The summer weeks have been flying by and we have already reached the mid-way point of the North East Scotland Cricket Grades season. In April Banchory’s 1st XI, returning to Grade 1 for the first time in ten years, had the simple aim of avoiding relegation, while the reformed 2nd XI was hoping to create a friendly atmosphere where juniors could develop alongside seniors. So, how have we got on?

1st XI - Grade 1 League Table

Despite losing six of their seven fixtures the 1s remain on target to avoid relegation having picked up plenty of points in a number of closely fought games.

The one win, which could prove crucial in the relegation battle, came against Inverurie, when Banchory defended an impressive total of 258. On that day Banchory’s top scoring batter of the season, Pulkit Singh, hit a fine 71. Pulkit, who casually mentioned he has not played cricket in 17 years, promptly blasted 124 in his first game for the 2nd XI and since his promotion to the 1s has scored 235 runs at an average of 29, not a bad debut season so far.

Elsewhere with the bat Banchory have shown they are more than capable with Mausam Thapa, Will George, Barry Watt, Zayd Rabbani and Sam Rotheram all hitting 50s. When it all comes together in one match, as it did against Inverurie, the batting line-up is certainly Grade 1 calibre.

With the ball Banchory have also shown a great deal of promise with swing bowlers Thapa, Brown, Khalid and Addinall all well positioned to take 15-20 wickets this season. The challenge has been finishing off a number of good starts against teams that can bat deep. Banchory had Mannofield at 32-4, Gordonians 48-5, Bon Accord 57-4, Cults 50-5, Knightriders 5-4 and went on to lose each game.

Dropped catches have been a big contributor to this, for example six drops against Bon Accord denied the Burnett Park side what would have been a famous win against a title challenging side.

However, despite the defeats the team remain strongly poised to survive in Grade 1. Unfortunately, the two games against fellow relegation battlers Aberdeen Grammar have been washed out - so the biggest fixture will be against Inverurie at home on the 3rd of August.

2nd XI Grade 3 League Table

The reformed 2nds have been enjoying life in Grade 3. Having won four and lost four the side are well positioned to finish in the top half of the table although are out of the Reid Cup. On top of the four victories there have been some wonderful moments with bat and ball - particularly for our up and coming juniors.

With the bat there have been two centurions. Pulkit Singh hit a stunning 124 against 2nd Fraserburgh, while Bimal Gopinathan scored a simply magnificent 118 not out to almost single handedly chase down 171 in a dramatic victory over 3rd Stoneywood Dyce. Skipper Redpath, when not running out his teammates, has also scored 246 runs at an average of 35.14, and Vikas Adyanthaya played two important innings of 41 and 37. On the flip side the team were skittled out for 43 against Crathie and only managed 85 against a strong Aberdeen Tigers team - needless to say both games ended in defeat!

For the juniors Joe Scotting is showing great promise with the bat and the gloves behind the stumps, Akshara Adyanthaya is not out for the season hitting her first ever run against Stonehaven, while Ethan Crozier and Ally Stutter both hit their first boundaries against Gordonians.

With the ball Clive Matthews, Gordon Brown, Vikas Adyanthaya and Jamie Robson have all taken 5-fers! Matthew’s and Robson’s both came against Dunecht in an impressive home victory where the opposition were bowled out for 39. Junior Tommy Burnett has proved unplayable when he lands his foot in the right position and Ethan Crozier has picked up 4 wickets in his first senior games.

Again on the flip side 331 were conceded against Aberdeen Tigers and 224 against 3rd Gordonians - but it has been mostly positive! With a lot of fun being had the 2nds look forward to their remaining eight games and hope to finish in the top half of the table.

Get involved!

Senior training takes place on Thursdays from 18:30 while juniors train on Thursdays 17:30-18:30 and Saturdays from 09:30-11:00 and new players are always welcome to attend. If you would like any more information please contact the clubs secretary via: www.banchorycricketclub.co.uk/contact