As the Grades tables eventually begin to take shape, traditional rivals Bon Accord and Cults once again occupy the top two spots in Grade 1, Cults failure to beat Mannofield last week meaning that the Bons remain in pole position with an unblemished 100 per cent record.
Both sides should again win on Saturday with Bon Accord taking on Banchory at the Links, while Cults face bottom-placed Gordonians at the Allan Park. Inverurie, currently third, travel to meet fourth-placed Stonehaven; while Ellon, somewhat surprisingly languishing in eighth spot, face a tough challenge at home to Kintore. St Ronald take on Mannofield at Kings College. At the foot of the table both Gordonians and St Ronald promoted from Grade 2 last year are already looking dangerously poised for an early drop back out of the top flight.
In Grade 2 current leaders Grammar FPs are away to 2nd Banchory, while Queens Cross also face an away trip to Fraserburgh. Artisans and 2nd Cults meet at the Duthie Park in a key game affecting the lower reached of the table.
Anchorians meantime lead the way in Grade 3, but could face a tough test against Academy; while at the foot of the table Kemnay – having lost their captain on transfer to Gordonians – have been forced to scratch their game against Turriff.
Portcullis, despite their recent loss of a number of players to another club, continue to lead Grade 4; but could find themselves supplanted by 2nd Queens Cross depending on the result of Saturdays’ fixture at Harlaw. Both sides being out of the Johnson Cup, the Grade 4 game between Stoneywood-Dyce and Huntly Highlanders has been put back by a week, and will now be played at Huntly
Sunday sees the second round of the small Clubs Cup with holders Bon Accord away to Buckie, and Ellon facing Cults in an all-Grades fixture; while Monday evening sees the start of the Thistle Sports Sevens, with the Bon Accord, going for a tenth successive title, taking on Banchory and Cults B in the opening evening’s games.
wytbu8 Jun 4 2009 - 4:50pm