Linlithgow Cricket Club pick-up crucial victory over Penicuik to avoid relegation

Linlithgow picked up a crucial victory in their bid to avoid relegation from the East of Scotland Championship as they eased to a 73-run win over Penicuik.

Having been put into bat, Linlithgow scored 243-8 from their 50 overs with the bulk of the runs shared between Andrew Graham (62 not out), who scored his maiden First XI half-century, and Craig Black who was caught on the boundary for 49.

In reply, Penicuik were always behind the run rate and an early flow of wickets saw them fall to 59-4 before eventually being dismissed for 170.

Gregor Thomson was in fine form, taking five wickets for the loss of just 21 runs as Linlithgow provided themselves some breathing space above the relegation zone with two games remaining in the season.

On Saturday, the travel to fourth-placed Edinburgh CC.

Meanwhile, it was a comfortable win for Linlithgow Second XI in a Division Four fixture against Holy Cross, sealing the victory with six wickets to spare.

Bruce Kilpatrick was the pick of the bowlers with 4-20 as Holy Cross made just 166 all out from 39 overs.

Linlithgow cruised to the win with Donald Bennie top-scoring with an unbeaten 45. Just like the club’s top team, it was a victory that ensured their status is in their own hands as they enter the final two games.

This weekend, they host basement boys Edinburgh CC Third XI.

It was an impressive week, too, for Livingston as their First and Second XIs picked up victories, although the Third XI suffered a heavy defeat.

Skipper Ahmed Ali has so often been the difference with the bat for Livi’s top team but he was able to do it with the ball as well in their 88-run Division One win over Musselburgh.

He top-scored with 54 before taking a hat-trick with the ball.

Livi scored 137 all out