With 2 finals and 2 semi finals to choose from, more eyes might be on the Sunday games on offer in Aberdeen compared to the league fixtures on Saturday.
Mannofield hosts the Bon Accord and Reid Cup finals on Sunday. At 1pm it’s the Bon Accord Cup final between Huntly and Grampian, 2 teams at opposite ends of the Grade 2 table. Grampian have only had one narrow league defeat all season and look favourites to bounce straight back to Grade 1. Their depth of quality with bat and ball should make them favourites for the silverware. Huntly have missed the Myron-Petrie brothers who have been elevated to first team duty in the SPCU, but the shorter T20 format has allowed a Liam Ferguson inspired run to the final, ably assisted by Darren Morrison picking up wickets cheaply.
At 4pm, or once the umpires have had time to finish their teas, it’s the Reid Cup final. 2nd Grampian narrowly top Grade 3, and they take on Aberdeen Tigers who would have been preseason favourites for promotion. 2nd Grampian will have to navigate around the new nominated 6 player rule, plus the eligibility criteria, whilst the Tigers will just have to turn up. Both teams have strength in depth and this promises to be a very tight match.
The Cricket Scotland Challenge Cup semi final between Gordonians and Dundee High starts at 1pm at Countesswells on Sunday. Gordonians have benefitted from their last 2 opponents being unable to raise a side, although on paper, a full strength Gordonians side would have expected to have won both of those games. Mayank Bhandari and the Bashir brothers are added to the usual Gordos Saturday line up. Dundee High are firmly rooted to the bottom of the SPCU North East Championship and were struggling at home to Gordonians 2 weeks ago before rain halted that league match. Gordonians will be favourites to make the final for the first time since 2017, having collected the trophy in 2015 and 2016.
Also on Sunday, at Inverdee, it’s the last remaining Aberdeenshire Cup semi final between Master Blasters and Knight Riders as they rerun an earlier attempt that was rained off with Master Blasters in a strong position. Knight Riders are the holders of the trophy and have a habit of timing their effort in the 2nd innings to get the necessary result. Master Blasters will be hoping to have Shoaib Laghari available to add to their already strong batting line up.