In the Marine Harvest Premier League, the relegation battle took centre stage with all 3 clubs in the drop zone in action over the weekend.
Strathglass travelled to Inveraray knowing they needed a win to keep the pressure on Lochaber and Bute. Strathglass took the lead when player / manager Robert Geddes fired into the net after only 15 minutes. Geddes announced earlier in the week that he would step down as manager at the end of the season and he is of course desperate that his side retains their Premier League status. However Inveraray on their own pitch are no easy opposition and their experienced forward Gary MacPherson leveled the game 5 minutes later. The prolific Russell MacKinlay went on to help himself to a hat trick before a late strike from Lee Bain was a mere consolation for a disappointed Strathglass.
Bute were also desperate from points but they started poorly at home to Kyles Athletic and went 2-0 down to early strikes from Duncan Kerr and Mathew McColl The Bute fans must have feared the worst when Scottish international Hector Whitelaw saw his 25th minute penalty saved by veteran keeper Kenny MacDonald. However Bute rallied and a strike from Stewart Strathie on the half hour mark got them back into the game. Robert Ferguson scored a priceless equaliser a minute before the break. There was no further scoring and Bute will now retain their place in the top Division thanks to their superior goal difference.
Lochaber host Lovat in the Sunday clash and they now know that one point from their remaining 3 games should ensure their safety because of their goal difference.
In Marine Harvest North Division 2, champions Fort William went 4-3 up against Caberfeidh through a 87th minute Willie MacDonald strike. However a last minute goal from Caberfeidh's Martin MacDonald won Cabers a share of the points in this eight goal thriller.
Bottom club Lochaber beat neighbours Glengarry 2-1 but are still relegated as Lovat won 4-3 at the Eilan against Newtonmore.
In the Marine Harvest South Division 1, second place Glasgow Mid Argyll had a 3-2 home win over fourth place Lochside Rovers.
Ballachulish had a convincing 7-1 win over Kilmory.
Scotland ran out 20-12 winners in the under 17 shinty / hurling match against Ulster at Mossfield. Lochaber’s Ben Delaney hit a hat-trick and Zander Ferguson, Alex Duncan and Neal Reid also found the net.
