We arrived at Harlaw short on numbers but long on experience for our home game at our former home venue, Harlaw.
The captain lost the toss and was slightly surprised to be notified that Banchory would bat first - a break with Grades "tradition" but possibly swayed by the prospect of facing 8 fielders.
The captain opened the bowling with himself and his brother, Rory, and both settled into a nice line and length. Runs came but not at the rate expected due to the tight bowling and committed fielding, especially from Martin Ingram. The captain took the first wicket assisted by a fine catch from Jawad and following a double change, Jordan got the second, stumped by Mark. Adrian then took the next 3, including the Banchory top scorer, Carl Counsell, for a patient 40. Jawad had his first bowl of the season, starting off with some leg spin before changing to something a bit quicker mid run-up part way through his second over and giving Mark, who was standing up to the spin, a bit of a shock. He did take 2 wickets, both bowled, Adrian picked up a 4th and Rory took the last 2 to dismiss Banchory for 90. Our numbers were boosted for the last few overs by the arrival of the Leask grandchildren with both Neave and Zach making their Grades debuts.
After tea, Mark and Jawad went out to open. Mark hit a couple of lovely 4s and then ran himself out. Jordan made the most of an early escape, dropped at slip 2nd ball, and played some beautifully timed shots in getting to 48no, ably assisted by Jawad who also was unbeaten on 28 in reaching the target of 91 in the 18th over.
A good win making the most of the resources available and backed up by an excellent bowling and fielding display.
We have stretched our lead at the top of the table with the 2 teams below us losing. Next week, we start the second round of fixtures away to Grampian.
Banchory CC MoM: C Counsell for his 40.
SDCC MoM: Jordan for the way he played for his 48no just shades Adrian and Jawad.
Banchory CC: 90 ( C Counsell 40; A Merry 4-19, J Akhtar 2-14, Rory Taylor 2-19)
SDCC: 92-1 (J Squire 48no, J Akhtar 28no)