Like many sporting sides, our first eleven has found away fixtures to be challenging in recent seasons. Few grounds excite us as much as our beloved Mannofield; adapting has been challenging at times. It follows that, at this crucial time in this season – we are locked in the tightest struggle in years for the Union title – the stakes are high when we face the trials of travel.

Saturday’s win at Freuchie, though we were seldom at our ruthless best in this tie, was nevertheless a most satisfying result for our club. Furthermore, this precious win coincided with a shock defeat for one of out principal challengers: Perth Doo’cot came up short in their derby tie with Meigle.

Freuchie elected to bat on a green pitch and our openers, Lewis Munro and the recently returned Arnav Saraswat, both bowled tightly, restricting the flow of runs at the start. This pressure was rewarded with a wicket, when Arnav, recently returned from a highly successful spell in the Scottish under 17 side, trapped Luan Ryke, with only 24 runs on the board. Lewis followed suite soon after, dismissing the other opener, while the home side’s score on just 34 runs. Paul Collins and Jeandre Niemann then built a dangerous partnership for the Fifers, taking advantage of some errant deliveries from our change bowlers; the normally deadly James Robb and Luke Bain both struggled, as this home pair built their way into this match with a partnership of 90 runs. The introduction of Akhlaq Bashir did much to stem the tide; the off-break bowler clean-bowled Collins to end this menacing stand. Crucially, James then captured the vital scalp of Niemann for a fine 55 runs. Freuchie batted on steadily, but their final total of 202 did not seem daunting at this stage.

Ewan Davidson is looking an excellent fit as an opening batsman and, along with Marcus Villa, the pair accumulated an excellent first wicket stand of 107 runs. Ewan was then adjudged to be LBW to Jeandre Niemann. This of course, was a potential turning point in this tie; so many batsmen promptly follow their partners into their pavilion, when a major stand is broken. However, Marcus showed the necessary determination and hunger to score a lot more runs. Though seldom at his stylish, flowing best, the teenage opener was relentless in his progress, nudging and guiding the balls for ones and twos in his pursuit of victory. It was fortunate indeed that Marcus was on song on Saturday, for his team-mates were toppling with alarming regularity at the other end. It was only fitting therefore, that the fifteen years old opener should grab his third century in this league with a boundary to complete the victory. Undoubtedly Marcus can be more elegant and stylish, but this was truly a fighting innings for the team!

We had emerged with a valuable victory, while one of our rivals had dropped down the table. Tougher challenges now lie in waiting, starting at Mannofield on Saturday, when second-placed Huntly come to call. No single fixture decides a league title, but this match-up looks likely to be hugely significant! Huntly were the rightful winners when we met on their turf and they have several talented cricketers in their line-up. The thing is: so, have we! The Mannofield Ultras can’t wait for this one; I am sure all our players feel exactly the same!

Saturday’s second team victory over Grampian2 had an air of inevitability, after George Gill and Riyansh Kirodian took control from the outset, punishing an ineffective attack in a prolonged, prolific partnership of 187 runs. George secured a notable century, before perishing; regrettably, Riyansh was just four runs short of the magic hundred runs, when he missed a straight one and left the action. Our worthy Skipper, Rizwan Tahir, then joined in, helping himself to a useful half-century, as his side closed their run-spree with 325 on the board.

A tight spell of seam-bowling by Harry Mapplebeck and Izzy Bandara all but ended this contest. Very good players are being rested from the ranks of our successful first team at present. Healthy competition for places is an essential element of a winning ethos in our club. Izzy was very unlucky to miss out this week, having performed successfully in recent matches. This modest youngster showed his class by accepting the decision graciously. I am sure your time is nigh, Izzy!

Despite a noble effort from Subin Sunny, who scored a fine half-century, the visitors were unable to threaten our demanding total, as their innings petered out for 196 runs. Aayush Sinha and Ashfaq Bashir were our leading wicket-takers on the day, as our proud second eleven extended its wonderful, undefeated record further. Next week’s fixture may well be more challenging, as our league leading heroes take on Grampian 1 down at Inverdee! Another week, another challenge! You have passed every test so far and we are so proud of your achievements! Keep it going!

Down by the River Dee, in the beautiful Duthie Park, our fourth eleven, fielding some very young prospects came out on top against Stoneywood/Dyce. Fine, half-century knocks from Vihaan Basavaraju and Aarav Sinha formed the basis of an impressive team performance as Phil Wood’s side reached an impressive total of 231 runs.

In reply, our luckless opponents found the bowling of Aarav, Kanishk Tata and the ever-youthful Mr Wood just too much to handle; Phil’s figures were: 3 overs 3 for 7, perhaps not a career-best, but maybe up there?
Special mention is due to the unlucky Stoneywood opener, Andrew Morgan, who scored a fine innings of 73 runs only to be on the losing side. So, the fourth team managed to keep up our 100% record for Saturday. Very well done, lads. Nest Sunday, you head over the river to Inverdee to face Grampian, who sit just one place above in the league. Very best of luck in that tie!

The third eleven enjoyed the excellent setting of Mannofield bathed in sunshine for today’s tie against Aberdeen Tigers. Their enthusiastic opponents turned out to be a very skillful side. We batted first and were indebted to an excellent fourth wicket partnership of 74 runs between Joseph Scotting and Leo Wood. However, both perished in rapid succession, neither having reached his half-century. One more prolific combine could have been tipped the outcome of this match in our favour, but this did not occur and the third’s final tally of 176 looked tough to defend on our beloved Mannofield. So, it turned out, as a crucial, undefeated fifty by Hamza Farooq was just enough to see his side through to a deserved victory. Next week, our thirds head to Strathbogie, to face Huntly. The home side have fared well this season and are likely to be testing opponents for our youngsters. This would be good time to stage un upset!

Our talented under14 squad just failed to reach their Scottish Cup final, coming up short in south Glasgow against a talented Clydesdale side. ‘Shire opted to field first in this encounter, but some wayward early bowling helped the home side off to a flying start. Maximum knocks followed from the Glasgow openers, Arham Khan and Himat Momand. Our lads rallied, as Kanishk Tata and Vihaah Basavaraju took a few wickets, tightening things up. In the end, Clydesdale closed with 158 runs on the board. This was to prove a challenging target.

In reply, Oscar Vila, Aarav Kola and Kanishk Tata all made large contributions to our score, but our bold heroes came up just a bit short on the day, scoring a total of 139 runs. Therefore, Clydesdale advance to the final and we wish them well.

Our team had done very well to reach the last four of the national competition, and had the chance to match up with one of the other big Scottish clubs. However, in a season, when our junior sides are travelling endlessly through the U.K.in search of success, it would be nice to see a Scottish, later-stage match scheduled for Mannofield. A great deal is asked of all, who take part on and off the field in the life of our ambitious junior section. They all put in the miles at this time of the year! So many give so much! Maybe, one day, we can host some major junior occasion! I guarantee that we would stage it well!

Every round of fixtures is huge for us this month. I truly hope that all our players enjoy your cricket in the coming weeks. All the supporters wish you well this weekend!