Livingston produced a blistering bowling performance to secure a 115-run win over Leith and remain top of the East of Scotland First Division table.
Livi have been in fine form this campaign, heading into the clash with a solitary defeat to their name but a less than stellar batting display appeared to have them on the back foot in Leith.
Batting first, Livi scored just 206 all out thanks to a fine partnership between Omais Altaf (64) and Ahmed Ali (62) with little support as only two other batters reached double figures.
That proved far more than was needed thanks to a stunning spell from opening bowlers Kashif Khalid (4-36) and Ali (4-25) as Leith were skittled all out for just 91. It was two wins and two defeats for Livi with the other victory being a hugely welcomed one as the club’s Fourth XI picked up their first-ever win.
Playing in their maiden season, the team had suffered five straight Division Eight losses but picked up a seven wicket win over Edinburgh South Fourth XI.
Saif Hasan was the pick of an impressive bowling display with figures of 3-13 as the hosts were dismissed for 104 in the 37th over before 37 not out from Cammy McKenzie helped steer Livi over the line with plenty to spare.
It was defeat, though, for both the Second and Third XIs in their respective Division Five and Division Seven matches.
The Second XI bowled first at home to Tranent and Preston Village Second XI with the hosts tallying 198-7. Afzal Sipra (8-2-12-2) and Amjad Shaikh (6-1-19-2) were both in brilliant form with the ball but the other bowlers went for too many. In response, Livi looked well-placed at 99-3 before losing the final seven wickets for just 38 to lose by 61 runs.
The club’s Third XI bowled brilliantly to dismiss Drummond Trinity Fifth XI for just 107, with Ali and Habib Bukhari combining to take five wickets for just 29 runs, but the batting in the run chase was dismal and they were swept aside for just 93 to suffer a 14 run loss.
Linlithgow’s First XI suffered their first defeat of the season but they were able to keep their place atop the Championship table.
Morton batted first and scored 162 all out with, Linlithgow unable to pounce after having the visitors sitting at 24-4 with the home side never quite able to get their noses in front in the run chase.
No fewer than five batters got themselves into double figures but they were unable to capitalise for a match-winning knock, with skipper Craig Black’s 28 being the top scorer as they were bowled all out for 143 – losing by 19 runs.
The two club’s Second XIs also met with Linlithgow being swept away in a 95-run defeat. Morton batted first and scored 206-5 with Joe Robinson (2-30) the pick of the bowlers. In reply, Linlithgow never got going and were ultimately all out for just 111.
This weekend, Linlithgow’s First XI visit Carlton Second XI, while the club’s second-stringers welcome Dunbar. Livingston’s top team host Edinburgh Accies Second XI with the Second XI away to Drummond Trinity Fourth XI.
Livi’s Third XI welcome Bass Rock Second XI, with the Fourth XI keen to build on that first win at Dunfermline and Carnegie Third XI.
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