Dunecht 91 all out (22.1 overs): Safi 23; R Jack 3-22, Brown 3-22, Davies 3-36

Banchory 2nd XI 27 all out (18.4 overs): Redpath 12; Kharati 2-6

After bowling the opponents out for 91 you don’t often expect to be on the end of a 64 run defeat, but such is life in Grade 3.

Banchory won the toss and elected to bowl on a rather green looking track. The hosts knew the best way to score - get down and smack it over the long grass for four or six.

Skipper Baldry set the tone, scoring 21 off just 10 balls before a typically crafty Davies delivery knocked the bails over and sparked a collapse.

Young opening bowler Rueben Jack followed on from his impressive debut last week with another delightful spell. He took the next 3 wickets, including a well held caught and bowled, in an opening spell of 3-20 off six overs. Easily the highlight of the day for the visitors.

Safi (23) and Mani (12) were the only batters to reach double figures as Davies (3-36), Brown (3-22), and Gubbala (1-12), a talented youngster on loan from Portcullis, finished things off, with the help of some well held catches in the field.

A delicious tea, including some particularly delectable Samosas, was then taken beneath a dazzling sun. Everything was perhaps a little too relaxing, at least the Banchory batting innings would suggest so.

Here is a short summary; silly run out for a diamond duck, missed a straight one, very silly run out, silly waft straight up in the air, well bowled, well bowled, straight to the fielder, hitting middle of middle, and finally - straight to the fielder. 27 all out. All rather silly.

Back to the nets we go, but as always with a focus on the positives. The Davies-Rueben opening bowler duo is special, Rueben shows incredible talent with the new ball, there were no dropped catches, Dunecht produced some top-tier teas, and Gordon played a wonderful cut shot.

A thank you to Portcullis CC and Crescent CC for helping us field a side.

Onwards to 2nd Master Blasters at home next weekend.