Eastern Academy too strong for Largo

The Eastern Academy kept the pressure on league leaders Watsonians with a convincing 62-run victory over Largo at the idyllic East Drive. Winning the toss on a sunny and hot afternoon, Academy captain Henry Edwards had no hesitation in batting first.

West Lothian all-rounder Kyle Smith and Corstorphine opener Ozzie Malik raced to 86 for the first wicket before Smith was caught for 42 from 44 balls. Malik continued to work the ball around the ground as he was joined at the crease by Nik Hunt, who fell for just 13, Henry Edwards, who was stumped on 25, and Andrew Chalmers, who was run out after a good bit of fielding by Andy Robertson.

With Malik then throwing his wicket away after an assured 66 from 98 balls, and with young spinner Alex Anderson picking up two wickets in two balls, momentum had shifted in Largo’s favour as the Academy toiled on 178-7.


Not for the first time this season, a late-order partnership rescued the Academy as Rajan Bhopal and Charlie Tresidder put on 53 for the eighth wicket. Tresidder hit a brisk 30 from 29 balls while Bhopal frustrated the Largo bowlers with a mature 48. A cameo 14 from Ally Maxwell helped lift the Academy total to an impressive 271-9 from their 50 overs.


In reply, Largo youngster Alex Anderson made a positive start and soon got on top of the Academy openers. Frustratingly for the home side, a miscalculated single to the sharp arm of Henry Edwards sent Anderson back to the pavilion with 27 from 27 balls, prematurely ending a promising innings. The bowlers then began to find their rhythm, with Maxwell in particular causing problems for the batters.

The introduction of Bhopal and leg spinner Saif Azhar slowed the run rate right down as both bowled accurately and with support from some excellent ground fielding. Off spinner Kyle Smith replaced Bhopal and continued to make runs hard to come by with subtle variations in flight and pace. Despite a solid stand of 80 between Warrender (68) and Murdoch (43), Largo never looked like getting close to the required total and the match drifted along.

However, a late flurry of activity rejuvenated the healthy crowd as Largo looked to get to 200 and pick up crucial bonus points. Maxwell’s return to the attack saw him finish with 3 wickets, including two excellent stumpings by Fraser Boyd. Largo’s innings closed on 209-9.


The Academy continue their impressive run in the East League, although they will be a little disappointed that they were not clinical with bat or ball. As ever, Largo proved to be terrific hosts and their own young players look in very good shape. The Academy looks forward to next Sunday when they will play Holy Cross.


Alan Patterson
27 June 2010

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