Aberdeen Grammar surged into the top half of National 1 after overcoming the challenge of derby rivals Dundee High at Rubislaw on Saturday.
Victory allowed Grammar to leapfrog the Mayfield men in the process, while picking up their first trophy of the season.
Captain Alex Ratcliffe, who had a fine, running game at full back, collected the Dally Allardice Cup which is played for every time the two sides meet.
Ratcliffe said: “This means we can go into the autumn international break with our heads high and an outstanding chance of breaking into the top four when we come back. It’s a good position to be in.”
The Grammar victory was hard-earned as playing into a stiff first half wind they had to defend for most of the 40 minutes but such was the quality of their tackling, they restricted the visitors to a lone converted try and a penalty.
They even had the temerity to score a penalty of their own from the trusty boot of the ever-improving Bryn Perrott just before the break. Perrott was a key figure in the win, leading his line with authority, while slotting two conversions and three penalties.
He said: “I am starting to enjoy my game, especially as I am so well looked after by these guys in the back row.”
Ironically, it was Ali Mackie, a former Grammar favourite back rower who plunged over for the opening try, converted by full back Kieran Scoular in 18 who then added a penalty in 27 minutes before Perrott kicked one of his own just before half-time to strike a vital blow for the home side, making it 10-3 for High.
Surprisingly, it was the visitors who eased further ahead through another Scoular penalty but they disappeared as an attacking force as Grammar took control of the game.
The Taysiders were badly hampered by head knocks to key players Andrew Redmayne and Patrick Hamilton but Grammar took advantage in ruthless fashion.
Perrott kicked his second penalty of the day before centre winger Grant Walker barged over after fine work by number eight Greig Ryan and Perrott kicked a third penalty, though he failed to convert Walker’s try.
Grammar were totally in charge by this point and it was no surprise that the excellent Nathan Clough raced in to cap a splendid day in midfield, followed by a third touchdown scored by the irrepressible Ryan, seven minutes later. Perrott converted both and the game was over as a contest.
Head coach Ali O’Connor was a happy man at the final whistle and said: “Effectively it was our patient, organised first 20 minutes which won the game. We then kicked on and it was pleasing to see things click into place all over the pitch, especially at half back and in the centre where Nat Clough and Murray Mitchell were just tremendous.
“We are in a good place, but there’s still work to be done.”