Young bowler Zaki Choudry provided some pride for West Lothian’s clubs at the weekend as his five-wicket haul saw Livingston Third XI pick up a victory - the only one in five games across the region’s two clubs.
In the East of Scotland Division Seven clash at Edinburgh South Fourth XI, Livi batted first and scored a reasonable 165 all out with Nawaz Mohammed top-scoring on 32.
In reply, the hosts got off to a decent start and looked well placed at 91-2 only for a blistering spell from Choudry (5-25) tipping the scale in Livi’s favour.
He was ably assisted by Arsh Jindal, who bagged two wickets before Choudry completed his haul by claiming the winning wicket as Livi won by 31 runs.
It was a day to forget for both Livi’s First and Second XI, however.
In a Division One clash against Edinburgh South First XI, Livi batted first and tallied 186 all out - a figure the home side chased down comfortably as they lost just four wickets in the process.
Omais Altaf top-scored with the bat as he bagged a half-century before being dismissed for 55 while Adnan Ali was the only bowler the home side struggled to score off, taking just 16 runs from his seven overs.
The Second XI were beaten by an even greater margin as they lost by nine wickets in their Division Five clash at home against Bass Rock.
Livi batted first and scored 149-6 from their 40 overs. The chase was never in doubt as Bass Rock’s openers shared a century partnership as they lost just one wicket and reached their target with nine overs to spare.
A severely depleted Linlithgow First XI were swept aside by Morton in a Championship clash, losing by 135 runs.
Morton made an impressive 303-9 from their 50 overs. The pick of the bowlers for Linlithgow was experienced Will Nettleton who ended with three wickets for 60 runs from his 10 overs.
In response, Linlithgow made a steady start with an opening stand of 50 but wickets fell at regular intervals once that partnership was broken, eventually being all out for 168.
The club’s Second XI were also handily beaten as they went down by 65 runs in a Division Four clash at home to Watsonians Third XI.
The away side batted first and scored 239-5 with opener Angus Cousin tallying 106. In response, Linlithgow were bowled all out for 150 runs, with veteran Kevin Stump making 65 runs.
On Saturday, the First XI take on Penicuik at Boghall hoping to bounce back in what will be a hugely important tie in deciding who remains in the Eastern Championship next season while the Second XI travel to Holy Cross.
Livingston’s First XI host Musselburgh knowing a win would likely ease any relegation fears while it’s a reverse fixture for the Second XIs of both teams. Livi’s Third XI are away to Tranent and Preston Village Third XI.
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