A suprise one-run defeat of Kintore by Stonehaven, and draw between Bon Accord and Ellon at the Gordon Park, saw Cults strengthen their grip on the Grade 1 title race on Saturday.
At Kintore, the home side looked to have matters well in control at the tea interval, Russell Balsillie having taken four wickets for no runs, and Roy Walker three for nine, as Stonehaven were dismissed for 101.
However, with Andrew Hinchcliffe having top-scored for the visitors with 48, brother Clive then took control, returning figures of six for 12, as last season's champions were put out for 100, to slip back further in their attempt to retain the title they won last season.
At Ellon meanwhile Fazal Awan recorded an unbeaten 180, the highest score of the season to date, to enable Bon Accord to declare with 274 on the board off 42 overs; but the visitors were just unable to force victory as Ellon finished on 163 for nine.
At the other end of the table, St Ronald were pinned yet more firmly to the foot of the table, as they lost to fellow strugglers Queens Cross at Kings College.
At the top of Grade 2 Mannofield remained in pole position following their defeat of Stoneywood-Dyce with an undefeated 102 from R. Sim; while Academy also maintained their promotion challenge, comfortably beating Dunecht in a game switched from Sheddocksley to the Cowdary Estate, but Kemnay lost ground following their defeat by 2nd Cults in a preview of their Cup Quarter-final.
In Grade 3 the pace continues to be set by Fraserburgh, who beat and 2nd Banchory, and Portcullis who defeated Crathie. Methlick however could only draw against 2nd Kintore, while 2nd Grammar lost again to 2nd Ellon at Rubislaw.
Turriff beat 2nd Methlick to remain on top of Grade 4; but 2nd Mannofield suffered the same fate as Kintore, going down to Stonehaven's second string at Mineralwell Park.
MrPurple Jun 4 2006 - 4:49pm
