Just over a month to go before the season ends, and yet there is no question of any of the aspiring clubs claiming it’s all over, even if the stats suggest it will be be difficult to overhaul one or two of the current league leaders.
This would be particularly true of Grade 1 leaders Mannofield who have looked every bit champions since they got underway just over three months ago. A generally young side has demonstrated all the skill and confidence required to win titles.
A 100% record, 10 wins in 10 games, makes their case, although Bon Accord, the nearest of the challengers might argue, but with five games to play, the Bons best chance of major glory lies in beating Knight Riders in the final of the Aberdeenshire Cup at Mannofield on Sunday August 23rd. Bon Accord do play Mannofield the day before in the league, but they will need help from others to give them any chance of defending their title.
Championships are won on the back of all round performances, allied to quiet but inspired leadership; something Mannofield have produced week in week out under the captaincy of Rizwan Tahir.
A trip to Inverdee this weekend where the champions elect meet Grampian should not prove to be a major hurdle in their march to the title.
The picture in Grade 2 is much, much less clearer, as three sides are in the mix, not to say promotion to the top flight.
The clash this weekend at Inverdee between leaders 2nd Knight Riders and second placed Aberdeen Tigers might open things up, while third placed Huntly will be waiting in the wings, but will first need to see off the challenge of 2nd Mannofield at Castle Park.
Ellon Gordon, having led the title race in Grade 3 find themselves back in third place after their shock defeat away to Stonehaven Thistle, will now be watching anxiously for the outcome of new leaders Ceylon Deeside’s game at 2nd Banchory, and second placed 2nd Bon Accord’s home game with the mighty men of Methlick. Ellon are at home 2nd Gordonians. The top 3 all have to play each other on the run in, and the rearranged match between Ceylon Deeside and 2nd Bon Accord this Sunday at Harlaw will give Ceylon an opportunity to open a potentially decisive gap.
In Grade 4, Granite City and 3rd Knight Riders look to have enough daylight between them and the other teams to prepare for life in Grade 3 in 2027.
All going to prove, nothing can be taken for granted, even for the high flying Mannofield in Grade 1.