck in their opening overs.

Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals throughout, with N. Asghar (4 for 14) and Wilson (3 for 8) causing the most damage.

Keith Mullins (30) provided the only serious resistance as Drummond capitulated for 72.

The 107 run victory leaves Livingston in a clear second place on the league table and strong favourites for promotion to Division Two.