The Shinty Preview – Saturday 22 May 2010. | |
21 May 2010 The Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup second round is the main event on Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup holders Kyles Athletic and Kingussie are beginning to look a stronger outfit with each passing week as Steve Borthwick’s youthful side takes shape. Defender Ally MacLeod wasn’t risked against Newtonmore last weekend but he will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness for this one. The Kings travel to Cannich where they should be too strong for a Strathglass side which has been badly affected by injury and player unavailability this season. Inveraray’s home record this season has been flawless so they will look forward to a visit from Marine Harvest South Division 1 side Lochaber. New manager Michael Delaney’s second spell as first team manager started last weekend when his side went down by the odd goal in seven in a thrilling encounter with Kinlochshiel at Kirkton. However Lochaber remain a good side and Inveraray are unlikely to underestimate their opponents. This match throws up at There is another There was little to separate Glenurquhart and Lovat when the sides met at Blairbeg 3 weeks ago as strikes from Eddie Tembo and James MacPherson ensured a share of the points. Their cup meeting this weekend is likely to be close also. Glenurquhart hope to have the influential Lewis MacLennan back in their line-up. Drew Howie returns from suspension for Lovat. Newtonmore meet Marine Harvest South Division 1 leaders Glenorchy at the Eilan. There was a sense of frustration from the ‘More camp following last weekend’s league defeat to Kingussie at the Dell. After a good start to the season, Norman MacArthur’s side will be hurting from 2 recent defeats to their deadly rivals Kingussie. This could spell danger for visitors Glenorchy who faced top flight opposition a fortnight ago in the Artemis Macaulay Cup. However they went down 2-1 to Glasgow Mid Argyll at Yoker in that one. Oban Camanachd and Glasgow Mid Argyll occupy the bottom 2 league positions in the Scottish Hydro Premier Division and they meet at Mossfield. The home side will start as favourites to progress to the quarter final stage. All 8 Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup second round matches also go ahead this weekend. Holders and Marine Harvest North Division 2 leaders The 2009 runners up Lovat head for Kirkton to play Kinlochshiel. Lovat were 5-1 winners when the sides met at Kirkton last month but this will be a closer encounter. The sides are only separated by a single point in the league. An experienced Kingussie side could be good outside bet for this year’s Sutherland Cup. They play high flying Marine Harvest North Division 3 leaders Lochaber at the Dell. Lochaber have been in great league form this season and this tie will provide a good measure as to how far the There is another interesting clash between sides from Marine Harvest North Division 2 and 3 in Aberdeen where the Students host Glenurquhart. Family rivalries are to the fore at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree for the first ever meeting between Skye Camanachd and Col Glen. Skye second team manager Davie MacVicar is a former Col Glen player and his brother Ronnie and his son Jamie play for the south side. To even matters up, Davie’s son Neil will take up the full centre role for the home side. Col Glen are unlikely to be at full strength but with first team players returning, Skye have several selection options ahead of this tie. This match throws up at 3pm. Marine Harvest South Division 2 side Aberdour will find it difficult against Marine Harvest South Division 1 side Lochside Rovers when the sides meet in Fife. There is a Strachur and Kyles Athletic meet at Dalmally. Kyles top Marine Harvest South Division 2 whilst Strachur are second bottom. However the sides were only separated by a Roddie MacColl strike when they met in league duty a fortnight ago. They also shared the points in a goalless draw earlier in the season. There are a couple of Strathdearn Cup second round ties going ahead. Newtonmore and Kilmallie do battle in a noon throw up at the Eilan. The sides were only separated by a Sebastian MacMillan strike which gave the points to ‘More when they met at Canal Parks earlier in the season. Glengarry travel north to play Lochbroom in Ullapool. Both sides have had a good season so far but Glengarry will be favourites to progress. One match goes ahead in Marine Harvest North Division 1 where Beauly and Caberfeidh meet at Braeview Park. Goals from David Neilson, Kirk Taylor and Marc MacLauchlan gave Beauly a 3-2 win when the sides met at Castle Leod in early April. The teams sit in second place in the table, separated only by goal difference, and a win will take either to the top of the table. There is one fixture also in Marine Harvest South Division 1 as second place Kilmory host fourth place Oban Celtic. The sides drew 2-2 when they met in Oban in March. |