Tomorrow ( Sunday 26^th) sees a tourney played out between the youth sides of a number of Highland League Clubs.

David "Parro" Findlay, who runs the Buckie U13 setup and is currently the Chairman of the U13 Association, has organised an array of talent, comprising of the U13 sides from Clachnacuddin FC, Forres Mechanics FC, Keith FC, Lossiemouth FC and of course, Buckie Thistle FC to contest the inaugural trophy.

Although the set up is intrinsically a trophy-less organisation, it was felt that a competition should be held to get matters underway and, kindly sponsored by Springfield Developments, the Moray Firth Development Challenge Cup was inaugurated.

A "Round Robin" event kicks off at 11.00am in the Highfield Parks, where 11 a side teams will play 15 minutes each way matches on the pitches, to determine which sides will contest the Final.

The Final Tie itself will be played on Victoria Park, with a 2.30pm Kick Off, 25 minutes each way, to decide the winners.

On the day, Kenny Nicol, a long time benefactor of local youth football, will be present to provide refreshments on what promises to be a great afternoon's football.

As many of you are aware, these youngsters provide the most honest brand of football to be seen, with none of the histrionics, but all of the excitement and more, on occasion than that dished out by their elders, so get along for a fun-packed day and support the local talent.

Today's "Free date" gives the Jags players a chance to chill out after almost a month of hectic competitive action against four of the top North sides. In addition, the walking wounded, including the likes of  Mike Macdonald and David Angus, will gain a week's reprieve, as they recover from knocks suffered.

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It appears that a number of dissenting references to the (brief) mention of damage caused to the Buckie Thistle team coach at Banff, following the Aberdeenshire Cup victory on 14^th August.  Everyone is entitled to their opinion and the critics fall within that category, but at the end of the day, it is doubtful that Buckie supporters would have carried out the attack, given that their favourites had just gained revenge for the previous Saturday's drubbing. Sometimes you just have to take your medicine and accept that just as there are loyal fans who follow every club, there are bad apples in the barrel and the self-styled Valley Youth Crew appear to fall within that category.

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Lambie's involvement with the squad, as far as this season is concerned, is now over, although he is hosting a soiree tonight, when some of the players meet in Aberdeen, for a send-off party. "Good Luck to you and your better half, on your travels" is the earnest wish of the Jags support, to their talismanic Skipper, who shortly departs with his wife on a long-awaited year out!

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At least we know the opposition, if not the venue, for the Aberdeenshire Cup Final, to be played on Saturday 15^th September.  Keith FC overcame Inverurie Locos in the other Semi Final tie and will provide stern opposition for the Jags, although their victory ensures that the Aberdeenshire Cup will once more be residing outwith the county, in Banffshire, for another season. Details regarding the venue, admission and costs of travel via the Supporters Club coaches will be posted in due course.

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Mark Hamilton has been placed on the open to transfer list, at his own behest, having found that his path to a permanent berth in the starting XI looks trickier still, since the arrival of Tony Low, during the close season. In addition, the recovery from long-term injury, of Mike Macdonald places the former Rothes player further down the pecking order. "Hammy" made a number of starts in the first team over the last two seasons, but failed to claim a regular place on the teamsheet and thus feels the time is right for him to move on and better his career. It goes without saying that everyone at Victoria Park, including management, players and fans all wish the youngster good luck and it is believed that a number of top Junior sides are awaiting developments.

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