Whilst it is still mathematically possible for Aberdeenshire to overtake Meigle at the top of the SPCU North East Championship, they will need some help from 2nd Arbroath who host Meigle. In the reverse fixture between the clubs, 2nd Arbroath were bowled out for 62 and lost by 10 wickets, so it doesn’t suggest that any champagne should be chilling in the fridge at Mannofield. 2nd Arbroath will be automatically relegated as their 1st team drop down from the Eastern Premier League. Aberdeenshire are at Forfar to play Strathmore who are without their overseas star Tiaan Brits. Lewis Munro and Dian Forrester will expect to add to their 30 wickets apiece for the season so far, both already 9 ahead of the other bowlers in the league. With Forrester also averaging 73.38 with the bat and the only player with 3 centuries for the season, it could be a challenging afternoon for Strathmore.
Huntly have been the surprise package this season and they sit in 3rd spot, narrowly behind Shire. They are at People’s Park to take on 2nd Stoneywood Dyce who will miss the bowling contribution of the injured Ryan Williams. With 2nd Forfarshire expected to beat Dundee High, a big win for Huntly could put 2nd SDCC on the brink of relegation as the league cuts to 10 for the 2023 season. Kinloch are at Countesswells with a decent chance of pulling off their first ever win against Gordonians. Gordonians are without Himanshu Saraswat, Akhlaq Bashir and Adi Hegde who picked up an injury on Scotland under 17 duty. 14 year old bowling prospect Maahir Patel makes his debut for Gordos. Perth Doocot host Freuchie, the latter hoping to have Safyaan Sharif back in their side.
The last 2 weeks of the Eastern Premier League are all about playing for pride as the top and bottom have been sorted already. All 5 games are in Edinburgh. Stoneywood Dyce play champions Heriot’s, Forfarshire have Craig Wallace back as they face Carlton, Falkland are near to full strength as they go to RH Corstorphine, Arbroath are at Stewarts Melville and Grange have a derby match against Watsonian.
In Grade 1, Gordonians are at Harlaw against AGSFPs, Mannofield host 2nd Knight Riders, Cults take on Crescent, Knight Riders face Bon Accord and Master Blasters travel to Inverurie.
In Grade 2, Portcullis play Fraserburgh at Duthie Park, Ellon go to Banchory and 2nd Grampian are at Links versus Siyapa.
In Grade 3, Crathie have been unable to raise a team to play 2nd Siyapa, 2nd Methlick go to Huntly, Dunecht are at Lairds to take on Methlick, Stonehaven host Stoneywood Dyce and 2nd and 3rd Gordonians go head to head at Countesswells.