South of Scotland U14 & U17 Inter District Competitions | |
04 September 2013 The inaugural South of Scotland U14 & U17 Inter District Competitions were held at the Winterton on Sunday 1 September 2013. The introduction of this event into the Shinty Calendar helps strengthen the South squad at U14 and U17 levels in preparation for their meeting with their North counterparts later in the month.
U14 Competition The U14 contest was first up at 11am and was contested between four areas representing; Central, Oban & North Lorn, Mid Argyll and Cowal & Bute. Despite the wet weather, all four teams produced some fantastic shinty throughout the day. Testament to the competitiveness of the day was the fact that there was no winning margin greater than one goal until the final game of the day and the finalists were not decided until the very last game of the round robin section. It was however Central and Mid Argyll made it through to the final with Central running out 2-1 winners.
U17 Competition The U17 competition started at 2.30pm and was contested between Central, Mid Argyll, Cowal & Bute and Oban & Lorn competed against each other. Central lost their opening two games so it was left to Oban & Lorn and Mid Argyll, Cowal & Bute and Mid Argyll to battle it out in what was to prove to be a pulsating final. The Oban & Lorn side blazed ahead with Ryan Gillies grabbing a hat-trick and although Mid Argyll, Cowal & Bute trailed just 3-2 in the closing stages, they could not find a way through the Oban & Lorn defence in the closing minutes to grab an equaliser.
These Inter-District competitions at both U14 and U17 levels allows the coaches to see the best shinty players that South shinty has to offer and, with the coaches input, allows the best possible South teams to be put forward to play the North at U14 and U17 level at Mossfield on 29 September 2013. Argyll and Bute Development Officer, Euan McMurdo was delighted with the full day’s shinty and he said, “The tournament surpassed my expectations in terms of competitiveness and quality throughout the day. Thanks have to go to the players, coaches, referees and parents for turning out on a miserable day and making all this possible.” Hopefully this event will continue to grow and any organisation wishing to sponsor the event can call Euan McMurdo on 07824 367996 or email euan.mcmurdo@shinty.com. |