Garioch win against Moray puts them in driving seat

Garioch have emerged as the new favourites to win Caley 2 North after a day of shocks changed the course of the promotion race.

The Kellands Park side recorded a thrilling 3931 win at Elgin to dent Moray’s title prospects, while Ellon were knocked off the top slot after losing 36-27 against Highland 2nds in Inverness.

The Inverness side cannot win the league due to competition rules which do not allow a team which has a national league side to be promoted, leaving Garioch and Ellon best placed to go up.

The Meadows men have three games to play while the Inverurie title hopefuls have four games remaining.

Garioch head coach Dave Duguid said: “I am delighted with the way our season has gone. We have been taking it one game at time and I have no reason to abandon that philosophy.

“We will just see what happens in the run-in.”

Ellon head coach Sam Mountain was disappointed after a second defeat of the season by Highland.

He said: “Both sides wanted to play good running rugby but we made too many mistakes and they capitalised.

“It’s not over but it’s a blow to our chances.”

Elsewhere in the divi- sion, Aberdeen Grammar 2nds were comfortably 53-14 winners at home to Deeside, and RAF Lossiemouth ruined Ross Sutherland’s preparation for Saturday’s National Bowl final at Murrayfield with a 22-12 victory against the Invergordon side.

Aberdeenshire are the new Caley 3 North leaders after crushing Inverness Craig Dunain 99-0 at Woodside.

They have played three games more than Kinloss Eagles and North Scotland Police who meet in a double-header at Duff House on Saturday when the championship is likely to be resolved.

The police warmed up for the occasion with a 74-17 win at Moray 2nds, while Dyce almost recorded their first win of the season but had to settle for a 14-14 draw with Fraserburgh.

In the top division, newly promoted Caithness had their title celebrations spoiled by Dunfermline, who became the first team to win at Thurso this season, running out 37-33 winners.

Strathmore, in second, lost 31-27 at home against Glenrothes.

“We will just see what happens in the league run-in”