CINNAMON GRADES

Although it was an overcast Saturday on the city, the Grades Cricket Season kick started again with all scheduled games completed.

In Grade 1 Banchory and Cults comfortably passed the targets set by St. Ronald and Inverurie respectively. Stonehaven managed to hold on to their last wicket to gain maximum points from Ellon, unlike Kintore who were unable to hold onto their last wicket for a draw or to get the 6 runs they needed to pass the low total (124) set by Bon Accord, the pick of the batting and bowling F. Awan (54) and T. Malik (5-22) for Bon Accord with C. Laird (62) and D. Anderson (5-20) for Kintore. Mannofield spear headed by the services of S. Coetzer (77no) and W. Anderson (2-19) who had both “stepped down” from their normal duties beat Gordonians.

In Grade 2 the Crathie total (169) proved too big a task for the visiting 2nd Cults team as was the total (239) set by Fraserburgh for 2nd Kintore with pick of the batting from C. Bowie (121no) ably supported by M. Oldham (48). The low target (110) set by Artisans was easily overhauled by Queens X. Both Methlick and 2nd Banchory had to settle for a draw as Methlick were unable to take the last 2nd Banchory wicket who in turn were unable to gain the 13 runs required for victory. Despite the efforts of father and Son R. Knudson (37 and 2-16) and S. Knudson (2-18) AGSFP had to settle for a draw against Caledonian.

In Grade 3 Kemany’s woes continued as they were crushed by Dunecht, spear headed by the batting and bowling of S. Roberts (62no and 5-22). New boy to 2nd Ellon E. Davidson (4-13) helped skittle out Crescent (54 all out), while Academy, 2nd Gordonians and Anchorians comfortably beat their respective oppositions, with pick of the batting S. Kennedy (59) for Methlick.

In Grade 4 the 1st round of the Johnston Cup saw 2nd Queens Cross, Portcullis, 2nd St. Ronald and 2nd Mannofield all through to the next round. With Pick of the batting from J. Neven (85) for Mannofield and B. Gopinathan (55) for Portcullis; K. Ahmed (49no) for Dunecht and A. Russell (41no) for Queens Cross were both denied their half century running out of overs or surpassing their opposition score respectively, the bowling saw M. Stegul taking 5 for 30 to help Queens Cross secure victory.