Skye Given Derby ALVANCE Aluminium Balliemore Cup Test | |
14 April 2021 Skye Camanachd were given a derby tie against Lochcarron in the first round of the ALVANCE Aluminium Balliemore Cup which took place at the ALVANCE British Aluminium Smelter, Fort William on Wednesday 14 April 2021. Skye will play neighbours Lochcarron at Pairc nanLaoch, Portree on Saturday 24 July 2021. Lochcarron were promoted to Mowi North Division 1, the same league as Skye’s second team, after winning Mowi North Division 2 in 2018 under the guidance of manager Murdo John Fraser. Ironically the sides were paired together at Battery Park at the same stage in last year’s draw but the match didn’t go ahead as lockdown brought the shinty season to a halt. The first round draw, made on a regional basis, was conducted by Tom Uppington, Managing Director, ALVANCE Aluminium; Richard Gall, Vice-Chieftain, Camanachd Association and Astie Cameron, Operations & Events Manager, Camanachd Association. 2021 represents the fourth year of a partnership with ALVANCE Aluminium (formerly Liberty). Balliemore Cup – First Round Saturday 24 July 2021 Northern Section Lochaber v Inverness Glenurquhart v Beauly Skye Camanachd v Lochcarron Bye Strathglass Southern Section Bute v Oban Celtic Ballachulish v Tayforth Aberdour v Col-Glen Bye Inveraray Tom Uppington, said: “ALVANCE Aluminium is delighted to sponsor the Balliemore Cup for the third year running following last year’s cancellation due to the pandemic. “With several ALVANCE employees representing both Ballachulish and Lochaber teams in the cup, we understand the importance of shinty and the tournament in promoting traditional sport and outdoor activity in the local community.” Derek Keir added: “ALVANCE Aluminium has been supporting shinty and our historic game for four years now and their support for the ALVANCE Balliemore Cup is just one way that ALVANCE provide support and added value to local communities. “At a time where community wellbeing has never been so fundamental in our thoughts, our thanks must go to all at ALVANCE for their continued support to deliver a high quality National competition that promotes physical and mental stimulation and wellbeing for all involved.” Camanachd Association President Steven MacKenzie agreed adding: “The Camanachd Association has enjoyed a strong relationship with ALVANCE which is now coming into its fourth year. “I am excited by this draw which has thrown up some great fixtures to look forward to. The tie between Glenurquhart and Beauly is one of the standout fixtures whilst in the South section, Oban Celtic face a tricky away tie to Bute. Strathglass and Inveraray will be pleased they go straight into the quarter-finals whilst Ballachulish or Tayforth guarantee an area league representative will join them.” |