Whilst most sane people were sensibly tucked up indoors on Saturday with a warm cup of tea in hand, Linlithgow Cricket Club (“LCC”) were eagerly kicking off their 2023 campaign in what was, for most involved, the coldest start to a cricket season in living memory. The First X1, who are plying their trade in the East of Scotland Championship Division, played host to Edinburgh Accies – a team they managed to snatch victory from twice last season. Winning the toss, LCC asked their opposition to take to the field, knowing that batting the full 50 overs and keeping them out in the cold, wet conditions would figuratively, and quite literally, dampen their spirits. LCC’s new look batting line-up, with no fewer than four debutants, was spearheaded by new recruit Graham Oliver and returning club stalwart, John Strachan, and the pair set about building a solid opening stand. Excellent running between the wickets and forceful stroke play against any loose balls saw the score tick along to 58, before Oliver was bowled by one that nipped sharply off the seam. Matt Hedge was the next man in and set about playing himself in. The pair pushed the score along nicely with some classy and, at times, adventurous shots. Strachan bought up a very well deserved 50 and looked set for a big score before he mistimed a lofted off drive, departing for 60. Hedge was adjudged lbw shortly afterwards for 39, which brought Craig Black and Keith Morton to the crease with the total on 139 for 3. With plenty of experience between them, both batsmen knew that a decent partnership now would effectively put the game to bed. And that’s exactly what they delivered. Picking up 1’s and 2’s at will, together with the occasional expansive shot helped the score race along to 241, before Morton drove a ball to cover to depart for a well-made 43. Some lusty hitting in the final overs saw LCC post a daunting total of 275 for 6, with Black finishing not out on 81.
The new ball was thrown to Gregor Thomson (4 for 22) and Jordan Hamilton (3 for 16) and both went about their jobs with military precision, reducing a dispirited Accies to 54 for 7. Thomson, with his raw pace, had the batsmen visibly uncomfortable and dancing around their crease, whilst Hamilton’s nagging line and length was a the perfect counterweight. With the game effectively over, the ball was passed around the remaining bowlers so that they could get some overs under the belt. A belligerent rear-guard mix of defence and attack from Accies’ 8th wicket pair saw the score creep up to 125, however the introduction of Clinton Dixon (2 for 16) quickly brought that to an end. Alongside Keith Morton (1 for 32), the pair snapped up the remaining wickets to seal the deal and secure LCC the win. With 20 points in the bag, LCC head through to the big smoke next week to take on newly promoted Edinburgh South.