Earlier this year, as part of our Memory Lane feature, we started to cover Skye Camanachd’s 1989 / 90 season – the most successful in the club’s history. We now pick up where we left off following the first 17 articles as we continue to follow Skye’s North Division 1 and North Division 3 campaigns.
Just to recap, the story so far is…..
Background
The 1989-90 season turned out to be the most famous in Skye Camanachd’s history as the Islanders came from no-where to win shinty’s greatest prize.
The previous season Skye finished in 5th place in North Division 1, winning only 5 of their 14 league games. Although the team scored a respectable 48 goals, they conceded a massive 64 goals – an average of almost 5 per game which was the worst in the league - and earned only 12 points from their 14 games. This included a humiliating 17-0 defeat at the Dell to Kingussie.
The start of the 1989-90 season was not without its difficulties. Both Willie Cowie and John MacRae were serving suspensions carried forward from the previous season. Calum Murchison’s availability was limited due to his off-shore work and promising wing centre Calum MacDonald had relocated to London.
However on the plus side, Caley MacLean was home following his trip to Australia, Duncan MacDougall returned to the side on a regular basis, Willie MacKinnon returned from college, and Willie MacRae and Willie Cowie had rejected offers to play Highland League football to concentrate on shinty.
There was also a new manager at the helm and fitness was to the fore. Manager Ross Cowie employed fitness coach Gerry Akroyd and the message to the players was simple and very clear – no train, no play! It was a strategy that was to provide a return greater than anyone could possibly imagine.
We were playing in the old winter season format which started in September and ended in June.
Ewen Morrison Memorial Cup
Skye Camanachd’s pre-season preparations took the form of the annual Ewen Morrison Memorial Cup. The Cup was contested between 3 sides, Bernisdale, Portree and South End and they played 40 minute matches in a round-robin format.
The first match of the day was between Bernisdale and South End. Bernisdale quickly took control of the game and Angie Murchison gave them an early lead. A sweet Calum Murchison drive doubled Bernisdale’s advantage to give them a 2-0 interval lead. An Andy MacLean shot from distance took a deflection before nestling in the back of the net behind South End keeper Donjee MacLeod to make it 3-0. Bernisdale finished comfortable winners and they looked very solid with Donnie “Digg” MacDonald and Peter Murchison dominant in defence.
South End then took on a strong Portree side and having the benefit of the first game seemed to help the southerners. A first half 20 yard strike from Duncan Martin gave South End the lead. South End sealed a 2-0 victory with a great goal as a long ball forward from John Angus Gillies was knocked down by John “Bodach” MacKenzie and Duncan Martin raced in to score his second.
Bernisdale now knew that a draw with Portree would be enough to win the cup. However Portree were in no mood to roll over and let their deadly rivals win the day. This was probably the most entertaining clash of the day for the supporters at the King George V Park. Portree won the battle in the middle of the park and supplied plenty of possession for their forward line. However the Bernisdale defence carried on their good form from the opening game and stood firm. It was going to take something special to give Portree the lead and it came in the form of a Willie Cowie thunderbolt. Cowie collected a Davie Pringle corner from the right. At the edge of the D with his back to goal, he half-turned and crashed a tremendous shot into the far corner of Willie Urquhart’s net. Ally “Mhor” Morrison thought he had made it 2-0 but his strike was ruled out for an earlier infringement. Bernisdale fought their way back into the game and they knew that just one goal could win them the competition. They got the all important leveller when a 30 yard Calum Murchison shot seemed to take the slightest deflection to deceive Portree keeper Calum “Colombo” Nicolson.
The draw was enough to give Bernisdale the 1989 Ewen Morrison Memorial Cup which was presented to their captain Donnie “Digg” MacDonald.
Bernisdale from; Willie Urquhart, Donnie “Digg MacDonald, Charlie Devlin, Peter Murchison, Ally “Stenscholl” MacDonald, Andy MacLean, Donnie Martin, Ally “Digg” MacDonald, Calum Murchison, Murdo Gordon, Angie Murchison, Calum MacDonald
North Division 1
Newtonmore 1 Skye Camanachd 2
Skye Camanachd got their season off to a great start, collecting both points from this tricky trip to the Eilan.
Admittedly, ‘More were understrength and coming to terms with the recent retrials of stalwarts George Fraser and Ken MacKintosh. They were also without Norman MacArthur, Ian MacKintosh and John Russell.
However Skye too were far from full strength. Willie Cowie and John MacRae were both still serving suspensions and Ally “Stenscholl” MacDonald was also an absentee. Duncan MacDougall returned to the side at full back.
Although Skye had most of the early possession, both teams created several good chances only to find keepers Hugh Chisholm and John “Bodach” MacKenzie in top form. ‘More’s Chisholm saved well from Calum Murchison, Willie MacKinnon and Peter Gordon whilst Skye’s MacKenzie Made a fantastic reflex save from Allan MacKintosh.
Skye’s Peter Gordon saw a shot come back off the frame of the goal as the Islanders pressed for the opener.
The first half ended goalless but an explosive start to the second period won the game for Skye as they scored twice in the opening 10 minutes.
First Peter Gordon powered a 20 yard shot goalwards and although Chisholm got his stick to the ball, he couldn’t prevent it hitting the back of the net.
Just minutes later, Skye’s John “Slippy” Finlayson broke down the right and cut the ball back for Peter Gordon. The Skye forward netted his second of the game as his blistering drive gave Chisholm no chance.
Skye continued to press but their moves tended to break down in front of goal with the forwards perhaps a bit rusty.
A lapse of concentration in the Skye defence allowed Michael Rennie to nip in and pull a goal back in injury time.
Skye saw out the remaining moments and returned home in the knowledge that 2 points from the Eilan is a good start to any league campaign.
Next up for Skye was a meeting with Fort William at the King George V Park.
North Division 3
Skye Camanachd 5 Newtonmore 0
The Skye Camanachd second team made it a double success when they clinched a 5-0 win over Newtonmore.
‘More arrived at the King George V Park with a young side sprinkled with experience from brothers Rab and Tarzan Ritchie, John Paul MacKintosh and George Campbell.
Skye dominated the first half but they only had a Charlie Devlin goal to show for all their efforts. There was a touch of fortune about the effort as Devlin’s shot took a deflection off Newtonmore full back John Paul MacKintosh.
Newtonmore were always dangerous and it took a brilliant save from Skye keeper Calum “Colombo” Nicolson to deny Tarzan Ritchie to give his side an interval lead.
Skye secured the points with a 3 goal blitz in a 5 minute period midway through the first half. A powerful run from Skye full forward Calum MacDonald saw him make it 2-0.
Neat play out of defence created in a chance for Skye’s Ally “Digg” MacDonald and he made no mistake from 15 yards.
Calum MacDonald scored his second moments later to make it 4-0 and Ally “Digg” MacDonald did like-wise moments from the end to seal a 5-0 victory.
Skye were particularly well served by full back John “Spod” MacLeod and Peter Beaton who was making his debut in defence.
Skye’s next outing was a trip to Claggan Park to play Fort William.
North Division 1
Skye Camanachd 4 Fort William 2
Skye Camanachd came out on top following this thrilling encounter with Fort William at the King George V Park, Portree.
The result was all the more impressive as Skye were without 3 of their 4 first choice forwards. They missed the suspended duo of Willie Cowie and John MacRae whilst Calum Murchison was working off-shore.
Skye started strongly and they almost took the lead when a Peter Gordon shot from a tight angle came back of the post.
Just moments later a fantastic over-head flick from Willie MacKinnon forced a great save from Fort William keeper Steve Stott.
Skye took the lead after 10 minutes when a Peter Gordon free-hit found John “Slippy” Finlayson who made space for himself before tucking the ball past Stott at his right hand post.
The home side continued to press and good link up play between Ally “Stenscholl” MacDonald and John “Slippy” Finlayson created a chance for Skye captain Caley MacLean but his shot whistled wide of the target.
Both sides were giving their all and there was a particularly competitive midfield battle with no quarter asked nor given. Referee Brian Watts produced his yellow card twice in a couple of minutes with Skye’s John “Slippy” Finlayson and the Fort’s Ally Clark on the receiving end. Both bookings were for dissent.
The Skye centre line continued to dominate their Fort William counter-parts and this meant plenty possession for the home side’s forwards.
Skye went 2-0 up on 38 minutes when full forward Willie MacKinnon, who gave Fort William full back Astie Cameron a torrid time, was taken down when clear through on goal and referee Watts had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Peter Gordon took the hit and although Stott touched the ball, the shear power of the shot beat the keeper.
Skye almost made it 3-0 when John “Slippy” Finlayson, who was having a great game, played in Ally “Stenscholl” MacDonald but he shot over from just in front of the goal.
Fort William made a fantastic start to the second half they went close to pulling a goal back on 2 occasions during the opening minutes of the second half.
They continued to pressure the Skye defence and they got their reward after 64 minutes when a Deek Cameron snap-shot from the left beat John “Bodach” MacKenzie to make it 2-1.
They almost levelled moments later as the Skye defence hung on.
The Skye centre line began to fight their way back into the game and from a ball played forward from midfield, Peter Gordon flicked the ball to Andy MacLean who shot narrowly wide.
Great inter-play between Peter Gordon, John “Slippy” Finlayson and Andy MacLean caused havoc in the Fort defence before the ball was eventually cleared for a corner.
From the resultant corner, Peter Gordon found space to crack the ball into the net and give his side a 3-1 lead.
Caley MacLean almost made it 4-1 but Stott saved well from his 30 yard daisy cutter.
Drew McNeil had the ball in the Skye net minutes from time. Referee Watts initially looked as if he as going to disallow the “goal” but after consulting with his goal judge the goal was given.
Skye didn’t let this upset their concentration and in injury time, a super long ball from full centre Caley MacLean was flicked on by John “Slippy” Finlayson and from the ensuing goalmouth melee, Willie MacKinnon slipped the ball past the prostrate keeper Stott to confirm a 4-2 win.
Duncan MacDougall was inspirational at full back whilst John “Slippy” Finlayson was at the heart of everything good for Skye.
Skye now had a trip to the Dell to face Kingussie to look forward to.
North Division 3
Fort William 2 Skye Camanachd 1
An under-strength Skye Camanachd second team travelled to Fort William in the hope of successfully following up their opening day league win.
Skye made a good start to the game and took the lead on 20 minutes when Charlie Devlin – deputising for the injured Calum MacDonald at full forward – tucked the ball into the back of the net.
The visitors thought they had made it 2-0 when Ally “Digg” MacDonald had the ball in the net but his effort was disallowed.
Skye held their lead until the break but they faced a more determined Fort William outfit in the second half.
Fortune favoured Fort William when they levelled on the hour mark. A free hit from full centre Alex Sutherland took the merest deflection of the caman of Skye full back John “Spod” MacLeod. This was enough to deceive Skye keeper Calum “Colombo” Nicolson and the ball ended up in the back of the net.
Skye’s woes were compounded a couple of minutes later when Steven MacLeod celebrated his return to the side after a 12 year absence with the winning goal.
There was much for Skye to be pleased about and young John “Spod” Macleod continued to impress at full back.
It was Kingussie at the King George V Park next for Skye.
North Division 1
Kingussie 4 Skye Camanachd 1
Skye suffered their first defeat of the season at the Dell against Kingussie.
This was Skye’s first return to the Dell after their 17-0 embarrassment the previous season but a repeat of that scoreline was never on the cards.
The Kings deserved their win though and their dominance of the centre line meant they were able to supply plenty ammunition for their free-moving forward line.
Kingussie scored all their goals during a ruthless 10 minute spell midway during the first half.
Dave Borthwick helped himself to a hat-trick and Davie Anderson scored the other.
The movement and stick-work of the Kings forwards was a joy to watch – if you weren’t a Skye Camanachd fan.
Skye put in a much more competitive performance in the second half with Donnie “Digg” MacDonald replacing Peter Murchison in defence.
John “Bodach” MacKenzie in the Skye goal had to look lively on a couple of occasions to prevent the home side increasing their lead.
Kingussie were still in control of the centre line but some determined defending kept the home forwards at bay.
Willie MacKinnon provided some consolation for Skye when his opportunist 25 effort flew into the back of the net.
Ally “Stenscholl” MacDonald can be pleased with his performance in what was ultimately a disappointing day for Skye.
It was a local derby against Kinlochshiel at Kirkton in the league next for Skye.
North Division 3
Skye Camanachd 2 Kingussie 2
There was a strong wind and tricky under-foot conditions for both teams to deal with in this league meeting at the King George V Park, Portree.
Given that they trailed 2-0 at the break, Skye will probably consider this to be a point gained rather than a point lost.
The visitors played with the wind in the first half and they used the elements to their advantage.
With just 12 minutes gone, Skye keeper Calum “Columbo” Nicolson was adjudged to have kicked the ball and Kingussie were awarded a penalty. Nicolson found his name in the referee’s book for dissent whilst Ally Borthwick remained calm and fired the resultant spot-hit into the back of the net.
Just a couple of minutes later, a flowing Kingussie move resulted in another chance for Borthwick and he found the back of the net to grab his and his side’s second goal of the game.
Borthwick was a real danger each time Kingussie attacked and the Skye defence did well to get to the break only 2 goals in arrears.
Skye now had the advantage of the elements but they were unable to make the most of a couple of early chances.
Donjee MacLeod, recently returned from injury, had taken a grip of the midfield which meant the home forwards were enjoying more of the ball.
Skye eventually did pull a goal back after 65 minutes. MacLeod played a long ball forward to James “Chips” Munro and he laid the ball off for Ally “Mhor” Morrison (Portree) to score.
Skye introduced Ewen MacGregor in place of Munro and the substitute had a hand in the equaliser when he crossed for Ally “Mhor” Morrison (Portree) to score a replica of his first strike.
Skye could now sense victory and they threw everything at the Kingussie defence for the remainder of the game.
Ally “Mhor” Morrison (Portree) was desperately unlucky not to complete his hat-trick and win the points for Skye when he saw a great shot come back off the post.
A draw was probably a fair result in what was a game of 2 halves and Skye debutant Robbie MacDougall deserves a mention for recovering from a nervy start to have a good game against the experienced Dallas Young.
North Division 1
Kinlochshiel 0 Skye Camanachd 3
This league meeting at Kirkton had the all the usual ingredients of a keenly contested derby match. Skye’s slick forward play probably won them the day as they made it 3 wins from their opening 4 matches.
Kinlochshiel were without Johnston Gill and James “Raxer” Fraser whilst Skye’s Willie Cowie made his first league appearance of the season following suspension.
Shiel’s Johnny MacRae sent a dangerous ball into the Skye goalmouth in the opening minutes but the Skye defence reacted first to clear the threat.
Skye, playing down-hill in the first half, showed their class when Willie Cowie played a one-two with Caley MacLean before bursting forward and playing in Willie MacKinnon on the wing. MacKinnon sent a tantalising ball into the danger area but Davie MacLeod was alert enough to intercept and clear the danger.
Skye pressed for the opening move and Caley MacLean went close when he burst forward but his shot rose over the bar.
Skye continued to press the Shiel defence and although they defended well, a goal looked on the cards.
An Andy MacLean shy from the right after 15 minutes found Calum Murchison who in turn played in Willie Cowie. As Shiel scrambled to block the inevitable shot, Cowie fired through a ruck of players to put Skye 1-0 up.
Cowie looked as if he wanted to make up for the time lost during his suspension and it was no surprise when he made it 2-0 after 25 minutes.
Ally “Stenscholl” MacDonald delivered a shy from the left which was well intercepted by Darkie Fraser. However Shiel’s misfortune was that the ball fell to Willie Cowie and he made no mistake.
Skye continued to press and Shiel keeper Donnie Callander saved well from an Andy MacLean rocket, a Willie Cowie snapshot and a 15 yard Cowie drive – all in the space of 3 minutes.
Peter Gordon crashed a shot off the post as Skye were dominant. However they were unable to add to their lead and the home side started to come more into the game as the first half drew to a close.
Johnny MacRae shot wide of the target from a good position whilst a 20 yard Neil MacRae lob dropped just short of the near post.
Skye produced one more fine move before the half ended as Peter Gordon played the ball up to Calum Murchison on the left as he raced clear of Darkie Fraser. Murchison cut the ball back to Willie Cowie who played a delightful ball to Ally “Stenscholl” MacDonald in space. However MacDonald’s shot flew high over the bar and Skye had to settle for a 2-0 half time advantage.
Skye continued the second half on the offensive and a Cowie effort flew just wide of the target.
However Shiel, now playing down the slope, enjoyed a period of pressure but they were unable to take their chances.
A massive lob from Colin Fraser from just inside his own half went just wide of the post whilst Murdo John Fraser fired a shot straight at Skye keeper John “Bodach” MacKenzie who cleared for a corner.
Skye freshened up their centre line by bringing on Ally Grant in place of Andy MacLean and Shiel replaced Christopher MacKenzie in attack with John Don MacKenzie.
Skye ended the match as a contest on 67 minutes when Willie Cowie completed his hat-trick in some style. A Caley MacLean free hit dropped behind the Shiel defence and found Cowie who controlled the ball expertly before tucking it past Callander before the home defenders could react.
Good link up play between Calum Murchison and Peter Gordon saw the latter shoot wide whilst Murchison failed to connect properly with another effort and the ball was cleared.
Shiel made a desperate effort to get back into the game by swapping defender Darkie Fraser and forward Murdo John Fraser. Skye introduced John “Slippy” Finlayson in place of Willie MacKinnon.
The switches energised both sides. John “Bodach” MacKenzie produced a good save, turning a Darkie Fraser shot for a corner off his post.
Then John “Slippy” Finlayson played a great ball in to Calum Murchison and Callander did well to save his effort.
Indeed Callander made two more great saves from Murchison in the closing minutes to prevent the Islanders increasing their lead.
Skye were well worth their win with the returning Willie Cowie making a significant contribution in attack. Shiel were well served by Darkie Fraser in defence.
Skye’s next match was a trip to Castle Leod to play Caberfeidh.
North Division 1
Skye Camanachd sat joint second in North Division 1 after the first 4 matches. Skye had 3 wins with a single defeat against leaders Kingussie.
| P | W | D | L | F | A | PTS |
Kingussie | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 6 | 8 |
Fort William | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 6 | 6 |
Skye | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 7 | 6 |
Caberfeidh | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 11 | 4 |
Beauly | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 3 |
Newtonmore | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 2 |
Lovat | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 21 | 2 |
Kinlochshiel | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 1 |
North Division 3
Skye Camanachd 5 Glenurquhart 1
The Skye Camanachd second team enjoyed an emphatic 5-1 win over Glenurquhart at the King George V Park, Portree.
Skye Camanachd full forward Ally “Mhor” Morrison (Portree) and Glen veteran full back George Stewart enjoyed a great tussle throughout the game and after a period of pressure from the home side, Morrison broke clear of his marker to shoot Skye into the lead.
Glenurquhart had Russell Fraser playing at wing forward along side his father Ken Fraser and the son grabbed the equaliser for the visitors.
The sides started the second half on even terms but Skye enjoyed the majority of the possession and the Islanders put the game beyond doubt with 3 goals in the opening 10 minutes of the second period.
Ally “Mhor” Morrison (Portree) scored his second to put the Islanders 2-1 up and a Charlie Devlin strike made it 3-1 shortly after.
A Davie Pringle rocket shot, the goal of the game, made it 4-1 and Devlin added his second to make it 5-1 on 75 minutes.
A trip to Beauly was next up for Donnie Martin’s Skye side.
North Division 1
Caberfeidh 2 Skye Camanachd 7
This convincing win by the Islanders saw them move into second place in North Division 1, just a point behind league leaders Kingussie.
The Kings – who were missing Davie Anderson and Angus MacIsaac who were at weddings - dropped their first point of the season with a 2-2 draw with Fort William at the Dell.
Caberfeidh pushed forward from the throw up and a shot from Dave Morrison within the opening minute went through the legs of Skye keeper John “Bodach” MacKenzie to give his side the lead.
Skye responded in spectacular fashion as just 5 minutes later, Willie Cowie broke down the right and hi crossed ball found Peter Gordon 25 yards from goal. Gordon looked up an unleashed a superb effort which flew into the back of the net.
Skye pressed the home defence and only some superb goalkeeping from Mike Bartlett kept the scores level.
Skye took the lead when Bartlett could do little to stop a 25 yard Willie Cowie thunderbolt. Bartlett got his stick to the ball but he couldn’t stop the powerful drive entering the net.
Cabers fought back and Martin MacLean and Ronald MacArthur both wasted chances to draw the home side level.
Skye had a great chance to increase their lead when they were awarded a penalty. However Willie Cowie’s spot hit flew wide of the target.
Skye demonstrated their superior skills and greater fitness from the start of the second half and Willie Cowie found space in front of goal after 48 minutes to make it 3-1 in the visitors favour.
Just 5 minutes later, John MacRae celebrated his return from a 5 match suspension when he fired the ball into the net.
Cabers Martin MacLean pulled a goal back to make in 4-2, but Skye continued to push forward regardless.
Peter Gordon made it 5-2 with another crisp drive and Willie MacKinnon added a sixth on 75 minutes.
Skye introduced Ally Grant in place of Ewen MacKinnon whilst Cabers tried to reverse their fortunes by bringing 0n Ian Bartlett in place of Norman Ross and James MacLean for Neil Urquhart.
However Skye maintained their grip on the game and when a John MacRae thunderbolt game back of the crossbar, the same player reacted first to tuck the rebound into the back of the net to make it 7-2 in the Islanders favour.
This was a ruthless display from Ross Cowie’s side, demonstrating that they should fear no-one in this league.
It was Lovat at the King George V Park, Portree next for Skye.
North Division 1
Skye Camanachd had moved up to second place in North Division 1 after their first 5 matches of the season. Skye had 4 wins with a single defeat against leaders Kingussie.
Kingussie’s only blemish was a 2-2 draw with Fort William.
A waterlogged pitch at Kirkton prevented the match between Kinlochshiel and Lovat going ahead.
| P | W | D | L | PTS |
Kingussie | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 9 |
Skye | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 8 |
Fort William | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
Caberfeidh | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 4 |
Newtonmore | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 4 |
Beauly | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
Lovat | 5 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 |
Kinlochshiel | 5 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
North Division 3
Beauly 2 Skye Camanachd 5
Skye travelled to Beauly without Ally “Mhor” Morison (Kyleakin) and Donji MacLeod. However they were boosted by the appearance of team captain John “Spod” MacLeod who arrived in Glasgow from a holiday abroad on the morning of the game. He then showed his commitment by dashing north to arrive at the park just 10 minutes before throw up.
Player / Manager Donnie Martin started at full back whilst John Angus Gillies took up the full centre berth with Davie Pringle and Ally “Digg” MacDonald completing the centre line.
Gillies was to go on to put in an impressive display which included a 30 yard screamer to make it 2-0.
Before that, the home side started well and they pounded the Skye defence for the opening half hour.
So it was very much against the run of play when Skye broke to take the lead. Beauly had in fact just hit the crossbar and Donnie Martin rescued the Islanders with a clearance which found Davie Pringle in midfield. Pringle surged forward and as the home defence opened up in front of him, he tucked the ball past the keeper to give his side a 1-0 lead.
Gillies’ wonder strike made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time leaving Beauly feeling some what mugged.
Player / Manager Donnie Martin introduced John “Spod” MacLeod in defence in place of Stuart MacGregor at the break and he reshuffled the centre line.
The changes paid off and although Beauly pulled a goal back at the start of the second period, Skye went on to dominate the game.
Davie Pringle blasted Skye into a 3-1 lead when he notched his second goal of the game from inside the D.
Full forward Ally “Mhor” Morrison (Portree) made it 4-1 and the home side pulled another goal back when a shot evaded substitute keeper Ewen MacGregor who other-wise played very well throughout.
However a crisp drive from Ally “Digg” MacDonald made it 5-2 and ensured that both points went to Skye.
Skye’s next match was away to Lovat.
North Division 1
Skye Camanachd 4 Lovat 1
To say that this match took place in the shinty worst conditions in Portree in living memory would be no exaggeration as Skye and Lovat battled heavy rain, a strong wind and atrocious underfoot conditions in front of a crowd that was less than sparse.
The most important thing for Skye was that 2 valuable points kept them in touch with Kingussie at the top of the table.
Whilst Skye had the better of the opening exchanges, some poor finishing, resolute defending from the visitors and some expert goalkeeping from Lovat’s Ally MacRae kept the match goalless.
Caley MacLean and Andy MacLean both went close before MacRae did well to get his foot to a Peter Gordon piledriver.
Willie Cowie was leading the Lovat defence a merry dance which all proved too much for John Cumming who was sent off on 30 minutes by referee Billy MacLaughlin for lashing out at his opponent.
Being a man short compounded Lovat’s problems but their goal continued to lead a charmed life.
John MacRae attempted to dribble the ball goalwards – no mean feat in the heavy mud - and set up a chance for Willie MacKinnon but the ball was cleared.
Ally MacRae stopped a MacKinnon effort on his goal line on 43 minutes but just when it look as if the sides would go into the break all square, Skye took the lead. It was Peter Gordon who made the vital break-through as he turned his marker and crashed an unstoppable shoulder high shot into the net.
The second half started with a further downpour which was just what the pitch didn’t need. However Skye continued to press and a close range Willie Cowie effort made it 2-0.
Cowie shot on target again in 54 minutes and although MacRae stopped his effort, Peter Gordon pounced on the rebound to score his second and give Skye a 3-0 lead.
Skye manager Ross Cowie replaced Willie MacKinnon with Calum Murchison with the veteran better suited to the worsening underfoot conditions and he immediately joined the action sending a 30 yard shot just over the bar.
Murchison continued to cause havoc in the Lovat defence and he was relishing battle after battle for the ball whilst ankle deep in mud. He got his reward on 68 minutes when he bundled the ball over the line following a goalmouth stramash.
Lovat’s David Michie pulled a goal back to make it 4-1 on 76 minutes but Skye comfortably held out for the remainder of the game.
This match will probably be best remembered for a cartoon which later appeared depicting Skye keeper John “Bodach” MacKenzie clearing the ball in the mud and surface water whilst also covering the onrushing Lovat forward in muck.
Next up for Skye is Newtonmore in Portree – if the pitch recovers!
North Division 1
Skye Camanachd held on to second place in North Division 1 after their win over Lovat. Skye trailed leaders Kingussie by 3 points but had a game in hand.
Kingussie’s strength was in their forward line and with almost half the league season played, the title was already looking like a two-horse race.
| P | W | D | L | F | A | PTS |
Kingussie | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 46 | 11 | 13 |
Skye | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 21 | 10 | 10 |
Fort William | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 19 | 13 | 7 |
Caberfeidh | 7 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 17 | 29 | 6 |
Beauly | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 11 | 15 | 5 |
Newtonmore | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 13 | 19 | 4 |
Lovat | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 25 | 4 |
Kinlochshiel | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 21 | 1 |
North Division 3
Lovat 2 Skye Camanachd 0
Skye Camanachd’s North Division 3 title chances suffered a blow when they went down 2-0 to Lovat at Kiltarlity.
Skye player / manager Donnie Martin was forced to reshuffle his pack before the throw up when Charlie Devlin pulled a muscle in the warm up. Murdo Gordon came on in his place at wing forward.
Skye held out for 75 minutes but Lovat continues to press and a brace from full forward Russell Ferguson in the final 15 minutes gave them a deserved 2-0 victory.