The tariff situation between China and the US may present Aberdeen Grammar with an opportunity to buy up unwanted MAGA cap stock from China, assuming they can find a way to add an extra ‘G’ to the caps. One of their Grade 1 teams will be making things great again on Saturday night, topping the table after their internal derby match as they get the season under way on the new artificial pitch at Rubislaw.
Grade 1 champions Master Blasters play Bon Accord at Inverdee in what may well be a barometer as to how the tussle at the top will shape up. Pehlaj Tenneti takes on the captaincy for the champions and Bons line up with the ever sprightly trio of Awan, Malik and Mirza.
2023 Grade 1 winners Gordonians are also at Inverdee as they play newly promoted Grampian. The withdrawal of the grass square at Countesswells has led to Gordonians having to withdraw from the SPCU North East Championship, and that has had a knock on effect on their playing personnel. All 3 matches will have appointed umpires so expect everyone to be on their very best behaviour.
Only one other game and that’s in Grade 2 at Countesswells as 2nd Gordonians host relegated Banchory who have also seen some high profile player departures.
The full scale season in Grade 1, through to the new Grade 4, will start on the weekend of 3rd/4th May when all 40 captains will be trying to figure out how to maximise the new losing bonus points system which is an adaptation of the Eastern Premier League points system. The hope is that teams will play for the win rather than have an eye on scoring 175 runs to guarantee at least 10 losing bonus points.