Largo Conquer Arbo - 2s Lose

We lost the toss and were put in. If I'd been asked on, say, Thursday night, I'd probably have taken 189 for 4. I certainly would have once I'd seen the cracks in the track. But it proved not to be enough - Bob Mowat, clearly a better judge than me, said later that Largo would have been very happy with any score under 200.

Every batsman got a start and Owais (34)  and Alex (37) in particular looked like they might have a big innings in them but, until an undefeated stand of 58 between Vik (38 no) and Quinny (21 no) at over seven an over, we never quite got going. Which is a bit of a mystery. The pitch, for all the cracks, played true. Indeed both Owais and JB contrived to get out to full tosses. But we struggled to get on top of the Largo bowling, with the Baddeleys particularly effective (9-0-34-2 and 9-3-32-0 in order of seniority). It was all rather frustrating and TJ was sufficiently disorientated that he was mystified when given out stumped by two yards and had to retire to a far corner with a beer to regain his usual equanimity.

Largo's reply was rather more businesslike than our effort, more or less up with the run rate for the first dozen overs. We began to squeeze the required rate up a bit with JB (9-1-27-2) and Elmo bowling in tandem and with 17 overs remaining and Dom Coates out for a good 51, Largo needed 5 an over. They got there with three overs to spare thanks to a very good fifth wicket stand between Ben Coates (62 no) and Chris Barclay (22 no).

As usual it was a pleasure to play Largo. We wish them well for the rest of the season, although not too well as losing leaves us looking over our shoulders and even keener for Glenrothes to win the East play-off. Still, our fate remains in our own hands - a win against Watsonians on Saturday would be very handy.

PS - Broon often refers to Arbo as "the Fortress" in his tweets. He may need to find an alternative, at least when the 2s are playing at home. Four of our five wins this season have been on the road. "Arbodise" has a nice ring to it .....