Latest news with #GradeFour
Times of Oman
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
RAFO secures first place in international competitions in Scotland
Edinburgh: The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) band achieved first place overall in the Grade Four category of the World Pipe Band Championships held in the Scottish city of Dundonald. This new accomplishment adds to the RAFO band's distinguished history of artistic excellence on the world stage. It reflects the high level of professionalism the band has attained and highlights the dedicated efforts of its members in delivering polished musical performances.
Press and Journal
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Travellers at Inverdee could lead to more cricket disruption
Local cricket could be disrupted again this weekend by the presence of Travellers at Inverdee playing fields. Around 15 caravans arrived at the Aberdeen site, next to Goals and Harvester, on Sunday, June 1. There are two cricket pitches at Inverdee and, since the Travellers have been there, North East Scotland Cricket have been forced to postpone a number of Grades and Evening League matches on safety grounds. It looks like this weekend's fixtures could also be affected if the Travellers remain at Inverdee – although it is understood Aberdeen City Council and Sport Aberdeen are continuing in their efforts to try to allow the facility to be used for cricket again. On Saturday, Ceylon Deeside v Granite City and 3rd Grampian v 2nd Methlick in Grade Four are scheduled to be played at Inverdee, while Grampian v Crescent in the Aberdeenshire Cup is pencilled in for Sunday. Already this week, Evening League matches on Tuesday – Cartoos v Aberdeen Tigers and 2nd Knight Riders v AMC Sporting Club, Wednesday – North Sea v Knight Riders and Grampian Strikers v Aberdeen Tigers, and Thursday – Master Blasters v North Sea and Shell v Knight Riders – have been postponed. Last week a spokeperson for North East Scotland Cricket explained why they were having to cancel fixtures. They said: 'Whilst we appreciate that the vehicles have been spread outside the boundaries of the two pitches, any cricket match would potentially result in damage being caused, and the safety of all involved is paramount.'
Press and Journal
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Cricket prodigy, 14, makes two centuries to break Aberdeenshire record dating back almost 200 YEARS
For 14-year-old Aberdeenshire cricketing prodigy Ethan Shedbal, centuries were a bit like buses last weekend. After waiting a couple of years for his first in adult cricket, two came along in quick succession. The teen has been playing in the North East Grades for Mannofield for the last two seasons – since he was just 12 years old – but hadn't made a hundred until last Saturday. However, Shedbal racked up 102 in the Grade One fixture against Aberdeen Grammar, and the following day he scored 110 for 3rd Mannofield in their Grade Four match against Ceylon Deeside. It is thought he may be the youngest person to make back-to-back centuries in the history of the Grades – which go back as far as 1893 – and in the history Aberdeenshire Cricket Club, which formed in 1857. Shedbal said: 'I felt absolutely brilliant after making the two centuries, it was a great weekend and I couldn't really have dreamt of it being any better. 'After the game on Sunday, I was thinking: 'Have I really done this?' 'I'm only 14 and the Grades is a high standard of cricket, so it was unreal to achieve that. 'My century last Saturday was my maiden century in adult cricket. 'Afterwards people were joking with me, saying: 'You got a century today – you'll have to get one tomorrow.' 'When I got the second one, it was a great feeling and an amazing thing to achieve.' Shedbal started playing soft ball cricket when he was nine and began playing with a hard ball a year later. He has appreciated the people who have helped him develop and has lofty aspirations for the future. Shedbal added: 'This is my third year playing adult cricket and the past couple of years have been great for my development. 'I need to thank Phil Wood (Aberdeenshire junior convener), Rahul Chandu (Mannofield captain) and Tony McKenna (Cricket Scotland regional development officer) because they've really helped me in the last few years. 'Four years ago I couldn't hold a bat properly, but they've pushed me on and helped me develop my game so much. 'As well as them, the senior players have helped me a lot. 'So I just want to thank all the people that have helped me reach the stage I'm at today. 'I have high hopes for the future, in the next year I hope I can be playing for Scotland Under-15s. 'Hopefully I can have big roles in games for Aberdeenshire as well and help us win games – those things are driving me to try to keep improving my skills.'
