The NESC is saddened to hear of the passing of Bob McAra who played for Crathie from the 1970’s until quite recently. He passed away on 30th July at Praesmohr House, Birse. A pacy bowler and useful batsman in his younger days, he continued to take wickets regularly well into his 60’s with metronomic accuracy, turn and a well disguised slower ball that was the downfall of many impetuous batsmen. Those batsmen who eyed up the short boundary to the road at Balmoral, rarely lasted long enough against Bob to record any success with such a plan. He last played for Crathie in 2019 aged 69, and despite not being fully mobile, won the match at Dunecht with a sharp slip catch. The funeral will be at Coull Kirkyard on Thursday 17th August at 11pm.