Any hopes Cults had of going through another season unbeaten were firmly knocked on the head as they went down to a 119 run defeat against Ellon at the Gordon Park on Saturday.

One again it was Jonathan Barrett and Cobus Huiseman who led the way, Barrett top-scoring with 69 and taking four wickets, while Huiseman  also recorded a half-century and took three wickets, to give the home side sweet revenge for their defeat in the opening round of the Aberdeenshire Cup a fortnight ago.  The teams meet again to decide semi-final placings in the Thistle Sports Sevens on Monday evening.

Cults' defeat, though leaving them still at the top of the table, re-ignites the title hopes not only of Ellon, but also of Bon Accord and Kintore, who had no problems  in disposing of St Ronald and Grammar FPs respectively.  Queens Cross meanwhile made it three wins in a row, beating Banchory to move above Stonehaven, who lost to Inverurie at Mineralwell Park.

With Academy held to a draw by Gordonians, Mannofield strengthened their position at the top of Grade 2 beating 2nd Cults at the Allan Park, while Steve Dickie and Roy Ritchie put on 120 for the first wicket to steer Artisans to a victory over Dunecht.  Anchorians and Crescent drew, ahead of their cup quarter-final on Sunday.

In Grade 3 Methlick, with another century from Mark Woodhouse, and Portcullis both won to remain in the upper half of the table, but Fraserburgh lost to Crathie.  There was also another century for A McGeorge as Caledonian continued their recent run of form, but were held to a draw by Grammar FPs at Sheddocksley.

Mannofield and Turriff recorded victories in Grade 4.