CONTENDERS….READY!

This weekend sees the first full set of fixtures across the country. No local club interest in the Eastern Premier League but you might be able to spot former players from the North East on show. With so much Scotland international activity this summer affecting the availability of star players, even more emphasis will be placed on the performances of the overseas contingent. Expect surprise results along the way.

The SPCU North East Championship will only have 9 teams following the withdrawal of Gordonians who couldn’t secure a grass pitch to play on. Former Gordonians Abrar Ahmed, Rudra Chouksey and Tanish Kirodian make their competitive Crescent debuts as they welcome champions Aberdeenshire to Brechin. 

Always strange to see a Huntly teamsheet without Jack Mitchell, but even stranger to see Tony McKenna listed anywhere involving playing. Stoneywood Dyce make the trip to Huntly as they adjust to life without the likes of Ewan Davidson. 

St Modans host Strathmore and Dundee High go to Perth.

In Grade 1 Crescent are at Inverurie who are boosted by transfers in from relegated Banchory who have had to scratch their 2nd XI match in Grade 3. Former Gordonians captain Ashfaq Bashir takes his place in the Mannofield team who take on Aberdeen Grammar at Mannofield. On paper Knight Riders look too strong for Gordonians even without Somu Kumarasamy in the named XI. Grade 1 champions Master Blasters will want to bounce back from their defeat to Bons as they face Grampian at Inverdee 2, and 2nd Aberdeen Grammar could have a tough afternoon as Bon Accord visit Rubislaw. 

In Grade 2 it’s Cults v Portcullis, 2nd Knight Riders v 2nd Gordonians, Banchory v Fraserburgh, Aberdeen Tigers v 2nd Grampian and 3rd Aberdeen Grammar v Huntly.

In Grade 3 Crathie are at Duthie Park to play Stoneywood Dyce, Methlick welcome neighbours Ellon, and Stonehaven have points in the bag with Banchory unable to travel. 2 games on Sunday with Dunecht at Mannofield and 2nd Master Blasters at Countesswells against 3rd Gordonians. 

For those who thought cricket in the North East was on a downward spiral, 8 new teams have joined to allow Grade 4 to be resurrected. Venue availability issues mean that regular Sunday games are required to facilitate the increased participation levels. Only one Saturday match as new club Granite City head up to Fraserburgh. The new 2nd Inverurie have conceded to the unexpected 2nd Bon Accord team (former claims to be the best single team club in the country will have to go!). 2 games at Inverdee on Sunday for dog walkers who like a bit of cricket as Ceylon Deeside play the additional Mannofield team, and 3rd Grampian play a mix of youth and vast experience as Stonehaven take the plunge with a new 2nd team.