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Although waterlogged pitches at Banchory and Cults means that in the event there was nothing at stake in Grade 1 in Saturday’s final round of league fixtures, in the lower leagues there was last minute heartbreak for St Ronald; and a further twist in the battles to achieve promotion and avoid relegation in Grade 3.

The wash out at Banchory means that Cults retain the Grade 1 title for a further season, as neither Kintore not Bon Accord, whose game scheduled for the Links was postponed by agreement to August 31^st, can now overhaul them; while at the foot both 2^nd Cults and Caledonian had already been relegated, leaving Mannofield and Inverurie safe in the top flight for another year.

In Grade 2 St Ronald had led the league through out the season; but slipped at the final hurdle as, in going for the run which would have given them the title, their last batsman was run out to leave their game against Academy as a tie; and allow Gordonians to claim the title following their win over Fraserburgh at the Broch.  At the foot Kemnay gained just their second win of the season over Crathie; but were still demoted, while Artisans look to have done just enough, with one game still to play against Crathie, to stay up and send down Academy.

The position in Grade 3 at both top and bottom remains still to be determined with 2^nd Kintore crashing to defeat by Anchorians, while Turriff were also held to a draw by 2^nd Methlick, and Stoneywood-Dyce, for whom J Hameetman scored the day’s only century, still lost to 2^nd Ellon and therefore gained just 4 points over Dunecht in the battle to avoid relegation.  The outstanding games between Stoneywood and Kintore & Grammar FPs, and between Banchory and Turriff will be vital to the final outcome in this closest of leagues.

"Following the admitted fielding in their game v AGSFPs on July 12th 2008 of a player who had previously played for the opposition, without first seeking permission for his transfer under Rule 13, Academy CC has been formally reprimanded and reminded of the need to follow proper transfer procedures in future.  An allegation that they fielded another player in the same game who had previously appeared for another club was found to be not proven.

For the associated breach of Rule 11 of fielding the said player on that (and possibly) other occasions prior to registering him with the Association, the Committee has further unanimously decided that, in terms of its powers under Association Rule 6(a), a deduction of 5 league points be applied.

Bon Accord - Winners of the 2008 Aberdeenshire Cup

Chasing 190 to win, Ellon lost Leon Borstlap first ball and another wicket shortly thereafter.  However Jonathan Barrett and Scott White steadied the ship, and with a quickfire contribution from Aman, still only needed a run a ball to win with three overs remaining.  By then however the frontline batsmen of Ellon were all back int the pavilion, including Barrett who fell to a stunning catch by Shafiq on the boundary, which added to the Bons player's earlier knock of 56 and ten tight overs of spin bowling which yielded just 33 runs. It was left to Malik with the help of two stumpings from new skipper Andy Win to administer the coup de grace with a triple wicket maiden which removed the last three Ellon batsmen. Man of the match was Jonathan Barrett adjudged by umpires Morrison and Philip.