Wins for Stonehaven, Bon Accord and Kintore mean that current title holders, Cults, are for the meantime condemned to playing catch up in Grade 1 for once.

With a century from Jonathan Barrett also leading Ellon to victory over Banchory, this season's Grade 1 looks like being one of the most closely contested for a few seasons; while Mannofield gained valuable points ahead of Caledonian, 2nd Cults and Inverurie in the lower reaches of the table.

Fazal Awan was once again Bon Accord's match-winner in the clash at the Allan Park, top-scoring with 78 and taking four wickets as the visitors rattled up 238 for six before bowling their arch-rivals out for 161.