The newspaper stories ahead of Saturday's Balliemore Cup final between Skye Camanachd and Kilmallie all predict a cup final cracker.
The West Highland Free Press report that Skye Camanachd manager Ally Morrison has selected Jamie Gannon for the goalkeeping position ahead of Ross Graham. This has been an extremely difficult decision for Morrison as Ross Graham has performed well in the early part of the season when Skye had difficulties filling the goalkeeping position. However Gannon's displays in recent games for both the first and second teams have won him the nod.
They also report that Morrison will decide between Alan Palmer and Ally MacLennan for a place in the forward line. Kilmallie manager Johnny Morrison is withount the suspended Martin Stewart whilst Frasr Massie, Liam Cameron and Liam MacDonald are on holiday. Also second team captain Peter MacIntyre has played 4 first team games this season and would be an obvious call up choice. However one more first team appearance would mean that he would miss the Sutherland Cup Final against Fort William and the chance to win a silver mounted caman.
Skye manager Ally Morrison also dispelled any notion that Skye Camanacd's 6-1 win against Kilmallie earlier this season would give the Islanders any advantage in the final. Morrison said that if anything that result would ensure that Kilmallie did not under-estimate Skye.
The Inverness Courier reports that most local matches have been given a noon start so that the players and supporters involved could attend the final.
The Courier also explores the differing fortunes both clubs have experienced this season as well as stating the difficulties youngster Michael Rodger and forwards Alex McNichol and John Stewart could pose Skye.
The paper also emphasises the benefits Skye Camanachd has received from young talent such as Iain Nicolson and Jamie MacDonald.
The Highland News insist that Kilmallie start the match as favourites, despite the fact that they sit second bottom of North Division 1 and Skye have already beaten them 6-1 this season.