Party time for Livingston as they're crowned Braw Skelp T20 champions

It was party time for Livingston after they were crowned Braw Skelp T20 champions.

Fifties from both Adeel Ahmed and Omais Altaf proved crucial in their semi-final victory over West Lothian rivals Linlithgow. Livi scored 162 from their 20 overs and in reply were always in command. Craig Black was the only batter to offer any real resistance while both Ahmed Ali and Khartik Mani picked up three wickets on the way to a 35-run victory.

That ensured a final against Drummond Trinity in which Livi once again batted first and once again Altaf was in fine form. Livi made a great start but the wickets began to tumble once Altaf departed for 52, eventually posting a score of 127-9. A tremendous start from the bowlers had Drummond Trinity sitting on 32-5 before a fine lower order recovery made it a real contest.

Heading into the final over, Livi needed just one wicket while their opponents were looking for 13 runs to seal a remarkable comeback. Ahmed Ali was given the ball and Anirban Chakraborty was duly run out just two deliveries in to spark scenes of joy amongst the Livi players.

Meanwhile, the club also contended with the penultimate weekend of the East of Scotland Cricket Association season on Saturday.

Mani took five wickets as Livi produced a fine bowling display that saw Leith dismissed for just 96 in a Division One contest. In reply, Livi lost just a single wicket with Imtiaz Khan ending unbeaten on 55 as they sit second heading into the final game of the season.

The Second XI, though, suffered a 154-run loss to Tranent and Preston Village Second XI in Division Five. The hosts scored 184-9 from their 40 overs with Livi then being bowled out for a paltry 30.

That was the only negative on a fine weekend as the club’s Third