Firsts scrape home at Falkland

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Firsts scrape home at Falkland

Written by Mark Collings

Livingston firsts survived a late surge from the Falkland lower order to win by 5 runs.

Livingston: 211 all out (47.2 overs)
Falkland II: 206-9

Due to a scheduling clash, the game took place on the third team field. The pitch was artificial, and provided plenty of pace and bounce, with occasional daisy cutters. The short boundaries were compensated for by a slow and lumpy out field.
Livingston were invited to bat, and got off to another cracking start. Navid holed out for 45 in the 25th over, to leave the score at 130-3 at drinks. However, none of the middle order got established, with 7 wickets falling to spin. Anand, looking frustrated by a lack of strike was bowled on 86. Ramesh provided some resistance in the closing overs, but the innings ended when he was bowled for 22. Livingston again failed to capitalise on the good start to be dismissed for a mediocre score.
Falkland's reply started cautiously, and Senthil's aggresive bowling was rewarded when an opener top edged a hook through to Salman behind the stumps. Navid and Mark took wickets while keeping the run rate down. With Falkland 69-5 at drinks, the game looked over. However, the Falkland lower order did not give up, and hit threw the line. Livingston were hiding a few fielders - Anand (knee), Mark (shoulder), Soaby (fasting), and the fielding became sloppy. Lack of variation in the bowling attack also aided their fightback. With Falkland needing 7 to win, with a wicket in hand, Jim bowled a cool final over, conceding just 1 run, and securing and 5 run victory.
It was an enjoyable game, played in good spirit with pleasant weather, and (towards the end) in front of an enthusiastic bunch of home supporters. We could do well to take note of Falkland's attitude during the game and the spirit and atmosphere of their club (and their BBQ).