Falkland 2 began their SPCU T20 Trophy group campaign with a defeat at East Drive, going down by eight wickets after posting 117/9 — a total that never quite stretched a strong Largo batting unit.

Winning the toss and batting first, Falkland made a positive start through Callum May, who struck 24 from 27 balls with three boundaries. Greg Chambers (15) and Devon May (8) kept the tempo up, but regular wickets prevented the innings from building the kind of platform needed in T20 cricket.

At 66‑4, the 2s were searching for someone to take control. Gary Lennie (16) and Emma Halliwell (8) added useful middle‑order runs, but the standout contribution came from Mohammad Hussain, who arrived late and blasted a rapid 20 from 9 balls, including four boundaries, giving the innings a much‑needed spark.

However, with two run outs and a steady fall of wickets around him, Falkland closed on 117/9, a total that felt competitive but certainly below par on a decent surface.

Largo’s reply began steadily before exploding through P Udayan, whose destructive 59 from 33 balls — seven fours and three sixes — effectively decided the match. Falkland did strike twice: Mo Hussain removed Rowley for 24, and Devon May claimed an improvised stumping to dismiss Udayan. But by then Largo were well ahead of the rate.

Despite some tidy overs from Greg, Emma and Innes, Largo completed the chase in 14.4 overs, finishing on 118/2 with Singh and Kriskinans seeing them home.

For Falkland, there were positives: Callum’s solid start, Mo’s late hitting and wicket and Emma’s excellent spell. But in T20 cricket, momentum is everything — and Largo found theirs in one decisive burst.

A tough opening result, with the second and final group fixture seeing Kinloch travel to Scroggie in the coming weeks.