13 April 2011
Skye Camanachd won through to the Balliemore Cup quarter finals following a penalty shoot-out triumph over Strathglass at Cannich on Saturday 9 April 2011. Both sides are recent winners of this competition with Skye taking the trophy in 2008 and Strathglass victorious a later. This was the sides’ second meeting of the season with Brian MacKay’s Strathglass running out 2-0 winners at the same venue at the beginning of March. Skye have only played once since then and that was a heavy defeat to Newtonmore. Strathglass were without the suspended Scott Douglas for this one. Skye’s Shockie MacLennan failed in his bid to return from an ankle problem and Kerr Gibb also failed in a late bid to prove his fitness. However AB Connor made a welcome return at full back whilst Darryl Macintosh was promoted from the second team and he started at wing centre. Shaun Hedley and Danny Morrison dropped onto the bench whilst Jordan Murchison, Ally MacDonald and Stewart Grant returned to second team duty. As the sides settled into the game it was Skye who took the lead when Alan Palmer collected a rebound off Strathglass keeper Steve McLaughlin and rifled home to put the visitors 1-0 in front. Skye took this lead into the half time break. However 10 minutes into the second half, Strathglass drew level through veteran striker Robert Geddes. Skye took the lead for the second time when Danny Morrison crashed a great shot on target. Keeper McLaughlin made a good save but the rebound fell to Robbie MacDougall. The Skye full forward had time to tee up the ball before blasting an unstoppable shot into the net to put Skye 2-1 in front. However Skye were unable to hold on to the lead and moments later a Robert Geddes shot crept over the line to make it 2-2. Skye’s Darryl Macintosh made an impressive debut and he was unlucky not to score when a shot from distance hit the top of the Strathglass post. There was no further scoring during the regulation 90 minutes so referee Graeme MacMillan took the match into extra-time. There additional half hour remained goalless so the game went to a penalty shoot-out. Skye captain Somhairle MacDonald, who was bandaged following a head knock, and fellow forward Alan Palmer netted confidently whilst Skye keeper Michael Nicolson saved Strathglass’ first attempt but Darren Reid netted their second. Skye’s Robbie MacDougall and Aonghas MacDonald both hit the frame of the goal whilst. Strathglass scored just one of their last three penalties which left Skye the chance to win the tie with their final spot-hit. Full back Steven Morrison stepped up to take it and he confidently blasted a great penalty past McLaughlin to ensure Skye’s passage into the next round. Skye now travel to play Beauly at Braeview Park in the Balliemore Cup quarter finals. Strathglass from; Steve McLaughlin, Garry Reid, Ruairidh MacKay, Robbie Stokes, George Phimister, Andy Behan, Donald Fraser, Andrew Fraser, Robert Geddes, Gordon Fraser, Darren Reid, Alistair MacAdam subs Seth Jones, Les Fraser, Josh Fraser, Raymond Fraser Skye Camanachd from; Michael Nicolson, Steven Morrison, AB Connor, Neil MacVicar, Andrew Banks, Darryl Macintosh, Iain Murray Gilleasbuig MacDonald, Somhairle MacDonald (captain), Iain Morrison, Alan Palmer, Robbie MacDougall subs Shaun Hedley, Danny Morrison, Aonghas MacDonald Referee – Graeme MacMillan |