Strathmore step closer to being crowned champions

STRATHMORE are only one win away from winning the Caledonia Division 1 title after gaining a 31-5 try bonus win against Harris in Dundee, leaving second-placed Hillfoots to hope the Forfar side slips up in the run in after keeping up the pressure with a 60-0 thrashing of Grangemouth.

Ross Sutherland moved off the foot of the table with a fine 40-24 win at St Andrews, while Mackie FPs were surprise 22-19 losers at Stirling.

Moray secured second place in Caledonia 2 (north-west) at Strathspey with a handsome 59-14 win.

Celebrations in the sun were the order of the day at Inverurie as teams from the area enjoyed a bonanza of district finals which were voted a huge success by the organisers.

“Not far off 200 players participated in the four finals, making it almost certain we will repeat a major triumph for grass-roots local rugby,” said Philip Gurden, on behalf of the organisers.

The cup final was won by Gordonians who beat Aberdeen Wanderers 29-14, the bowl went to Dyce who got the better of Shire seconds 29-17, while Deeside made up for a poor season, beating Garioch seconds 32-17 in the plate. The shield winners were Mackie who were 20-10 winners at the expense of Peterhead.