Linlithgow go top after early scare
Both Linlithgow and Livingston continued their unbeaten start to the season with fine wins at the weekend.
Linlithgow played host to early pace-setters Morton on Saturday and things certainly did not look too good as they slipped to 16-2 after electing to bat first.
Patrick Bennie ( 48) and David Drylie ( 31) steadied the ship before the latter was controversially out handled ball in the 18th over, only for the decision to be overturned after a discussion among the umpires.
He fell leg before wicket shortly after but Kevin Stump continued the good work with a solid 49 to carry the hosts beyond 150.
A brief cameo from powerhitter Kit McCrystal boosted Linlithgow’s total to 220-9.
Morton stuttered to 77-4 in response, with Rory Thomson and Jordan Hamilton taking care of the top order.
Proof that it would be Linlithgow’s day came when Drylie let a catch slip between his hands but the ball struck his head and Angus Hargan was close at hand to claim the catch.
The hosts closed out the match and sealed a 42- run victory, collecting 20 points and jumping to the top of the Divsion One table.
Next weekend they travel to Myreside to face Watsonians Seconds.
Linlithgow Seconds suffered a 98-run loss away to Dunbar in Division Four.
The hosts tallied 203-6 from their 40 overs, with Linlithgow being dismissed for 105 inside 35 overs.
Livingston’s first team made it three wins from three in Division Two with a 22- run triumph over Tranent and Preston Village.
Despite a wobbly start, Livi reached 194-8 at the close of their innings with James Casley and Hamad Ahmed top-scoring on 39.
Some solid bowling from Fahad Ahmed (3-31) Ahmed Ali (2-24) and Mark Peachey (2-27) had Livi looking good and they eventually bowled the visitors out for 172.
The club’s Seconds grabbed victory over Tranent and Preston Village Seconds despite being bowled out for 64. Stunning bowling from Abdul Marshiya ( 3- 11) and Sushil Jindal (2-9) saw Livi win by two runs.
Fauldhouse Victoria suffered defeat in Division Three and they are still searching for their first win of the season.
Batting first, Vics scored 127-9 from their 40 overs. Marchmont did not score at the quickest rate but lost just two wickets as they sealed an eight-wicket victory with just under four overs remaining.