Portree Primary School retained the Isle of Skye P6-7 First Shinty Indoor Championship at Portree High School on Saturday 21 February 2009.
A total of 8 teams took part in this year’s event with the top two teams qualifying for the national competition in Fort William on Saturday 28 March 2009.
Following the league matches, Portree A, South End A, North End and Bracadale A qualified for the semi finals.
In the first semi final, Portree A ran out convincing 6-2 winners over South End. Andrew Grant opened the scoring for Portree when he netted form a rebound, despite the best efforts of South End keeper Duncan Wood who played well throughout. However South End equalised when Jonathon Watkins expertly despatched a penalty hit. Angie Grant restored Portree’s lead just before the interval and they went on to extend their lead in the second half with goals from Willie Cowie and a second from Angie Grant. Ruairidh MacLeod pulled a goal back for South End when he closed down a clearance from the Portree keeper but Willie Cowie went on to complete his hat-trick – one from the penalty spot – to secure Portree’s place in the final.
In the second semi final, North End raced into an early 3-0 lead over Bracadale A with a Calum Campbell hat-trick. Ryan Morrison pulled a goal back for Bracadale for whom Ross MacFarlane and Peter MacCusbic were impressive, but John Gillies restored North End’s 3 goal advantage with a great strike. Robert MacDonald made it five before Peter MacCusbic pulled a goal back for North End before the end.
Bracadale and South End fought out the 3 / 4 place play off and this turned out to be the most exciting match of the day. Indeed the game turned out to be a personal goal scoring contest between Bracadale’s Ryan Morrison and South End’s Gavin Finney. Morrison hit all four of Bracadale’s goal but Finney went one better netting five for South End to clinch the win.
The final between Portree A and North End may have ended up in a convincing 6-0 win for Portree A but North End were well served by Ross MacFarlane and John Gillies who had a terrific tournament. However Portree A were in fine form and a level above the other teams on the day. Angie Grant opened the scoring and Willie Cowie, who was the most impressive player on show throughout the day, doubled their lead before the break. Angie Grant scored a second half double to complete his hat-trick and substitute Alex MacDonald scored a fifth, with Andrew Grant making it a perfect six.
So it’s Portree A and North End who qualify for the National First Shinty Finals in Fort William on Saturday 28 February 2009. However the other competing sides from South End, Bracadale and Dunvegan played their part in what was an exciting day’s shinty at a marvellous new venue.