Grades Results 23rd/24th August 2008
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 31st, can now overhaul them; while at the foot both 2nd 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 2nd Kintore crashing to defeat by Anchorians, while Turriff were also held to a draw by 2nd Methlick, and Stoneywood-Dyce, for whom J Hameetman scored the day’s only century, still lost to 2nd 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.
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