Three matches take place in the Marine Harvest Premier League on Saturday 1 November 2008.
The relegation battle takes centre stage with all 3 clubs in the drop zone in action.
Strathglass have 11 points from 17 games and they face a trip to Inveraray knowing that they need a win to keep the pressure on Lochaber and Bute. Strathglass have not played a league match since they beat Newtonmore on 6 September 2008 and they will hope that the lack of activity doesn’t affect them.
Lochaber have 10 points from 15 games and they host Lovat at Spean Bridge in a 12 noon clash. The home team are desperate for the points and will start as favorites against the bottom side. Lochaber still have a trip to Bute and a trip to Inveraray to play but they will see Saturday’s match as their best chance of winning points.
Bute also have 10 points but have played 16 games and have an inferior goal difference to Lochaber. They host 4th place Kyles Athletic who haven’t played since their 4-2 defeat to Kingussie on 27 September 2008. Kyles final fixture will be a potentially crucial home match with fellow strugglers Lochaber which has been scheduled for 8 November 2008.
The final match in the Marine Harvest North Division 1 takes place as second place Kilmallie travel to Battery Park to play third place Lochcarron. Scotland shinty / hurling heroes Kenny Ross and Alan MacKenzie of Lochcarron and Kilmallie’s John Stewart will be on opposing sides.
In Marine Harvest North Division 2, champions Fort William are at home to Caberfeidh. However the An Aird pitch has not been playable in recent weeks, so the Fort could give up home advantage to get the match played.
Bottom club Lochaber host neighbours Glengarry who are third bottom. This is part two of Lochaber’s relegation battle with their senior team in a similar fight for survival. Lochaber trail second bottom Lovat by 2 points and the Kiltarlidy side hold a 6 goal, goal advantage. So Lochaber require a big win and will hope that Lovat don’t take anything from their visit to the Eilan to face Newtonmore which also takes place on Saturday.
In the Marine Harvest South Division 1, second place Glasgow Mid Argyll host Lochside Rovers who are fourth.
Bottom club Strachur host Inveraray and second bottom Ballachulish host third place Kilmory.
The under 17 shinty / hurling match between Scotland and Ulster also takes place on Saturday at Mossfield, Oban with a 2pm throw up. Some players such as Strathglass forward Marc MacLaughlan and Lochaber’s Zander Ferguson will be required for important games by their club sides. However with an initial 20 man squad named, the coaches are not seeking any replacements at the moment.
A strong Scotland squad has been named with Beauly’s Conor Cormack and Glenurquhart’s Neale Reid key to the Scot’s chances of success.
