Saturday saw the opening round of the 2021 East of Scotland cricket league season. The visitors to Boghall on this occasion were Edinburgh 2’s. Linlithgow had a strong side and were confident of victory despite the poor weather conditions during the previous week meaning that the pitch had been covered for two days.

Home Skipper, Grant Raven, won the toss and asked Edinburgh to bat first under what seemed good conditions for bowling. This was soon proved to be the case as some fine bowling performances left Edinburgh at 29 for 5 wickets at the first drinks break after 15 overs.

Jordan Hamilton finished with excellent figures of 9 overs, 4 wickets for just 13 runs and was ably supported by Clinton Dixon with 9 overs, 2 wickets for 15 runs. Andrew Wallace and Grant Raven shared the remaining 4 wickets as Edinburgh were skittled out for just 53 runs in 27 overs.

After a short tea-break Linlithgow began chasing down the modest total. The home side did not have it all their own way, however, losing four wickets cheaply as they looked to reach the total in double quick time. Gregor Thomson top scored with 26 runs and Craig Black finished the job in emphatic style with a booming shot over mid on to seal the win for Linlithgow and with it their first 20 points of the season.

Next Saturday the first XI travel away to Penicuik. The match is due to start at 1pm

Grant Raven