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Livingston 1's vs Penicuik 2's |
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Written by Faisal Anwar
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Livingston continued their good form with a crucial win over Pencuik at the 'Rigg, With Pencuik scoring 118 all out in about 38 overs, and Livingston knocking the runs off in quick time.
The skipper won the toss and put in a decidely weaker Pencuik team than we had faced earlier this season, with a number of youngsters in their team. We were also fielding a weaker side, missing first team regulars Roddy, Jukesy and Senthil.
Almost immediately Livingston struck with Andrew Wilcock finding the edge and Kashif taking a simple catch behind. The Pencuik batsmen dug in and started playing a lot of high risk shots early on with plenty of reward and almost immediately Livingston went on the defensive, until Navid, Jum and the Spin King bought some semblence of control back for the Kingfishers. Then an excellent spell of bowling from Kirk ,bowling his version of spin, with 4 fer, literally turned the innings in our favour as he struck twice after the drinks break, clean bowling their captain and the next batsman bowling a great line, length and pace. It's not often that the 'Rigg has seen three spin bowlers in the same innings, but it definitely worked, with Himansu bowling slow left arm taking his first wicket, and overall good contributions from all the Livingston bowlers. The fielding was untidy at times so not a faultless display by Livingston, but they did give themselves a great chance to win the game, with 118 definitely a below par score on this pitch.
In reply we scored the runs in quick time with Himansu scoring an excellent 50, and Salman crashing his usual few boundaries and sixes, Andy Wilcock and the Skipper Navid seeing the Kingfishers home with plenty of overs to spare. Pencuik is never a fun game, and the amount and qualilty of 'banter' if you can call it that for me did border on the excessive at times, but hey the Kingfishers won the game and that's the best way to reply.
So Livi got the win they desperately needed, but if they are to have a chance to survive in Div 2 they must win all three of their remaining and hope other results go in their favour. On the strength of the last few games, and the firghting spirit shown, there is a good chance of the former happening, and then we're in the lap of the cricketing gods.
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