St Ronald elected to bat rather than face a long afternoon bowling to the powerful Bons batting. The Bons were soon in control and reduced the St Rons batting to ashes. Only a 9th wicket stand between Vizwa and Jim Stephen (both shamelessly dropped by keeper Meres!) prevented a really early finish and left The Bons to chase a modest 133 target.

It looked like they would do it with all 10 wickets intact as openers Meres and Fazal cruised to 115, 80 of those to Fazzie. Meresy pulled one straight to a fielder, then Faz slogged all round a straight one to miss out on a not out. The last wicket to fall came about in bizarre fashion as Kami appeared to have hit the winning shot, an easy two runs to the deep, but Nawaz had other ideas just running a single. Kami must have had a few choice words with Nawaz as he ran past him.

Ellon lost the toss and were put in to bat post haste, tout suite, etc,. The Links hasn't behaved in recent weeks and this game was to be no different. The wickets fell early thanks to some wonderful catching, first of all from Mac but Kami might well have pulled off the catch of the season to get rid of Jon Barrett. Scott Whyte was looking dangerous, though, and got his fifty before finally getting caught (after about six chances) off the bowling of Barry Allan who was having a fine day. Barry ended the Ellon resistance, wiping up the tail and finishing with 4 wickets.

The Bons response (chasing 138) got off to a poor start with Meresy trying to imitate Fazal and Nawaz (memo: you can't smash the ball around, don't even try!) but Nawaz hit a quick 20 to get the scoreboard rattling. Fazal Awan, however, was in a real hurry to put this game to bed and proceeded to smash the bowlers all over the Links and raced to 90 not out before the runs wanted run out.

Bon Accord batted first. Nawaz (45) and Fazal (37) were the top scorers and there was some good late batting from Rahul (29) and Mac (23) but Victoria bowled well to restrict The Bons to 202 all out.

The Bons made a good start defending their total, however, and had the weegie side in trouble at 76 for 4 after 18 overs but some determined batting got Victoria back in with a chance.

A crucial spell of bowling from Sunday Shaffique held Victoria at bay and the Bons finished them off. Shaffique was named man of the match.

What can you say? On another bone dry Links wicket, Cults lost the toss and were sent in to bat and after 2 overs were 4 wickets down, Alexander falling to Nawaz and Malik taking 3 wickets in just 4 balls (inc. a wide), to reduce the Cults innings to ashes. Alleged "pro" Deep Patel was still there, however, but when he lost his composure and tried to slog a full toss (can't blame the wicket, every time, chum), there was no chance of a comeback although a last wicket stand between Hamish and Stan Richards showed that with a little conviction, it was possible to bat.

Chasing just 42, The Bons got a bad start as Fazal edged Tatsat to go cheaply, but Andy Meres and Andy Win put a little stand together and with the help of some erratic Tatsat bowling, the mini chase was halfway done. Meres fell bat pad but the dismissal of Andy Win was controversial to say the least. Given not out to an lbw shout, there followed a long discussion between Cults fielders and umpire Ken Hughes and whatever was said was enough to convince the umpire to give Andy out caught! The message is, therefore, it IS worth arguing with an umpire! Kami fell for a duck but Nawaz hit some fine shots on the "unplayable" Links to wrap up the win.

Bon Accord elected to bat on the same minefield as used the day before (??) and were soon struggling. Wickets fell early but Andy Win (37) kept his head again and gave the innings some momentum. Shaffique (31) also batted well on the tricky surface but a great spell of bowling from Inverurie skipper Williams (6-15) reduced The Bons to 122 all out.

The Bons made quick inroads into the Urie batting as Nawaz and Shaffique bowled at the top of their game and with the fielders snagging some superb catches (Ali Abbas, Fazal and Mac), the 123 target was looking more distant, but a good stand between Mark Dunderdale and David Johnston looked like steering Urie home. The Bons roared back and the inspired introduction of Mac Ahmed broke the stand and the Bons were back in it. When the accomplished Johnston holed out, followed by the dangerous Malcolm Craig, it was just a case of wiping up the tail, which soon came to pass leaving The Bons deserved winners and through to the final in what will be a repeat of last years, against Kintore,

Inverurie batted first and from the outset it was clear that The Links was not it's usual batsman friendly self. The bowlers made good use of it and a fiery spell from Nawaz set the tone but it was the introduction of Fazal Awan that put The Bons in a winning position. The all rounder bowled fast and swung the ball a mile and his 5 wickets ripped the guts out of the Urie batting who were already on the back foot following George Hadden's unfortunate back injury that put him out of the game.

Needing just 88 to win, it should have been plain sailing, even on this wicket, but early departures for Fazal and Nawaz, left Andys Meres & Win to secure the win, their stand a patient one but lit up by a succession of superb shots from Win, who ended the game 50*.

Andy Win (128) recorded his first ton for Bon Accord in the competition he has excelled in, this season, as the Bons racked up another (their 3rd) 300 plus total against a shellshocked Dollar side. Fazal Awan belted another 70 to leave Dollar chasing 344 to win off their 45 overs.

The home side made a spirited attempt to make 253-7, which on another day would have been a match winning total, but The Bons have been outstanding in the Small Clubs this year and will now face Victoria in the final on the 13th August, with more than a little confidence,

On the low bouncing Rubislaw artificial, the Bons got off to a bad start, losing Fazal cheaply but Nawaz (48) and an uncharacteristically attacking Andy Meres (45) got the innings back on track. Andy Win also chipped in with 42 but once they were dismissed, the innings never really accelerated and wickets fell regularly although after 40 overs the Bons were still able to set 10 man Grammar a decent target of 203.

Early wickets curbed Grammar enthusiasm, however, and although there was plenty of attacking endeavor from the Grammar boys, the tricky wicket made survival impossible and good bowling from Fazal (2-31), Nawaz (3-38) and Mac (2-3) ended any hopes of Grammar getting a draw and the Bons run out winners to maintain their title push,

The hot summer continued and The Bons good form with it as they recorded another win although they were made to struggle by a determined Queens Cross side. The QC batsmen were never fully able to get on top of the Bons bowling on a tricky surface and Fazal (3-30) and Malik (3-35) were the pick. However, the Queens total of 151 for 7 was on this wicket, probably worth another 50 or 60 runs, so it wouldn't be an easy chase.

And so it proved as Meres and Nawaz both fell cheaply as did Fazal but a super innings from Graham Morrison (33*) in the middle of the order snatched victory from the old jaws of defeat with just two under 14s and an injured Mac left to bat..

The Bons batted first on a glorious day and were soon on top of the Buckie bowlers. Fazal Awan was back on form as were all the batsmen on a fine batting track. It wasn't until Shaffique came to the crease that the innings really took off as he raced to his maiden hundred in a less frenetic fashion than his usual. His innings was composed as he pushed the spinners around and powerful when the medium pacers were in action. The Bons innings closed on a remarkable 321-8, surely a total beyond Buckie.

A heavy shower threatened to end the game prematurely but after an hour the rains ceased and play resumed. Buckie faced with an impossible chase finally conceded with 130-6 on the board and left the Bons facing a semi final tie with Dollar.

Bons won the toss and inserted Cults and had plenty of early success to put Cults on the back foot, danger men Gillanders, Alexander and Arun all going cheaply. Patel was going well, however, until he was dismissed by a diving catch at cover by youngster Ali Abbas. Patel stood his ground and disputed the catch, claiming it had touched the ground. It took several minutes for him to leave the crease. It'll be interesting to see if the umpire has reported the incident as the dissent was quite obvious. The Cults innings was rescued by a good stand between skipper Saxena and the noisy sledger, Ravi but Malik wiped up the tail and the Cults innings closed at 142.

The Bons would have been quietly confident of chasing that total but Meres, Fazal, Kami and Nawaz all failed and with key middle order batsmen, Andy Win and Chris Asprey missing, the Bons were soon staring defeat in the face. In the end, good bowling from man of the match Saxena, took care of any possible Bons fightback and the innings petered out for a paltry 61.

Andy Meres (46) and Fazal Awan (106) put 140 on the board for the 1st wicket in blisteringly hot weather, to put The Bons in control of this match from the very start. Nawaz Mirza (58) carried on the good work with his 1st 50 of the season but The Bons lost a little tactically, losing 4 wickets in the last 3 overs (for very little runs) to make the draw more attractive. 243 for 7 off 40 overs would surely be enough.

Banchory were immediately forced on the back foot by great spells from Nawaz and Malik. Only Wajit Ali (25) and Tim Donald (49*) putting up any real resistance as The Bons bowlers patiently picked away at the wickets. The last wicket fell to a spectacular Dave McDonald catch in the 2nd last over, to extend the winning run to 7 (in the Grades).

With rain in the air, the game was delayed for 45 minutes, mainly by the Cults lads who seemed reluctant to play. Having lost a game, to the weather, the previous day, (that could easily have been completed), The Bons were keen to play.

Toss won, The Bons batted first and Cults, despite some early success, were soon on the EXTREMELY defensive, with all nine fielders on the boundary for the majority of FAZAL AWANS innings. The defensive field settings had minimal effect (as they so often do) as the in form Faz smashed boundary after boundary. When he eventually fell, he had 175 against his name and had already put the game out of Cults reach. Another impressive 49 from ANDREW WIN (get that 50 Drew) our unused spin bowler, provided great support for young Jagga. Wickets fell in the last few overs but with 313 on the board, nobody cared.

The Cults reply was hopeless in both senses of the word and whilst the redoubtable Brian Alexander batted away at one end, at the other, chaos reigned, as MALIK ripped the guts out of the top order with a hat trick. To continue his great current form, RICH GREENFIELD took another 2 wickets as the Cults innings folded like a House of Cards in a hurricane, all out 64. Ironically, soon after, heavy rain fell and would surely have put a premature end to the game and forced a replay. Oh! Well. Never mind.

ST RONALD turned up with their side decimated and reduced to 9 men. Asked to bat, they started well against some average bowling and despite the early loss of Miller, they were allowed to put 60 on the board with no problems, largely due to our dreadful attitude, as everybody seemed intent on having a giggle and larking about. Anyhoo, once RICHARD GREENFIELD was allowed on, the wickets finally started to fall and his trademark accuracy was rewarded with 5 wickets. On a even brighter note, CHRIS ASPREY run someone out and he wasn't one of us!!!. (ST RONALD 124 all out 12 pts).

FAZAL AWAN continued his great form with another classy innings, his 47 runs dotted with some effortless strokeplay. There was a scare or two on the way as The Bons made a hash of the chase, but ANDREW WIN kept his head to see us home with a smart 21 not out. This game should have been over a lot earlier but, when it was needed, there was a lack of leadership and control over an unruly rabble. A repeat performance next week will lead to certain defeat. (BONS 126 for 6, 30 pts).

On the usual plasticine wicket, The Bons were inserted and from the start, attacked the much heralded ELLON side. Openers ANDY MERES and FAZAL AWAN got off to a brisk start, taking 5 an over with comfort. Meres holed out after a 70 run stand but a big hitting stand between Faz and NAWAZ MIRZA had the Ellon superstars reeling. But that was only an appetizer for the blitzkreig that was to come as Fazal really opened his shoulders in the last 10 overs to cruise past his hundred then go supersonic, belting 6 after 6. The Bons declared after 42 overs, arguably two overs too late. (BONS 274 for 5, 42 OVERS, 26 pts).

It would have taken a miracle for Ellon to overhaul such a big total and the only real question was would they play for a draw. After recent comments some of their players made in the local press, berating the draw, they must have known there would be pressure on them to be positive and, to their credit, they were. Certainly, I don't recall any long passages of blocking on their part. However, The Bons bowlers bowled well on the helpful surface, especially RICHARD GREENFIELD who picked up 4 wickets and was unlucky not to have 5. Richard has been our most consistent bowler this season. It all got tight and twangy at the end with Ellons last wicket pair just managing to survive. (ELLON 163 for 9, 48 OVERS, 15 pts).

CHRIS ASPREY was again the hero with a superb 88, providing The Bons with an excellent platform. An impressive and assured 48 from ANDREW WIN was the other highlight although on the downside, FAZAL AWAN seemed very disappointed to be given out caught behind. I don't know if it's customary in the NOSCA set up, but there did seem to be an incessant amount of sledging from the fielding side. (BONS 215 for 6).

The Highland response was excellent, opener Nixon belting a belligerent half century, but once he was gone there was little more left in the locker and 5 wickets from SHAFFIQUE wrapped things up for The Bons, who now progress into round 2. (HIGHLAND 105 ALL OUT).

After taking two early wickets, a rain delay of an hour and a bit put the mockers on quickly bowling out Inverurie. A big stand between Coutts and Norval set up a decent score but they failed to capitalize on wickets in hand and thanks to good bowling by RICH GREENFIELD and MALIK, the Inverurie innings failed to accelerate. (INVERURIE 170 for 6, 46 OVERS).

FAZAL and NAWAZ continue to struggle and the following days heroes, CHRIS ASPREY & ANDREW WIN, joined them in the pavilion with less than 50 on the board. ANDY MERES (batting at 4) dug in with KAMI MALIK and the two began to turn the innings around. Meres fell for 43 but Kami just got better and better. Supported by MALIK and MOZZY, the big hitting batsman took the game by the scruff, seeing the Bons home with 3 overs to spare. (BONS 171 for 6).

Meres, Awan, Mirza, Hannah and Kami, all our big scorers last season were all back in the pavillion having been out thought by QUEENS CROSS bowler ROBIN TAYLOR. At 50 oatcake for 5, it looked like the end of the world but a great stand by CHRIS ASPREY (70*) and MIKE BROWN (19) turned the game around. (BONS 172 for 8, 45 OVERS).

There seemed to be an air of inevitability about the QC innings as if they knew they'd lost their chance of beating us. NAWAZ and MALIK bowled superb and had good support from MOZZY and RICH GREENFIELD. Amazingly, The Bons also fielded well. THAT won't last long. (QUEENS CROSS 69 ALL OUT).

The Bons batted first and MERES & AWAN got us off to a good start with another fine stand before Meresy holed out to give RICHARD PERRY the easiest of his record 4 outfield catches (the last 3 were exceptional). Fazal became Perrys' 2nd victim when he skyed one after a fine 68. NAWAZ looked in good nick until he too fell in similar style-ee. KAMI and MOZZ added valuable runs but the batting collapsed again. (BONS 203, 42 OVERS).

PHIL POTTERS' BBQ engagement had an obvious effect on his batting as he raced to 50 in no time before losing his wicket. The rest of the Banchory batting failed to live up to the remarkable start but a win looked very gettable until MALIK came back for a spell that ripped out the guts of the batting, 2 successive off cutters doing for MCPHERSON and DONALD. (BANCHORY 149 ALL OUT).

The Bons batted first and FAZAL AWAN & ANDY MERES set about the bowling with relish (I'd have preferred mustard). Awan looked back to his best and on a fast Links outfield was getting value for his shots. The two openers soon went past the 150 mark before Fazal holed out in the deep just 6 runs short of yet another century. The misery continued for Stoney, however, with JAKE HANNAH getting in on the act. Jake fell on 46 and Stoney joy was dampened somewhat with the sight of NAWAZ MIRZA coming in at 4. Next ball, they were jumping for joy as the great one missed a slow straight ball from BRIAN CAMPBELL and was bowled for a golden duck. The innings ended in a shambles with The Bons throwing away wickets but with 229 off 39 overs, the win looked a near cert. (BONS 229-6, 39 OVERS).

The bowlers made hard work of dismissing Stoney and although it never looked likely we'd lose, for a while, it seemed entirely possible that we might not bowl them out. Nawaz (4-22) and Fazal (3-15) were the most effective bowlers on the day but the best moment was left til last. Last man in and time running out, Malik brought himself back to bowl. Some wags in the field noticed that he'd not taken a wicket so far. Cue sarcastic "C'mon Malik, see if you can get a wicket today!". First ball, game over. (STONEHAVEN 95 ALL OUT).

The Bons started well by turning up on time AND winning the toss but despite some early success, we were unable to get on top of Grammars' batsmen. Big JERRY MOIR just fell short of a memorable ton against poor bowling and even poorer fielding (GRAMMAR 225-6, 46 OVERS).

The Bons reply was aggressive with NAWAZ, FAZAL and MERES all gettin starts but once they were out, the innings fell apart like a house of cards. (BONS 111 ALL OUT).