One consequence, though doubtless unintended, of the weather disrupted start to the current Grades season has been an effective extension of the six-game window within which players can, with Management Committee approval, move between clubs.  This practice seems to have increased markedly over the past two seasons, with one Grade 4 side alone already having lost four players this week and now beginning to express concern at its ability to complete the season. 

Saturday’s Grade 1 programme meanwhile sees top sides Bon Accord, Cults and Kintore all looking favourites to take full points off lower-placed opposition; while St Ronald will hope to kick start their season away to Inverurie.

In Grade 2 Crathie face the lengthy journey to Methlick, while at the opposite end of the spectrum Grammar FPs travel the 100 yards to face near neighbours Queens Cross, and Fraserburgh entertain Artisans.

2nd Gordonians’ game in Grade 3 is re-located from Countesswells to Sheddocksley, because of the School sports, with 2nd St Ronald taking on Stoneywood-Dyce in Grade 4 at the same venue; while the second strings of Queens Cross and Grammar cross with their first teams to play at Rubislaw.

Sunday sees the opening round of the Turriff Cup with Cults facing Kintore in the tie of the round, while holders Mannofield have a bye, and Bon Accord travel to Banchory.

CINNAMON GRADES (Umpires sponsored by Shahbaaz Tandoori)

SATURDAY

GRADE 1

Banchory v Stonehaven Thistle, Ellon Gordon v Culter Curry Bon Accord, Inverurie v Dominion Gas St Ronald, Dana Petroleum Mannofield v Cults Mo & Co, Kintore v Ritson Smith Gordonians.

GRADE 2

Caledonian v 2nd Banchory (DP1), 2nd Cults v 2nd Kintore, Fraserburgh v Artisans, Methlick v Crathie, Queens Cross v AGSFPs.

GRADE 3

Academy v Turriff (DP2), Crescent v Dunecht (DP3), 2nd Gordonians v Anchorians (Shed 1), Kemnay v 2nd Methlick, 2nd Stonehaven v 2nd Ellon.

GRADE 4

2nd AGSFPs v 2nd Queens Cross, 2nd Dunecht v 2nd Mannofield, Huntly Highlanders v Portcullis, 2nd St Ronald v Stoneywood-Dyce (Shed 2).

SUNDAY

TURRIFF CUP TWENTY20 Round 1

Banchory v Culter Curry Bon Accord, Cults Mo&Co v Kintore, Methlick v Ritson Smith Gordonians, Stonehaven Thistle v Dominion Gas St Ronald.