West Lothian cricket clubs end season on a positive note

It was double final day delight for Linlithgow Cricket Club as the First and Second XIs avoided relegation.

The First XI, playing in the East Championship for the first time in nearly a decade, got the single point they needed when claiming Galashiels’ first wicket after bowling first.

The visitors scored 210-8 from their 50 overs, with Gordon Allan taking 2-24.

In reply, Linlithgow were blown away as they were dismissed for 81. Rory Saunders scored 47 but only two other batters tallied double figures. But the 129-run loss couldn’t dampen the delight at having secured safety.

It was a similar story in Division Four for the Second XI as they lost but secured the five bonus points needed to avoid the drop.

Skippered by Gary Kellet, who was playing in his final match before hanging up his boots, the Second XI travelled to St Boswells. They struggled with the ball as the hosts scored 250-5, with four of the wickets being taken by Christopher Ronalson.

In reply, Linlithgow gave a decent account of themselves but fell 25 runs short; bowled all out for 225 in 37 overs. Donald Bennie produced a fine 62 before running out of partners but he played his part in ensuring they would be playing East League Division Four cricket next season.

Livingston’s three clubs all had uneventful afternoons in that none had anything to play for in terms of promotion or relegation.

The First XI ended the campaign with a disappointing seven-wicket defeat a Clackmannan County.

After scoring just 137 all out, with Ahmed Ali accounting for 57, Livi were unable to put a dent in the home side’s reply as they got over the line with seven wickets and five overs to spare as Livi ended the season in fifth place.

The club’s Second XI, playing in Division