Linlithgow’s First XI halted a seven-game losing streak and jumped off the foot of the East Championship table in the process thanks to victory over Marchmont.
A fine bowling display proved the difference as they picked up a comfortable 60-run triumph.
The hosts won the toss and elected to bat with Joe Robinson taking the game to the bowlers with a fine 67 to help drag Linlithgow to 148 all out in 35 overs.
In reply, the bowlers blew Marchmont’s top order away and proceeded to take wickets at regular internvals, eventually dismissing the visitors for 88.
Jordan Hamilton (2-16) and Andrew Wallace (2-28) helped set up the innings before Craig Black came into the attack and ripped through the middle and lower order with five wickets for just 18 runs to help seal the win.
They’ll be aiming to make it two wins on the bounce when they visit Edinburgh Accies on Saturday.
The Second XI were unable to make it a double as they fell to Carlton Fourth XI by 101 runs in a Division Four fixture.
Carlton batted first and scored 169 all out with Alan Williamson taking 5-45 but the batters couldn’t chase down the target and were whittled out for just 68 with Alan Whitton (10) the only player to reach double figures.
On Saturday, they host Dubar at Boghall (1pm start).
Livingston had a weekend to forget as all three of the teams lost.
The First XI went down at home in a high-scoring Division One affair against Leith, losing by 47 runs.
The away side batted first and scored a brilliant 278 all out, thanks in large part to a 149-run opening partnership.
Livi’s bowlers deserve huge credit for battling back from 228-2 to take the final eight wickets for just 50 runs but unfortunately the damage was already done.
The batters gave a great account of themselves in the reply following a shaky start that had them sitting on 65-4.
Ahmed Ali led the fighback but he eventually ran out of partners as he finished on 100 not out as Livi were bowled for 231.
The club’s Second XI lost to Stewart’s Melville Third XI in a Division Five clash by eight wickets after a disappointing batting performance saw them bowled all out for 108 while the Third XI managed just 38 runs in their Division Seven fixture against Edinburgh South’s Third XI with the capital club reeling off the required runs inside eight overs and with eight wickets to spare.
This weekend, the First XI travel to Watsonian Second XI while the Second and Third sides are both at home.
The Second XI welcome Leith FAB Second XI on Saturday with the Third XI hosting Drummond Trinity Fifth XI the following day.
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