The sun was intermittently shining and temperatures reached giddy highs of 10 degrees as Crathie were welcomed to Burnett Park for the 2nd XIs first of two pre-season friendlies.

Banchory batted first and posted a total of 134. Redpath (31 not out) and Bott (13) saw the innings off to a solid start against a superb spell of opening bowling from Naseer (2-18). Singh (17) whacked a beautiful six in his first game for 17 years before a heartwarming 42 run partnership between Davies, who posted his highest ever score of 25, and Brookshaw (14), who smoked a lovely drive for four in his first ever game, took the total up to three figures.

In reply Crathie were reduced to 13-5 with Mohsin (1-4), Tanvir (2-3), Hendriksen (1-4) and Colley (1-6) all among the wickets. Brookshaw shone in the field taking a superb leaping catch at mid-on and young Joe Scotting did an excellent job behind the stumps. The big hitting Naseer (37 not out) offered hopes of a comeback for the visitors but he ran out of partners. M. Scotting (1-15), Davies (1-20), Singh (1-5) and Redpath (2-1) picked up the remaining wickets.

A big thank-you to Crathie for making the trip to Burnett Park for a friendly which was played in excellent spirits. Next up another friendly vs Dunecht on the 28th of April before the season opener on May 4th.