Thundery showers to the north and west of Aberdeen arrived too late to help Gordonians, all three of whose Grade sides all went down to defeat, the Grade 2 and 3 sides failing to compile 100 runs between them; as in Grade 1 Cults continued their move up the table, Javaid Masud ripping the heart out of the FPs’ batting while bottom-placed Kintore clung on to gain a draw against leaders Bon Accord despite the visitors’ 42-over declaration.

Elsewhere in Grade 1 Ellon continued their sound start to the season, as Mannofield slipped back further following defeat at the Links; while a half-century and four wicket haul from skipper Sajid Hasan steered Banchory to a morale-boosting win over Stonehaven at Mineralwell Park.

At the Duthie Park it was a day for quick finishes, 2nd Gordonians’ defeat by Academy in Grade 3 being followed within the hour by Grade 2 leaders Cults-Artisans going down to a surprisingly comfortable defeat by home side Caledonian for whom H Saraswat was once again in good all-round form.  With Methlick’s game one of those voided by the rain, St Ronald were able to move up the table following their victory over Arrowdawn Gordonians at King’s College; while in the day’s only other result Fraserburgh secured a walkover against Crescent.

At the top of Grade 3,  2nd St Ronald continued their winning form away to their rivals of last season 2nd Queens Cross at Harlaw; while in Grade 4 an undefeated half-century and three wickets from 14-year old Rahul Chandu saw Kemnay to victory over the youngsters of Huntly Highlanders; and another solid all-round performance from Portcullis skipper K. Nair saw the town side to an eight-wicket win over 2nd Mannofield; while P. Bijl took eight for 14 as Turriff crushed 2nd Dunecht at the Haughs, N. Smith and A. Mirashi each recording half-centuries for the home side in their total of 238 for six.

Firstly, Many thanks to those of you that have submitted your application. With the Festival only 5 weeks away we now require volunteers to Umpire or Score at the proposed matches. The only qualification required to undertake this task is experience at any level of competitive cricket, if you would like further details please do not hesitate to contact Ean Mackie on 01224 633706 or write to Ean at 50 Bonnymuir Place, Aberdeen, AB15 5NP. Thanks again for your continuous support.