The 2010 Scottish Hydro Premier Divison Title Race – How The League Was Won! | |
13 October 2010 With the title race between Newtonmore and Fort William going down to the final game of the season, its time to look back over the season at where the league was won and lost. The new shinty season started on Saturday 6 March 2010 and despite the wintery weather, 14 of the scheduled 25 matches went ahead. A large crowd turned up at Blairbeg for the meeting between Glenurquhart and Newtonmore. The visitors were without Norman Campbell and Danny MacRae who were on holiday whilst it looked as if they would have to do without Fraser MacKintosh and Jamie Robinson for most of the season as both were working abroad. The Glen welcomed back John Barr after a shoulder injury and the Scottish international turned in an assured performance at full back. A leg injury meant fellow internationalist Eddie Tembo started on the bench. The Glen’s new manager Jim Barr threw in a surprise by starting the game with his forwards taking up the traditional south two-two formation. There was a minutes silence at the start of the game in memory of Newtonmore stalwart Ken Smith. With just a couple of minutes gone, Neale Reid made space in front of goal but his shot rose over the bar. Newtonmore retaliated and 5 minutes later a Glen MacKintosh hit the side netting. David Cheyne was next to threaten for ‘More but his shot was well saved by Glen keeper Stuart MacKintosh with his hand. A Cheyne shot came back of the post after 16 minutes and MacKintosh had to look lively to make a juggling save from Evan Menzies after 20 minutes. Just 5 minutes later, MacKintosh cleared a Cheyne shot off his line with the ‘More players appealing for a goal. The Glen defence survived this onslaught and when they got back on the attack, Michael Ritchie was forced to make a great save from Lewis MacLennan just a couple of minutes from the interval. There was still time for MacKintosh to save with his feet from Steven MacDonald before referee Ronnie Campbell blew his half time whistle. Steven MacDonald picked up an ankle knock on 58 minutes and although he tried to continue, he was eventually replaced. Stuart MacKintosh made an outstanding save from Evan Menzies on 70 minutes. Jim Barr introduced forward Calum Miller in a bid to break the deadlock. The home side had a great chance to take the lead on 78 minutes when ‘More defender John MacKenzie was penalised for a push in the back. However Lewis MacLennan’s spot hit went high and wide of Michael Ritchie’s right hand post. Glenurquhart went close on 80 minutes as a shot flashed across goal and was cleared to safety. Neale Reid hit the side net from the resultant corner. Evan Menzies shot wide of the target on 83 minutes and referee Campbell had to speak to ‘More’s David Campbell for his challenge on Lewis MacLennan before the end. It ended all square and although Newtonmore more chances during the match, Glenurquhart probably had the best opportunity to win the game from the spot. There was an intriguing clash at An Aird where Fort William took the field under the charge of Peter MacIntyre and Willie MacDonald against neighbours Oban Camanachd. The Fort got off to a dream start after 6 minutes when they were awarded a penalty. Scotland captain Garry Innes took the spot hit and made no mistake as he rifled the ball into the net. When Bryan Simpson made it 2-0 after 36 minutes, Fort William looked in control of the match. However Iain MacMillan snatched a goal for Oban Camanachd on the stroke of half time to bring the visitors right back in to the game. It took two terrific saves from young Fort William keeper Paul MacKay to keep his side in the lead. However it was Gary Innes who netted his second of the day just 6 minutes from the end to clinch the points. Fort William maintained their 100% record as they followed up last weekend’s win over Oban Camanachd with victory over Glenurquhart at Blairbeg on Saturday 13 March 2010. The Fort were without defender John MacLeod who was to be missing for 3 weeks because of work commitments and forward John MacDonald who was recovering from injury. Glenurquhart were playing their second consecutive home match as they looked to build on last weekend’s draw with Newtonmore. Bryan Simpson opened the scoring for the visitors after 19 minutes whilst veteran Victor Smith gave them a 2-0 first half advantage just 2 minutes later. Neale Reid gave the Glen hope when he beat Paul MacKay after 65 minutes. It was left for the Fort’s Garry Innes to clinch the points with a goal after 82 minutes. The goal was the Scotland captain’s third strike in 2 games. Newtonmore found their scoring touch after last weeks goalless draw against Glenurquhart when they beat Oban Camanachd 5-1 at Mossfield. ‘More were at full strength with Danny MacRae and Norman Campbell back in their line up. Aiden MacIntyre gave the home side the lead after 19 minutes however ‘More full forward Glen MacKintosh levelled. Danny MacRae added a brace to make it 3-1 to the visitors whilst David Cheyne opened his goal scoring account for the season to make it 4-1. The blue and white hoops added a fifth through Cheyne before the end to seal a convincing 5-1 win. ‘More manager Norman MacArthur was delighted with the win at a ground where his side dropped a point last season. Oban’s Liam MacIntyre, who had just returned last week after a whooping 10 match suspension last season, was sent off by referee Dunkie Kerr. Bute, Inveraray and Fort William topped the Scottish Hydro Premier Division ahead of the fixtures on Saturday 20 March 2010. However all 3 sides lost their fixtures so Newtonmore took over top spot in the table. The match of the day in the Scottish Hydro Premier Division took place at the Eilan where championship contenders Newtonmore and Fort William met. David Cheyne gave the home side the lead on 27 minutes when his strike gave Fort keeper Paul MacKay no chance. However the Fort were level just 4 minutes later through James Clark. Glen MacKintosh gave the home side a vital interval lead when just 3 minutes from the break. Newtonmore went top of the table when Steven MacDonald netted after 57 minutes to seal a 3-1 win. ‘More have 5 points from their opening 3 games and even at this early stage; they are the leagues only unbeaten side and they are back at the top of the table where they spent much of last season. Fort William now face a second Badenoch test next weekend when the host Kingussie and Newtonmore can only benefit, whatever the result. Fort William stole the headlines with an emphatic 6-0 win over reigning champions Kingussie at An Aird on Saturday 27 March 2010. The home side welcomed John MacDonald back into their starting line-up whilst the reigning champions were without talisman Ronald Ross who was missing with an ankle injury. The opening exchanges were even but the home side took the lead on 37 minutes when Gordie MacKinnon latched onto a loose ball to fire his side into the lead. The Fort earned a 2 goal interval lead when a 20 yard John MacDonald shot flew into the net with almost the last hit of the first half. Some terrific lead up play by Bryan Simpson set up James Clark to make it 3-0 just a minute into the second period which effectively ended the match as a contest. The home side could even afford the luxury of a missed penalty on 63 minutes. The official version is that Gary Innes’ spot hit was “hoorna close” but others suggest it took many bounces before going wide of the target. James Clark notched his second on 70 minutes to make it 4-0 and further goals from MacKinnon and Simpson completed the rout. There is little doubt that the Kings are going through a transitional phase this season whilst introducing several young players into their side. The result gives Fort William the perfect “pick-me-up” after last week’s defeat to Newtonmore. Newtonmore and Inveraray meet at the Eilan. The sides were all square at the interval but a Danny MacRae double, a Glen MacKintosh penalty on 72 minutes and a Drew MacDonald effort game Norman MacArthur’s side a comfortable 4-0 victory which inflicted Inveraray’s second away defeat in a fortnight. Newtonmore remain unbeaten and sit top of the league. There was a break for MacTavish Cup action on Saturday 3 April 2010 however by the end of the fixtures on Saturday 10 April 2010, Scottish Hydro Premier Division leaders Newtonmore remained the only unbeaten side in shinty’s top flight with their 3-0 triumph on Rothesay against Bute. Glen MacKintosh gave ‘More the lead on 10 minutes and it took a David Cheyne double on 75 and 85 minutes to finally see of Bute. The men from the Eilan continue their impressive start to the season and lead Fort William by a point. The clash between Kyles Athletic and Fort William, a repeat of the 2009 Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final, was switched to Kyles’ back up pitch at Ardlamont as the field at Tighnabruaich was unplayable. Gary Innes gave the Fort the lead on 20 minutes, and then, just as in the Camanachd Final, James Clark and Victor Smith found the back of the net on 39 and 75 minutes respectively to give their side a 3-0 win which keeps them hot on the tail of leaders Newtonmore. The top two sides in the Scottish Hydro Premier Division both had difficult afternoons on Saturday 17 April 2010. Leaders Newtonmore took the lead against old adversaries Kyles Athletic at Eilan thanks to an Owen Fraser effort on 29 minutes. An under-strength Kyles side passed up a great chance to level when Grant Irvine failed to convert midway through the first half but Colin MacColl, who was deployed at full forward, did get his side on level terms just a couple of minutes before the break. ‘More played with the wind at their backs in the second half and many in the large crowd expected them to regain the lead. It’s fair to say that the home side created the bulk of the chances during the game but credit to Kyles Athletic for holding on for a share of the points. ‘More stay top of the table but only on goal difference over Fort William after what they will consider to be a disappointing point dropped. Fort William took a first half lead against newly promoted Lovat at An Aird through Gary Innes after 25 minutes. The Scottish captain was expected to miss the game as he was booked to play at a festival in the USA but his journey fell victim to the fight restrictions at the time. However Lovat leveled 7 minutes into the second half when Fraser Gallagher fired a great shot past Paul MacKay. Just when it looked as if the Balgate side had earned a share of the points, Gordy MacKinnon popped up 3 minutes from the end to win what could be a crucial 2 points for Fort William come the end of the season. It was top versus bottom on Saturday 24 April 2010 as leaders Newtonmore travelled to Yoker to play Glasgow Mid Argyll. The ‘More forwards showed their worth, with four finding the back of the net. Glen MacKintosh shot Newtonmore ahead after 33 minutes and Danny MacRae made it 2-0 just 5 minutes later. MacRae added his second 4 minutes from the break to give his side a 3-0 interval lead. Evan Menzies got in on the act when he made it 4-0 on 56 minutes and David Cheyne scored the visitors fifth goal to leave his side a point clear at the top of the table. Fort William fell a point behind Newtonmore when they could only manage a draw with Bute at An Aird. Indeed the Fort had to come from behind twice as they found the Islanders a tough nut to crack. When referee Graham Cameron awarded the visitors a penalty on 15 minutes, Scottish international Hector Whitelaw stepped forward to give his side the lead. However a Bryan Simpson strike on 40 minutes ensured the sides went into the break all square. Robert Walker restored Bute’s advantage on 57 minutes and it took a James Clark goal 15 minutes from time to give the Fort a share of the points. The MacTavish Cup quarter finals took place on Saturday 1 May 2010 and the first round of the Artemis Macaulay Cup took centre stage on Saturday 8 May 2010. The match of the day in the Scottish Hydro Premier Division on Saturday 15 May 2010 was undoubtedly the meeting between Badenoch rivals Kingussie and Newtonmore at the Dell. Both sides had suffered injury problems in recent weeks. Kingussie keeper Andrew Borthwick played with a knee injury but influential defender Ally MacLeod wasn’t risked because of a leg injury. Ian Borthwick did return but only as a sub for the last 20 minutes. The home side started with youngsters Craig Dawson and Greig MacRae in defence. Newtonmore were without captain and forward Danny MacRae but Norman Campbell returned from holiday. The sides met in the MacTavish Cup a couple of weeks earlier when it took extra time and 4 Ronald Ross goals to separate them and how Newtonmore must be sick of the sight of shinty’s record goalscorer as he scored the decisive goals in this clash too. Ross got Kingussie off to a great start when he shot past Michael Ritchie after just 9 minutes. However just 7 minutes later the match was all square as David Cheyne fired past Borthwick. Just when it looked as if the sides were heading for the interval on level terms, Ronald Ross made space to send a thunderbolt shot into the net to put his side 2-1 ahead, giving Ritchie no chance. There was no further scoring in the second half although ‘More had much of the pressure so Kingussie took the points and Newtonmore lost top spot in the league. It’s astonishing how many times in recent years the Kingussie goalscorers against Newtonmore have been either Ronald Ross or Kevin Thain. Thain is now plying his trade for the Kingussie second team and there is not a single Newtonmore supporter who will be disappointed when Ronald Ross steps down from top flight shinty. Fort William went top of the table for the first time this season when they beat Glasgow Mid Argyll 14-0 at Yoker. This was a record score in Premier Division shinty and whilst Garry Innes didn’t manage to equal Ronald Ross’ record 10 goal haul in a single match, he came very close indeed, finding the back of the net 9 times. Indeed he had another effort controversially ruled out by referee Billy Wotherspoon. Gary Innes gave Fort William on 28 minutes and Mid Argyll didn’t help their cause by having Angus MacIntosh sent off a couple of minutes later. Gordy MacKinnon made it 2-0 on 32 minutes and Innes completed a first half hat-trick with goals on 35 and 43 minutes to give the visitors a 4-0 half time lead. Mid Argyll collapsed in the second half. Fort William pushed defender Duncan Rodger forward and he made it 5-0 on 50 minutes. Gary Innes then went nap. He scored another 3 goals on 58, 64 and 68 minutes to make it 8-0. Duncan Rodger then added his second on 73 minutes. Fort William were now relentless and they scored 5 goals in just 7 minutes. Innes again on 78 and 80 minutes made it 11-0. MacKinnon got his second on 81 minutes, Innes again a minute later and MacKinnon completed his hat-trick on 84 minutes to make it an incredible 14-0 thrashing and a day to remember for Gary Innes. The Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup second round was the main event on Saturday 22 May 2010 as the 10 top division sides entered the competition. Fort William were in MacTavish Cup semi final action on Saturday 29 May 2010 and there was just one match in the Scottish Hydro Premier Division as Lovat hosted Newtonmore at Balgate. Norman MacArthur’s troops knew that victory would take them back to the top of the table but they found it difficult to break Lovat down and they only had a Glen MacKintosh effort on 31 minutes to show for their first half efforts. ‘More when 2-0 ahead on 53 minutes when Lovat defender Drew Howie, who was back in the side following suspension, put through his own net. A double from David Cheyne on 63 and 77 minutes sealed a 4-0 victory. League leaders Newtonmore met Lovat at the Eilan on Saturday 5 June 2010. This was the second consecutive Saturday that the sides have met with Newtonmore running out 4-0 winners at Balgate last weekend. ‘More retained their top spot following a 3-1 win but Lovat’s young side received praise from home manager Norman MacArthur for their performance. David Cheyne put the leaders ahead after 9 minutes and Owen Fraser gave them a 2-0 interval lead with a 25 minute strike. Fraser scored his second goal on 65 minutes but Lovat full forward Fraser Gallagher pulled a goal back on 73 minutes. Inveraray’s woes on the road continued when they traveled to An Aird to play Fort William. The Fort were without influential defender Duncan Rodger who could be out for the rest of the season with possible cruciate damage to his knee. Garry Innes was also an absentee as he was playing his accordion at the Epsom races no less. Just when it looked as if the first half would end goalless, Gordie MacKinnon popped up a minute from the break to give the home side the lead. Bryan Simpson struck on 65 minutes to make it 2-0 and Drew Ferguson rounded off a 3-0 victory with a goal on 72 minutes. There was Artemis Macaulay Cup semi final action on Saturday 12 June 2010. Scottish Hydro Premier Division leaders Newtonmore bounced back from their Artemis Macaulay Cup semi final defeat to Kingussie with a 2-1 win over Glenurquhart at the Eilan on Saturday 19 June 2010. The home side took the lead in this 12 noon throw up in bizarre circumstances when the Glen’s John Barr put the ball past his own keeper Stuart MacKintosh. ‘More made it 2-0 on 65 minutes through Glen MacKintosh but a Davie MacLennan strike on 72 minutes reduced their advantage. Newtonmore held on to take the points despite having Paul MacArthur sent off by referee Deek Cameron with 5 minutes remaining. Lovat and second place Fort William renewed acquaintances at Balgate as they met for the second consecutive Saturday. The Fort were 6-0 winners against an under-strength Lovat last week, having raced into a 4-0 lead after just 16 minutes. Fort William were still without injured defenders John MacLeod and Duncan Rodgers but forward James Clark returned to the side. Lovat had several players back after their squad was depleted last weekend because of the RockNess Music Festival. This match had a 4pm throw up and Fort William went ahead on 12 minutes through Gordie MacKinnon. James Clark made it 2-0 just a couple of minutes later and Fort William took this lead into the break. Garry Innes made it 3-0 on 68 minutes and worse was to follow for Lovat 2 minutes later when they had forward Fraser Gallagher sent off. Innes added a second 10 minutes from time to seal a 4-0 win which keeps the Fort in second place. . Newtonmore welcomed second bottom Oban Camanachd to the Eilan Saturday 26 June 2010. Newtonmore had to do without the services of suspended international Paul MacArthur against an Oban side who sat just one point above bottom team Glasgow Mid Argyll in the table. It was tight in the lower half of the league with only 5 points separating 5 sides. Newtonmore were 5-1 winners when the clubs met at Mossfield in March but this one had a closer outcome. In the end it was Newtonmore who stay top of the table following a 2-0 victory thanks to a goal in each half. Drew MacDonald put them ahead after 25 minutes and Evan Menzies sealed their win on 80 minutes. Newtonmore now embark on some crucial July fixtures which could shape their title chances this season. The fixtures didn’t get any easier for Glenurquhart. Having lost 2-1 to leaders Newtonmore at the Eilan last weekend, they traveled to An Aird to play second place Fort William. The Fort were 3-1 winners when the sides met at Blairbeg in March and they repeated that score in this one. Calum Miller opened for the visitors on 17 minutes but a Gordie MacKinnon goal on 29 minutes squared the game at the break. Fort William went ahead 6 minutes into the second half when MacKinnon scored again and a Drew Ferguson goal 10 minutes from the end gave Fort a 3-1 win and both points to keep them in second place. The Marine Harvest Premier Sixes took place at An Aird on Saturday 3 July 2010 and Newtonmore were in Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup quarter final action on Saturday 10 July 2010. Fort William’s Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup quarter final tie took place on Saturday 17 July 2010 whilst Newtonmore put the disappointment of the previous weekend’s Camanachd Cup defeat to Kyles Athletic behind them when they racked up 15 goals – a new Scottish Hydro Premier Division record - against Glasgow Mid Argyll at the Eilan. ‘More won 5-0 at Yoker in April with Danny MacRae scoring twice. However this time they mauled their opponents with the 4 ‘More forwards sharing all the goals between them. David Cheyne opened the scoring on 3 minutes and Danny MacRae made it 2-0 straight from the throw up. MacRae added his second on 14 minutes before Cheyne made it 4-0 on 20 minutes and he completed his hat-trick a minute later. Evan Menzies made it 6-0 with only 23 minutes played and Danny MacRae completed his hat-trick on 29 minutes. Cheyne scored his fourth on 36 minutes and a Danny MacRae strike on 41 minutes put the home side 9-0 up at the break. Newtonmore continued to pound the visiting defence in the second half and Evan Menzies scored on 55 minutes to make it 10-0. Danny MacRae scored his fifth goal just 3 minutes later and Steven MacDonald got in on the act to make it 12-0 on 63 minutes. Cheyne clinched a double hat-trick with goals on 76 and 87 minutes and Danny MacRae did like-wise on 89 minutes to round off a 15-0 win. Fort William were in Artemis Macaulay Cup action on Saturday 24 July 2010 whilst Newtonmore returned to the scene of their Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup defeat for the last 2 seasons when they faced Kyles Athletic at Tighnabruaich. Norman MacArthur was be glad to have Danny MacRae back in the line-up and he and his other forwards were in ruthless form against Glasgow Mid Argyll the previous weekend. Kyles were missing Donald Irvine who is working abroad but Roddy MacDonald is proving prolific since his switch to attack. It was Newtonmore who returned home with what could prove to be an important point following a 2-2 draw. Colin MacColl and Thomas Whyte both put Kyles ahead on 17 and 58 minutes only for David Cheyne to equalise each time on 25 and 85 minutes to open up a 4 point gap over Fort William who have 3 games in hand. Leaders Newtonmore were not in action on Saturday 31 July 2010 so second place Fort William took the chance to reduce ‘More’s lead at the top of the table to just 2 points when they beat Bute 4-3 in an exciting match on Rothesay. The Fort were without the suspended Steven Stewart following his sending-off against Kingussie last week. Gary Innes also missed out as he was playing with his band in Barra. Bute had a torrid time against Inveraray last weekend but they are a proud side who are difficult to beat on their own patch. Goals from Gordie MacMillan after 20 minutes and David Whitelaw 10 minutes later put Bute 2-0 up. However 2 goals in 3 minutes just before the break from Gordie MacKinnon after 41 minutes and James Clark on 43 minutes leveled things at the interval. Robert Zavaroni, who returned following suspension, put Bute ahead again 5 minutes into the second half. However the Fort produced another 2 goals in 3 minutes when MacKinnon added his second on 52 minutes and Bryan Simpson made it 4-3 on 55 minutes to the Fort. There was no further scoring and the Fort now have 2 games in hand to overhaul Newtonmore’s 2 point lead. The Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup semi finals took place on Saturday 7 August 2010. The attention turned to league action on Saturday 14 August 2010 and there was no change at the summit of shinty’s Scottish Hydro Premier Division following the weekend matches. Bute headed for the Eilan to play Newtonmore in the knowledge that Norman MacArthur’s side has scored 50 goals in their 14 league matches this season making them top scorers. Therefore the signs must have been ominous when Danny MacRae fired the hoops into the lead with a goal in the opening minute. However Hector Whitelaw equalised with a neat finish on 15 minutes which took the side’s into the break all square. Bute had chances to take the lead but Newtonmore finally broke down the Bute rear-guard when Danny MacRae added his second on 66 minutes. Home full centre Jamie Robinson lobbed keeper Kevin Queen 4 minutes from time to secure the points. Fort William remained in hot pursuit of the leaders and they beat Glasgow Mid Argyll 5-1 at An Aird. Neil Robertson and Steven Stewart returned to the Fort William squad from suspension but Drew Ferguson missed out with an ankle knock that was to rule him out for the rest of the season. There was no repeat of the Fort’s 14 goal demolition of their rivals earlier in the season and in fact the sides were all square with just 20 minutes remaining. This was somewhat down to an interesting team formation from GMA who played with 6 defenders and just 2 forwards. The Fort withdrew a couple of defenders and added a pair of attackers but they did find it difficult to find space in front of the visiting goal. A 4 minute strike from Victor Smith gave the Fort the lead but an Innes MacMillan snapshot 5 minutes from the break squared the game. Second half doubles from James Clark on 70 minutes and in the final minute and Gary Innes on 75 minutes and 4 minutes later won Fort William the points. The Fort trail Newtonmore by 2 points but have 2 games in hand. Fort William’s Scottish Hydro Premier Division title aspirations suffered a blow Saturday 21 August 2010 following their 2-1 defeat to Kyles Athletic at An Aird. The Fort spurned the chance to go level on points with leaders Newtonmore and would have gone top on goal difference if they had won by 3 clear goals or more. Fort manager Peter MacIntyre was without injured forwards Drew Ferguson and Bryan Simpson. Gordie MacKinnon gave the Fort the lead after 6 minutes but goals from Duncan Kerr after 20 minutes and the impressive Grant Irvine 5 minutes into the second half ensured the points travelled south. The Fort now trail leaders Newtonmore by 2 points with a game in hand as the title race reaches the home straight. With Newtonmore not in action once again Saturday 28 August 2010, Peter MacIntyre’s Fort William side took the chance to play their game in hand. They travelled to the Winterton to play an Inveraray side with a 100% home record this season. The Fort were again without injured forwards Bryan Simpson and Drew Ferguson. Gary Innes gave the visitors a 5 minute leader but Inveraray’s Garry MacPherson squared the match on 27 minutes. Neil Andrew put Inveraray ahead after 35 minutes but a goal from Duncan Rodger 5 minutes later ensured the sides went into the break all square. Innes added his second on 50 minutes and Gordie MacKinnon made it 4-2 on 75 minutes. A Grant Griffin goal on 83 minutes ensured a nervy finish for the visitors but Fort William held on to take the points in a 4-3 win. Fort William are now level on points with Newtonmore although the men from the Eilan have a goal difference advantage of 3 goals. With Fort William not in action, Newtonmore took a giant step towards the Scottish Hydro Premier Division title with a thumping 6-0 victory over Kingussie at the Eilan on Saturday 4 September 2010. The Kings were without talisman Ronald Ross – who had scored all 8 of his sides goals against ‘more this season - and their performance dipped well below the standard that has seen them go on a long unbeaten run. Newtonmore took advantage and rattled up an early lead through a Glen MacKintosh double on 7 and 10 minutes. David Cheyne also helped himself to a double on 19 and 36 minutes and by the time Danny MacRae gave Norman MacArthur’s side a 5-0 interval lead with a goal on 38 minutes, Newtonmore were out of sight. MacRae added his second goal on 52 minutes to make it 6-0. In fact if it had not been for some good saves from Andrew Borthwick, the winning margin could have been greater. Newtonmore now has away matches against Inveraray and Fort William and 2 wins will give them the title. The battle for the Scottish Hydro Premier Division title looks like it will go down to the wire as Newtonmore secured an impressive 4-0 win over Inveraray at the Winterton on Saturday 11 September 2010. Only ‘More’s title rivals Fort William had beaten Inveraray on their home patch this season, making this result all the more impressive. Danny MacRae got his side off to a whirlwind start with goals in the first and second minutes. Glen MacKintosh made it 3-0 on 10 minutes and MacRae ended the game as a contest when he completed his hat-trick with just 20 minutes played. Inveraray’s cause wasn’t helped when full back Scott Robertson was sent off by referee Graham Cameron 5 minutes into the second period. Newtonmore’s goal difference is such that a draw against Fort William at An Aird at the beginning of October will probably be enough to give them the title even should Fort William beat Kingussie in their final game. Fort William were also on their travels as they visited Mossfield to play relegation threatened Oban Camanachd. The Fort included speedy forward Bryan Simpson after injury and he looks to have given himself a great chance of appearing in next weekend’s Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final with a goal and a good performance. An Iain MacMillan strike looked to have given Oban and interval lead in this 5pm throw up but Bryan Simpson levelled on the stroke of half time. Gary Innes put the visitors ahead on 58 minutes and he made it 3-1 just 10 minutes from time. Fort William’s former Oban Camanachd player Liam MacIntyre was booked and later substituted by John MacLeod who also found his way into referee David Mitchell’s book. Fort William’s Adam Robertson was the third player to have his name taken. Fort William beat Kingussie 2-1 in the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final at the Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday 18 September 2010. All eyes were on the Dell on Saturday 25 September 2010 where Fort William visited to play Kingussie in the Scottish Hydro Premier Division. A Kingussie win would have all but secured the title for local rivals Newtonmore because of their superior goal difference and there were several men and women from the Eilan in attendance for this one as their side were not in action. Any other result would take the title destination to the final game of the season between Fort William and Newtonmore at An Aird. And that’s how it turned out following a 3-3 draw in a bad tempered match. Kingussie manager Stevie Borthwick made several positional changes following last weekend’s Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup defeat to Fort William. Defender Lee Bain was unavailable for the Kings and buckshee back John Hutchison started in the forward line. Iain Borthwick returned where he was joined in defence by Ronald Ross. Fort William were without defender Neil Robertson who was on holiday and Stevie Stewart came in in his place. Victor Smith replaced James Clark in attack. The home side started much the brighter and U17 forward Thomas Borthwick put them ahead after only 7 minutes with James Hutchison adding a second on 20 minutes. A well worked Bryan Simpson goal 4 minutes from the break got the Fort back in the game and two goals in 60 seconds from Gordie MacKinnon on 50 minutes and Simpson straight from the restart put the visitors 3-2 ahead. Referee Ronnie Campbell had a busy afternoon and he sent off Fort William’s John MacDonald for a challenge on Ricky Grant with the Fort claiming mistaken identity. Fort William full back Adam Robertson was booked for his part in the resulting melee. Thomas Borthwick then scored his second goal of the day after 63 minutes to make it 3-3. Kingussie pushed Ronald Ross forward as the extra man to try and snatch a winner. However he too was dismissed for just the second time in his career, 5 minutes from the end for catching Duncan Rodger when shooting for goal. His first sending off was also against Fort William. Liam MacIntyre was booked in the aftermath and several others were fortunate not to follow suit. Fort William manager Peter MacIntyre replaced MacIntyre with John MacLeod for the remaining minutes. So the Newtonmore players and supporters went home knowing that if they avoid defeat against Fort William at An Aird next weekend, they will be champions. However a home win will see the Scottish Hydro Premier Division title join the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup in the An Aird trophy cabinet. Newtonmore clinched the 2010 Scottish Hydro Premier Division title on Saturday 2 October 2010 following their 1-0 win over Fort William at a rain soaked An Aird. This eagerly awaited clash was watched by a crowd in excess of 1,300 where the noisy home support and enthusiastic visiting fans were supplemented by a healthy number of neutrals from throughout the shinty fraternity. Fort William sprung the first surprise of the day when James Clark, with a number 12 shirt on his back, trooped off to take up the full back position in place of the suspended Adam Robertson. His role was to add some physical strength at the back and snuff out the threat of ‘More full forward Danny MacRae. Fort William manager Peter MacIntyre also opted to play John MacLeod, wearing the number 2 shirt, in attack whilst Gary Innes took over at wing centre in place of the suspended John MacDonald. Norman MacArthur’s Newtonmore team were along usual lines although the stop start nature of their fixtures this season continued as they hadn’t played a match for 3 weeks. The men from the Eilan were boosted by keeper Michael Ritchie’s decision to delay a family holiday to take part in his side’s big game. There was a 5 minute delay before throw up as referee Graham Irving ensured the netting at the town end goal was secure although with ‘More only conceding 10 goals in their previous 17 league outings and the Fort 23, perhaps the nets wouldn’t be necessary. There was a minute’s silence ahead of the throw up in memory of Newtonmore’s B Williamson who was a member of their Camanachd Cup winning side in 1957 and 1958. Some heavy showers before the game made for tricky under-foot conditions and the players took time to adapt. Fort William created the game’s first opportunity after 7 minutes when Gordie MacKinnon wriggled free of a couple of challenges but he was just unable to lay the ball off to John MacLeod. A couple of minutes later ‘More’s David Cheyne got sight of goal from 25 yards out only to see Fort keeper Paul MacKay stretch to make an outstanding one-handed reaction save, high to his right, with his caman. Play swung to the other end a minute later when Gordie MacKinnon set up Gary Innes but Michael Ritchie was equal to his low shot which he saved with his foot. A Fort William set piece from a free hit after 12 minutes saw Ritchie rush from his goal to thwart Victor Smith. Newtonmore broke at pace and Danny MacRae came short to turn and rattle a shot off MacKay’s post. David Cheyne missed a great chance on 16 minutes when a rebound off MacKay fell to him in front of goal but he knocked the ball agonisingly past the post. The game continued to ebb from end to end and it was the Fort’s turn to miss a great chance on 18 minutes. Bryan Simpson played a delightful reverse pass to Gary Innes but Michael Ritchie made a brilliant save and the normally composed Victor Smith put the rebound over the bar. Newtonmore hit the frame of the goal for a second time on 24 minutes. The Fort defence only cleared a corner as far as David Cheyne, 25 yards from goal, and his thunderous drive came off the post with MacKay beaten. Newtonmore continued to press and on 28 minutes, Danny MacRae saw his rasping drive well saved with his foot by MacKay. Both keepers were called into action within 2 minutes of the end of the opening half. First Paul MacKay, who was certainly justifying his call-up to the senior Scotland squad, saved well with his feet again. Then Michael Ritchie was forced to race from goal to try and clear a dangerous attack and the home side were unable to take advantage. Just a couple of minutes into the second period, Paul MacKay did well to turn away a Danny MacRae shot at the expense of a corner. MacKay was in the thick of the action again after 55 minutes when he made a great reaction save to foil Danny MacRae. Fort William’s first attack of the second half came after 57 minutes when Michael Ritchie saved with his feet from John MacLeod to turn the ball for a corner. Fort William captain Niall MacPhee had the home crowd on their feet on the hour mark when he won possession and surged forward from midfield but his ball into the goal area dropped just past the post. Danny MacRae won possession on 70 minutes and passed to Glen MacKintosh but his shot was saved by MacKay. Fort William introduced Michael Lawrie in place of John MacLeod on 72 minutes. You could sense the tension around the ground as the game entered the final 15 minutes. The draw suited the visitors but the large crowd were aware that a goal for either side at this stage would likely clinch the title. Newtonmore continued to press forward with the impressive Jamie Robinson controlling the midfield. The break-through came on 80 minutes. Danny MacRae collected a pass with his back to goal. MacRae’s turned and lost his marker James Clark and found himself one-on-one with keeper MacKay. With the whole of Newtonmore’s expectations resting on his shoulders, MacRae slipped the ball past the onrushing MacKay and with 1,300 people on their feet, the ball rolled over the line to the cheers of the ‘More support. Fort William immediately introduced Stevie Stewart in place of John MacLeod in the knowledge that they needed 2 goals to win the national title for the second time. However they were up against the league’s meanest defence. Bryan Simpson sent a shot over the bar on 86 minutes and that was the closest Fort William came to getting back into the game. In the final minute Paul MacKay had to scoop away a lob from midfield from Newtonmore’s Paul MacArthur. The final whistle sparked scenes of celebration and by the time Scottish Hydro’s Douglas Flowers presented the 15th Scottish Hydro Premier Division trophy to a delighted Newtonmore captain Danny MacRae, the party had already started. Match referee Graham Irving is due a mention for his sensible handling of the game. This was not the brutal contest that many expected and Irving’s influence on the match helped create an enjoyable spectacle. Congratulations to Newtonmore! |