The second week of the shinty season on Saturday 14 March 2009 threw up a series of surprise results in the three games played in the Marine Harvest National Premier League.

The local derby between Lochaber and Fort William at Spean Bridge was always going to be a tense affair but few would have predicted that the home side would have followed up the disappointment of last week’s defeat to Kingussie by securing their first two points of the season. Zander Ferguson gave Lochaber a dream start with a goal after only 8 minutes and his cousin Hughie Innes doubled their lead a moment later. Fort William pulled a goal back after 25 minutes and with over an hour remaining, many would have expected them to go on and win the game. However Lochaber played well and deserved their win with James MacRae outstanding at full back against James Clark and Ben Delaney was always a threat up front.

Lochaber have a difficult start to the season, facing last season’s top four teams in their first four fixtures. With Kingussie and Fort William out of the way, their next league match is at home to Newtonmore on 4 April 2009 followed by a trip to Inveraray a week later. If they can take another two points from these games, they will consider themselves to have made a very good start to the season. 

Any thoughts that Kingussie might run away with the title were quickly dispersed when they turned in a below standard performance against Kyles Athletic at the Dell and missed out on the chance to capitalise on Fort William’s defeat. Tom Whyte gave the visitors an 8 minute lead but when Ronald Ross fired in a double after 17 minutes and 35 minutes, many would have expected the Kings to go on and secure the points. However Kyles spirited young side fought back and Duncan Kerr levelled the game two minutes later. Grant Irvine gave Kyles an interval lead with a strike a minute before the beak and Whyte scored his second and Kyle’s fourth 15 minutes from the end of the match. Paul Gow pulled a goal back after 82 minutes but it was too little, too late for the Kings and Kyles travelled South with both points from their opening league game of the season.

Oban Camanachd also made good start to the season, beating Inveraray 2-1 at Mossfield. Neil Campbell gave Oban a 10 minute lead but Iain MacMillan equalised on the half hour mark. David Devine marked his return to the Oban Camanachd first team in the best possible way when he scored what turned out to be the winning goal, 15 minutes from the end.

Newtonmore may not have been in action but they are the side from the championship contenders who are likely to have benefited most from the day’s results.

Beauly had a morale boosting victory in the local derby against Lovat at Braeview in Marine Harvest North Division 1. Barrie MacDonald was the Beauly hero, converting a penalty on the hour mark. Both sides finished the game with only eleven players following the sendings off of Jamie MacLennan for the home side and Lorne MacKay for the visitors.

Kilmallie made it maximum points from their opening two games when they beat Inverness 4-1 in the Highland capital. John Stewart followed up last week’s hat-trick against Caberfeidh with a double in 75 and 80 minutes – the later a penalty. Trevor Jackson also scored twice in 50 and 70 minutes. Aaron MacMaster scored a consolation goal for the home side, 9 minutes from the end.   

Lochside Rovers came out on top by the odd goal in five at home to Kilmory in Marine Harvest South Division 1. Johnny Will hit a double for the home side with Matt Ripon getting the other. David MacBrayne and Calum Hill replied for the visitors.  

The Inveraray second team won 4-2 at Tayforth. Andrew Stewart, a double from Neil Shaw and Lewis MacNicol scored their goals with Stuart Ferrier and Derry Barton netting for the home side.

In Marine Harvest North Division 2, Fort William secured their first points of the season with a hard fought 3-1 over Skye Camanachd in Portree. The match was heavily influenced by a strong wind and Fort William took advantage of the elements with a two goal interval lead. Veteran Victor Smith scored them both but it took some good defending and some inspired goalkeeping by Ross Graham in the Skye goal to keep the scoreline down. Danny Morrison reduced the deficit 10 minutes into the second half but Daniel Stewart secured the win for the visitors.

Glenurquhart followed up last week’s impressive win over Fort William with a single goal victory at Balgate against Lovat. Calum Fraser scored the all important goal after 25 minutes.

Kingussie won a five goal thriller against Glengarry at Invergarry. Ryan Borthwick gave them the lead after 15 minutes but Steven Cameron levelled 10 minutes later. David Borthwick hit a double after 55 and 70 minutes but although Andrew Paterson scored 5 minutes from the end for the home side, the Kings held on to win.

Strachur had a 3-0 home win over Aberdour in the only match played in Marine Harvest South Division 2. Alistair Mirlees scored their opener after 6 minutes and a late Andrew Wilson double after 72 and 78 minutes confirmed the home side’s victory.

In Marine Harvest North Division 3, Aberdeen University beat Lochaber 2-1 at home. Early goals in 20 and 25 minutes from Jamie Bell and Elliot Moir gave them the lead. Conor Sweeny scored for the Spean Bridge side on the hour mark but Aberdeen held on to win the points.

A Calum Forbes strike gave Beauly a 1-0 win at Farr against Boleskine.

Inverness were awarded the points in their home match against Kincraig.