It is early days in the 2022 Grade 1 season, but one unbeaten record will disappear at Countesswells on Saturday. Respective skippers Indy Pandit of Gordonians and Nathan Thangaraj of Crescent gave batting masterclasses last weekend, and it could be a high scoring game at Countesswells between 2 teams packed with experience, and in the case of Gordos, topped up with two promising 13 year olds. AGSFPs suffered a heavy defeat last Saturday, but will be buoyed by a good all round T20 performance from George Gill at Countesswells on Thursday. They take on Master Blasters who have made a good start to the season under the captaincy of Ajay Narne.
Inverurie have piled on the runs this season, but have lost both their games. Expect a close encounter as they play undefeated Knight Riders at Groats Road.
Mannofield are at Allan Park to take on Cults who are without skipper Aqeel Ajazi. The Yahathugoda family have only managed 1 run between them whilst opening the batting for Mannofield this season, but with the shorter boundaries at Cults, it could be time for Indy to make a big contribution.2nd Knight Riders haven’t looked out of place in Grade 1, but facing up to the might of table topping Bon Accord at the Links should prove a major challenge.
In Grade 2 it’s Bon Accord T20 mini league time and Fraserburgh have points on the board as 2nd AGSFPs have had to scratch. Siyapa play 2nd Grampian at Harlaw in what could be a big hitting affair. Hopefully the public won’t have to dodge too many big shots as Portcullis host Grampian at Duthie Park, and a strong Ellon, who have Ross Wade and Stewart Davies in their ranks, should be too strong for Banchory.
In Grade 3 Dunecht have done more lending than the Bank of England to get a team available to play 2nd Methlick at home, and unfortunately Stonehaven will miss out on the Crathie pies as they couldn’t find enough personnel to make the trip. 2nd Gordonians head to Huntly without the services of Ryan Davis and captain Simon Hounsome for what will now be a battle of the youngsters. 3rd Gordonians have 7 juniors of varying age in their line up as they play 2nd Siyapa at Countesswells. Siyapa successfully live streamed their match with Ellon last weekend and they hope to cover this Grade 3 clash this Saturday. Fingers crossed for that.
It is big derby time in the SPCU North East Championship as Gordonians are at Aberdeenshire on Saturday. Gordos are without Mayank Bhandari and Prashant Wig, and are carrying injuries in their bowling attack, but their batting line up is on form. Kenny Reid has been leading from the front for Shire, and if overseas player Dian Forrester can get some top order wickets then the spoils may stay with the home side. The Stoneywood Dyce 2nd team should be too strong for visitors Kinloch, but the latter will have a go as always. Huntly go to an almost full strength Strathmore, but they put up a decent performance against Aberdeenshire last Saturday and beat Bon Accord in a T20 on Thursday evening, so if they can take the best bits of those games then they might spring a surprise.
Arbroath United take a strong side to league favourites Meigle, but that might be irrelevant if Meigle pro Raju Gayashan knocks up yet another century. Dundee HSFP could be very depressed on Saturday evening if Freuchie play to form, and 2nd Forfarshire will be glad to have Graeme Garden available as they face Perth Doocot at Forthill. Expect a nail biter there.
In the Eastern Premier League Stoneywood Dyce are at Arbroath to sample the best teas in the country. Hopefully the cricket will be of a similar standard on what has become a batting strip with little on offer for the bowlers.
Forfarshire head to Falkland who are still bereft of the talents of Harsha Cooray. Forfs have messrs Leask and Wallace in the side and it is hard to see past an away win. In a series of Edinburgh derbies the biggie is Grange v Carlton, whilst Stewarts Melville play RH Corstorphine and Watsonian host Heriots.
Sunday is Scottish Cup day and Drumpellier travel up from the WDCU to take on Aberdeenshire. Stoneywood Dyce have a bye at the first round stage.