Its the end of an era this weekend with the final game due to be played on the grass wicket at the Links with work starting on a new artificial being installed next week.
Bon Accord and Grammar face off at the Links on Saturday, Grammar welcomed back the understated Karan Anand last week so he’ll be keen to make an impression in what is expected to be a keenly contested affair. Gordonians welcome Grampian to Countesswells and with Grampian looking for their first win of the season after running Bon Accord close last week it could well come tomorrow if Josino Aluvathingal and Jeby George are in form again. Injury hit Inverurie host Knightriders and both sides welcome back old faces this with Somu Kumarasamy back in the Knights lineup and Gary Coutts and John Moore featuring for Inverurie. Siyapa and Master Blasters both suffered heavy defeats last week so it will be interesting to see which of the promoted sides comes out on top here. Cults and Crescent are at opposite sides of the league table although you can throw the form book out of the window when these sides meet. Only time will tell if Aqeel Ajazi will be in the wickets or if Umair Qureshi will be leading from the front with bat and ball for Crescent.
Fraserburgh make the trek to Rubislaw to play 2nd Grammar and it could be a tough day for the home teams bowlers if the Broch are in form again. There was a rumour circulating last week that Joe Root shared a picture on his social media last week of himself and Liam Bowie to pay respect to Liam’s match winning knock against Methlick. 2nd Knightriders and Portcullis cross swords at Groats Road and Knightriders could be without Asad Waqar after his match winning display against 2nd Grammar with promotion to the 1st team being rumoured. The game of the day in Grade 2 should be when Ellon make the trip to Mannofield. Jonny Barrett is in a rich vein of form with back to back 50s while Mannofield weren’t shy of runs last week either with Indy Yahathugoda making up for lost time. Time will tell if Stoneywood Dyce scramble together enough players to put out their first Grades team of the season against Methlick.
Huntly make the journey to the Countesswells artifial where the future of local cricket should be on display with both teams boasting impressive junior setups. 2nd Grampian have a tough tie on their hands against Crathie but with 3 wins from 3 games this season they’ll go into it with nothing to fear. Ross Devlin faces his former side when Stonehaven make the short journey to Banchory. Devlin scored a ton last week and so did Graham Bonds for Stoney and with a decent wicket and quick outfield it could be a good day for the batsmen. Dunecht welcome 2nd Methlick and Matt Witz could be the difference between the sides if he’s in form with the bat.
Saturday could be a tough day for Stoneywood Dyce as they travel to Edinburgh to face Grange in the Eastern Premier League. The home side are unbeaten in all matches this season and have on form Scotland internationals such as Dylan Budge and Tom Sole in their ranks. Elsewhere the Forfarshire v Heriots tie looks likely to be postponed due to a Covid outbreak at the Forthill club. A reminder that the virus is still in circulation and that players should adhere to the guidance.Expect an engrossing encounter in the SPCU North East Championship as Gordonians travel to Huntly. They are again missing Sandy Richards from their batting line up but will be hoping everyone else can carry on from where they left off in the demolition of Kinloch last Saturday. Huntly will be boosted by their victory over Aberdeenshire and with Jack Mitchell fit to play they will know that they still haven’t hit top form.Aberdeenshire make the short trip to Peoples Park to take on 2nd Stoneywood Dyce without Kenny Reid and Aayush Das. Both have been in excellent form with the bat and even though Lewis Munro has been doing the business with bat and ball, the experience of SDCC could make this a closer than expected match. Elsewhere it is derby day as Strathmore would expect to beat ground sharing Kinloch and Freuchie host fellow table toppers Falkland in the game of the day. Perth Doocot would expect to beat strugglers Dundee High and the 2nd Arbroath versus 2nd Forfarshire has been postponed due to the Covid situation at Forfs.The Cricket Scotland ECB Vitality Under 13 cup reaches it’s finals day at Dunfermline this Sunday. Best of luck to Gordonians who will face one of the Edinburgh powerhouses Grange or Carlton in their semi final.