If there was any doubt as to the two best teams in the Grades, with pretenders Stonehaven and Ellon staking claims, then you clearly weren't at The Links on Saturday to witness the epic battle between Bon Accord and Cults, whose batsmen racked up 519 runs between them on a wicket that resembled a Gypsy campsite. That The Bons got beaten cannot diminish the pleasure playing in such a game.

The Bons, ultimately, didn't deserve to win, although we didn't play badly. Cults just played better, especially the brilliant Sri who made a most unorthodox 140 and even if he had walked when he'd tickled a fine edge to the keeper, I doubt it would have made much difference. Ally Gill's supporting 78* provided the perfect compliment to the cross-batted Sri.

It had all started so well, with our batsmen piling on the runs, Fazal getting his usual 50 although Cults managed to take a few of our top batsmen out, relatively cheaply. However, the game was turned on it's head with a stunning century plus stand between Rahul Dhiman (77, pictured) and Shiraz Hussein (52*) who destroyed the Cults bowling. Unfortunately for The Bons, this will be the last innings for Rahul who is returning to India.

Needing just a draw, The Bons batted all 46 of their overs and set a target of seemingly impossible proportions, of 259. Before the 2nd innings got underway, there was a small gathering on the field as The Bons mulled over some internal disciplinary concerns from the previous week and then the action got under way. It soon became clear that any bowling that was short of a length was gonna go to the boundary and Sri wasn't missing any opportunity. Some of the early bowling was too loose in this respect and our bowling woes were compounded by Fazal having to get away to work.

Once spin was introduced (Rahul again) The Bons exerted a little more control and the spiralling run rate started to fall to manageable levels. However, there were no wickets to be had and few chances as The Bons persisted with inconsistent medium pace where perhaps more spin was required, certainly when Shiraz and Rahul were bowling there did seem to be wicket taking potential. The lack of belief in spin bowling was very disappointing and was demonstrated very clearly when Rahul returned for a second spell and opted to bowl medium pace!!

I can't praise the two Cults batsmen highly enough and although we were all disappointed to lose, I think it's fair to say we were all in agreement on that. The Bons should still win the league against Mannofield in our remaining league fixture but with Rahul gone and Shaqueel Malik injured added to the dent to our confidence, we will be needing to pull our socks up for the Shire cup final on the 4th September against a Gordonians side that is likely feature precious few of their regular Grades side.