Shock defeat for leaders adds spice to title race

Going into week nine of the Strathmore and Perthshire NEC, the half-way stage starts to look a lot more interesting than the potential runaway league winner scenario on the cards a couple of weeks ago.

Leaders Stoneywood Dyce’s shock defeat at Doo’cot Park last week saw their unbeaten record disappear and create the potential for at least three clubs to make a challenge for the title.

To get back on track, Stoneywood Dyce will have to get the better of Strathmore at home and although Strathie have lost four from six, they have regularly posted totals of close to and above 200.

Gordonians will fancy their chances against Mannofield at Countesswells.

The prize for Forfarshire II this week is not only to take the points against Kinloch but in doing so haul themselves off the bottom of the league.

With Dundee HSFP losing to Forfarshire II last week and facing an Arbroath United side at Dalnacraig who come off a three-wicket win over Strathmore, you would fancy Arbroath – but that would fail to take into account the inconsistency of the Dundee outfit.

They have only won two of their five starts but have hit useful totals in those wins and if Majid Rasheed and Balajil Ramalingham can get runs on the board, then they are in with a shout.

Meigle’s bowlers gave them a catchable target against Gordonians last week but the batting couldn’t take advantage. So, with that win over the league leaders last week under their belt, visitors Perth Doo’cot could grab the victory which would consolidate their third spot in the table.