DeC Rebels play ATSSC at the Links tonight knowing that winning by a margin greater than 47 will take the current league champions back to the top of the table with just one rescheduled match against Dutchmill to be played. Inn at the Park recorded a comprehensive 100 run victory over Methlick last night to significantly improve their overall margin. Ellon continued their good form with a 48 run victory over Dutchmill. However Ellon are now relying on the Rebels and the Park dropping points due to their inferior margin.

There were also wins for Grammar Hockey (including a hatrick for skipper J.P.L Williams) and St Ronald.

Inn at the Park batted first in their match with Methlick in the pleasant surroundings of Allan Park, Cults. The Park made 159-7 at the end of their 20 overs, with P. Gill (26), Aqeel (30 no), Mudassar (20) and Masud (18) making telling contributions with the bat. The main wicket taker for Methlick was T. Acton (3 for 43). In reply, Methlick were bowled out for 59 runs to give Inn at the Park a winning margin of 100 runs. Top scorers for Methlick was extras (23) - the Park bowling 21 wides /no balls - and B. Webb (17). Pick of the bowlers for the Park were Masud (4-1-0-6), Mudassar (1.3-0-2-5), Arshad (4-0-3-20) and Asif (3-0-1-5). All eyes will be on the match between ATSSC and the DeC Rebels tomorrow night to see if the Rebels can pull back a margin of 47 runs and replace the Park at the top of the table.

A hatrick maiden from Grammar Hockey skipper J.P.L.Williams was the highlight of their 8 wicket victory over Chevron at the Shed. Received from our correspondent at the Shed:

Chevron won the toss and elected to bat on an outfield hairier than the wild man of Borneo. The tropical feel was enhanced by the boundary markers ripped from the trees by the exceptionally well organised Chevron. Opener J. Skedge scored a patient 26 (no boundaries) when he was finally dismissed in the 16th over as the second victim in the gentlemen’s first ever hat-trick. The honour falling to skipper Williams with his complete lack of pace the telling factor. Other wickets fell steadily with "Tip toe" Tomkins and Garry Stuart bagging a couple each which ended Chevron's innings with a small looking total of 72 all out after 19.2 overs.

This was more competitive than initially thought with the rainfall making the long grass even clingier. Mr Harren bowled an excellent spell of 4 overs for 7 runs and fellow opener Dickinson went for 11 for 1 wicket off his 3 overs. By now Martyn Budd was finding his range finally carrying his bat to 31. Keith "sieve" Smith completed the victory with a six finishing on 15 not out, Grammar Hockey  reaching 73 for 2 16.5 overs. It could have been a different story had the Chev taken one of the 5 opportunities to dismiss Budd, a former team mate of an exceptionally friendly team. Final mention must go to Bell Senior and his first delivery. All who saw it including the numerous footballers needed a few minutes to compose themselves. Quite how he ended face up, just short of the stumps in front of the bemused umpire only he knows. Comedy gold.

Ellon have kept the pressure on Inn at the Park and the Dec Rebels with a 48 run victory over Dutchmill at the Links. Ellon batted first and reached 140-6 in their 20 overs, with Harry Wolrige-Gordon (31) and Rich Greenfield (31) both retiring; an excellant total considering Ellon were 15 for 4 from 5 overs. Pick of the bowlers for the Mill was Rory Taylor (2 for 7 off 4 overs). The Dutchmill chase never really gathered any momentum, losing wickets along the way and were finally 92 AO (although this did include a reverse sweep by Robin Taylor off the bowling of Andy Parks). Andy Churchill (27) was the top scorer with the bat for Dutchmill. Pick of the bowlers for Ellon were Harry Wolrige-Gordon (2 for 14 off 4) and Chris Watson (2 for 22 off 4). A victory that keeps Ellon on the same points as IATP and the Rebels, however with a much inferior margin.

In the clash at the bottom of the table, St Ronald recorded a 42 run victory over Caledonian at the Shed, a result that means Caledonian will end up propping up the table this year in the league. St Ronald batted first and reached 127 for 6 from 20 overs. In reply, Caledonian reached 95 AO.