The 2016 Shinty Review of the Season – Part 1 | |
31 December 2016 With the curtain now drawn on another shinty season and the current year drawing to a close, it’s a chance to look back on the shinty stories making the news during 2016.
January 2016 Lovat Regain Lovat Cup One of the highlights of the new shinty year is always the Lovat Cup meeting between neighbours and fierce rivals Lovat and Beauly. The 2016 clash took place at Balgate and Lovat came out on top with a 3-2 win. A crowd of over 1,000 shinty supporters saw Sandy Elrick and David MacLean score for Beauly but strikes from Lewis Tawse, Greg Matheson and Fraser Gallacher gave Lovat the trophy.
Oban Camanachd “Young Pups” Claim Bragging Rights The “Young Pups” beat the “Old Crocks” 3-1 as Oban Camanachd hosted the John Collie Trophy at Mossfield. The “Old Crocks” team included current Oban Camanachd first team manager Iain Hay as well as Fraser Inglis, Dougie MacIntyre, David MacCuish, Gareth Evans, David Devine and Alex MacVicar who was given the task of marking his son Daniel MacVicar. Willie Neilson hit a first half double for the “Young Pups” but the ever-green Fraser Inglis replied for the “Old Crocks” just before the break. Captain James MacMillan made it 3-1 and after the final whistle, he was presented with the John Collie Trophy by Oban Camanachd Chieftain Iain MacIntyre.
“Golden Oldies” Retain MacKinnon Sixes The “Golden Oldies” retained the John MacKinnon Memorial Sixes Shield following a twelve-team tournament at the Portree High School Astro pitch. The final between holders the Golden Oldies and MacVicar’s Plus Four was settled on two pieces of extra-time brilliance. First MacVicar’s Plus Four’s Kenny Ross conjured up a spectacular shot from wide on the left but goalie Peter Gordon pulled of a superb save, stretching to turn the ball away with his caman, just under the bar. Moments later, keeper Gordon launched a goal-hit forward into the opposing goal area and Iain Nicolson took the ball down before turning and sending a clean strike into the net to break the deadlock. The goal came just 60 seconds from the end and it was poignant that it should come from Iain Nicolson; John MacKinnon’s Grandson.
Scotland Forward Announces Retirement Kilmallie stalwart John Stewart announced his retirement from shinty. As well as playing for Kilmallie for 21 years, after breaking into the team as a 15 year old, Stewart was also a regular in the Scotland Shinty / Hurling international set-up for over half that time. However injury difficulties led Stewart to the decision to bring his playing days to an end and his last appearance was as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat to Kingussie in the Marine Harvest Premiership play-off match at the end of November 2015. Kilmallie first team manager Mark MacPherson was some-what compensated by the loss of Stewart with the signing of Duncan Rodger from Fort William.
Shinty Player Saves Life Skye Camanachd’s Shockie MacLennan helped provide life-saving medical attention when well-known Gaelic singer Don R MacIver collapsed on stage in Poolewe. MacLennan, who captained the Skye Camanachd first team to the Marine Harvest National Division title in 2015, was on hand along with nurse Maureen Cummings, and local fire-fighter Michael Maclean and they were able to administer crucial assistance which included use of an emergency heart-start machine provided by the Lucky2bHere charity.
February 2016 Bute Invitational 9 A-Sides Bute A won the Bute Invitational 9-a-sides at the astro surface on the Rothesay Joint Campus. Bute fielded two teams and they were joined by Col Glen, Dunoon, and Kyles Athletic. There were no goals in the final between Bute and Kyles Athletic so the contest was decided on a penalty shoot-out which Bute won 2-1 thanks to conversions from James Craig and Craig MacKay.
Skye Camanachd Ladies Win 19th Johnstone Indoor Tournament Skye Camanachd Ladies won the 19th Johnstone Indoor Tournament – their third successive success - at the Nevis Centre, Fort William. After the section matches, Skye Camanachd B met Skye Camanachd A in the first semi-final with Skye Camanachd B emerging victorious. Glasgow Mid Argyll looked set for a final spot when they went 3-0 ahead against Lochaber A in the second semi-final. However the Spean Bridge side scored three times to make it 3-3 before GMA notched a late winner. Skye Camanachd B continued their good form with a 3-1 win over GMA in the final. To round off a great day for Skye, Rhianna Kirk was named Player of the Tournament, selected by referees Duncan Kelly and Graham Cameron.
Pre-season Friendlies The pick of the pre-season friendlies included Oban Camanachd’s 5-0 win over Inveraray with Daniel Cameron getting a hat-trick. Lochaber defeated Fort William 6-2 to lift the Glen Mhor Cup with Stuart Callison finding the back of the net five times. Kilmallie won the BSW Cup but it took a penalty shoot-out to finally see off Oban Camanachd after a 1-1 draw at the Canal Parks. Daniel Cameron and Michael Rodger got the goals from open play whilst Duncan Rodger and Michael Rodger netted in the 2-1 shoot-out win. Skye Camanachd took the Murdo MacKenzie Memorial Cup with a 10-3 win over Strathglass at Cannich. Jordan Murchison and Chris MacLennan grabbed hat-tricks for Skye. A goal in each half gave the traveling Fort William side a 2-0 win against Aberdour at Silver Sands. There was an element of good fortune to the Fort William opener as a Bobby MacMillan strike deflected into the net off Aberdour full back Ruairidh Reid’s caman. However there was no doubting the An Aird side’s second goal; a screaming 35 yard drive from Calum Shepherd which flew into the net. Fort William also beat Beauly 5-0 at Braeview Park. Bryan Simpson scored twice for the Fort with Daniel Stewart, Jay MacLeod and Cal Brown getting the others. Kilmory edged out Col Glen 2-1 in their friendly match at Otter Ferry. The visitors led 2-0 at half time with Duncan MacBrayne and Craig Taylor getting the goals. The home side pulled a goal back in the second half through Steven MacKellar but they were unable to get back on level terms. Newtonmore overcame Lochaber 2-1 at Spean Bridge. Glen MacKintosh got the opener for Newtonmore and their second came courtesy of a low Conor Jones shot. Ben Delaney pulled a goal back for Lochaber but Newtonmore stayed in front to win. Kinlochshiel lifted the Robert Wylie Memorial Cup with a 5-1 triumph over Oban Celtic at Mossfield. Keith MacRae grabbed a hat-trick for ‘Shiel with John MacRae and Oliver MacRae getting the others. Daniel Madej was on target for Oban Celtic. The Bob Wylie man of the match Quaich was awarded to Oban Celtic’s Ally McKerracher.
RBS National First Shinty Festivals Portree and Inverlochy were the winners at the 2016 RBS National First Shinty Festivals in Fort William. Portree won the P7 (& under) National First Shinty Festival, beating Bute in a final at the Nevis Centre. Inverlochy came out on top in the 2016 RBS P5 (& under) National First Shinty Festival which took place at Lochaber High School. Inverlochy beat MacDiarmid from Skye in the final.
Strachur Take Year Out Strachur announced their intention to take a year out from competitive shinty, withdrawing from league and cup action ahead of the 2016 shinty season. The Strachurmore side said they hoped to continue to field primary and U14 teams in school and youth competitions in the hope of rebuilding their senior squad for future seasons.
March 2016 Popular Shinty Exhibition Draws To A Close A unique exhibition at Hampden Park, Glasgow, which detailed shinty’s place in Scottish sport, drew to a close. The popular exhibition was organised by the Camanachd Association in partnership with the Scottish Football Museum. The group which organised the display was led by shinty historian and broadcaster Dr Hugh Dan MacLennan.
On The Field Round Up The new shinty season got underway on Saturday 5 March 2016. However the wet weather played havoc with the fixtures during the early weeks of the season.
Marine Harvest Premiership Wins over Fort William and Kinlochshiel and a draw with Lochaber meant Kingussie ended the month on top of the table; ahead of second placed Newtonmore. Oban Camanachd managed just two fixtures during the month. They beat Glenurquhart 3-1 at Blairbeg and a last minute Daniel Cameron goal earned them a 2-2 draw with Skye Camanachd at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree
Marine Harvest National Division Glasgow Mid Argyll topped shinty’s second tier at the end of March thanks to victories over Ballachulish, Bute and Beauly, scoring eleven goals and only conceding twice.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Strathglass got off to a flier in Marine Harvest North Division 1. The Cannich side were the only non-reserve team in the division and a draw with Kingussie followed by wins over Skye, Lovat and Newtonmore had them clear at the top of the table at the end of the month.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 A 7-1 victory over Col Glen and a 2-0 derby win against Lochside Rovers got Oban Celtic off to a table topping start in their league. This gave Kenny Wotherspoon’s squad a good start as they targeted promotion to the Marine Harvest National Division.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 The Caberfeidh second team recorded four straight wins in March to top Marine Harvest North Division 2. It was a superb start to the season from the Castle Leod reserves but Aberdeen University were sitting well places in second position.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Tayforth got their league programme off at a blistering pace as they beat the Aberdour reserves, Oban Lorn and the Glasgow Mid Argyll seconds, scoring twenty two times and conceding only twice. Kilmory were in hot pursuit and these two teams would battle it out for the title throughout the season.
RBS MacTavish Cup Shinty’s North knock-out competition saw Beauly, Kingussie, Lochaber and Newtonmore progress to the quarter-finals whilst Skye would also get past Kilmallie in their rearranged tie
Gregor Cameron Consultancy Glasgow Celtic Cup Col Glen’s 3-1 win over Ballachulish was the pick of the March first round results. Oban Celtic were too strong for Glenorchy whilst Aberdour got past Taynuilt after a replay.
April 2016 Glenurquhart Wow New York Crowds 2015 RBS MacTavish Cup winners Glenurquhart wowed the crowds in New York as they took part in the 18th Annual Tartan Week. The Glen also played an exhibition shinty match at Dyckman Soccer Field.
On The Field Round Up Marine Harvest Premiership The Marine Harvest Premiership had a familiar look at the end of April as champions Newtonmore ended the month at the top of the pile. Kyles Athletic were poised to capitalise on any slip up in second place.
Marine Harvest National Division Beauly knocked early pace-setters Glasgow Mid Argyll off the top of the table, finishing April on top of the league on goal difference. Even at this early stage, this was proving to be a keenly contested division.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Strathglass stayed out in front in Marie Harvest North Division 1 as April ended.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Oban Celtic started the month at the top of the table only to be overtaken by Aberdour with Lochside Rovers ending the month in top spot courtesy of victories over Col Glen and Glenorchy although they did lose to Aberdour.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Aberdeen University completed a successful April with a couple of league wins, including a victory over league leaders Caberfeidh seconds, to finish the month on top of the league.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Tayforth stayed out in front with Kilmory in second spot. Tayforth’s two league wins in the month included a significant 4-2 triumph over rivals Kilmory.
Camanachd Cup Bute made it through to the first round proper of the Camanachd Cup with a 2-0 win over Inverness.
Artemis Macaulay Cup Bute, Inveraray, Kinlochshiel, Kyles Athletic, Lovat and Newtonmore made it through to the Artemis Macaulay Cup quarter-finals during April with Skye Camanachd and Glasgow Mid Argyll to follow soon afterwards.
Balliemore Cup Glasgow Mid Argyll were convincing 7-0 winners over Ballachulish in their first round tie at the Jubilee Park. Calum McLay grabbed a hat-trick whilst Craig Anderson bagged a brace.
May 2016 Scotland Ladies Shinty / Camogie Coaches Confirmed The Womens Camanachd Association confirmed their Scotland coaching team for the 2016 Shinty / Camogie encounter Dublin. Stuart Reid continued as Head Coach with the Glenurquhart defender having led the Scots to three straight wins over the last three years. It was announced that Reid would be supported by two Assistant Coaches - Scott Campbell and Katie Drain. Former Lochcarron player and manager Ross Brown was named new Team Physio.
David Thomson Is New Macaulay Association President David Thomson was elected as the new Macaulay Association President. The Taynuilt stalwart took over from Fraser Inglis who stood down after 3 years. Long-serving secretary David Hamilton remains in post.
On The Field Round Up Marine Harvest Premiership There was another change in leadership at the top of the Marine Harvest Premiership as Kinlochshiel claimed top spot at the end of May. Draws with Kyles and Skye and a win over Oban Camanachd moved them into pole position. Kyles Athletic were second with Newtonmore third.
Marine Harvest National Division Glasgow Mid Argyll returned to the top of shinty’s second tier although they were mainly in cup action during the month.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 The Newtonmore second team knocked Strathglass off the top of the table and these two sides would share the top two places for the rest of the season.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Lochside Rovers remained top of the league, ahead of Aberdour and Oban Celtic. Cup matches and unplayable pitches led to an imbalance in league games played.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Aberdeen University remained league leaders in the North’s second division. They would prove very difficult to shift.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Tayforth stayed ahead of Kilmory at the top of the table in what was to be another two-horse race. Tayforth were not in league action during the month which allowed Kilmory to catch up on their fixtures and they were convincing winners in their league games against Dunoon and the Bute seconds.
Camanachd Cup Beauly, Glasgow Mid Argyll, Inveraray and Oban Celtic all made it through to the final sixteen of shinty’s blue riband tournament where they joined the ten Marine Harvest Premiership sides.
Gregor Cameron Consultancy Glasgow Celtic Society Cup This all-south tournament reached the semi-final stage. Inveraray got through to the final thanks to a 2-1 win over Glasgow Mid Argyll whilst, three weeks later, Kyles Athletic edged out Oban Camanachd 2-1.
Balliemore Cup Beauly, Caberfeidh and Kilmallie won through to the Balliemore up semi-finals with Strathglass and Taynuilt still to play their quarter-final tie.
Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup The Glenurquhart, Kingussie and Newtonmore second teams were joined in the semi-finals by Tayforth.
June 2016
Lochaber & Skye Camanachd Reach Valerie Fraser Cup Final Lochaber Ladies and Skye Camanachd Ladies won through to the Valerie Fraser Cup Final. Lochaber were 6-0 victors over Aberdour with Kirsty Delaney scoring five whilst a Jenna Beaton hat-trick helped Skye beat Badenoch & Strathspey 5-1.
Youth Competitions A number of youth competitions were decided during June. Skye Camanachd U17 lifted the RBS MacTavish Juvenile Cup after they beat Fort William U17 2-1 in the final at the Bught Park. Dunollie from Park School, Braxi Boys from Inverlochy, Bute and Newtonmore Titans were amongst the winners at the Artemis Macaulay Sixes at Mossfield. There was a double-success for Inverlochy at the 2016 Fraser MacPhee shinty tournament at An Aird as they won both the P5 (& under) and the P7 (& under) tournaments. Kingussie U17 won the Strathdearn Sixes and Kingussie High School lifted the MacPherson Cup – both at the Bught Park, Inverness. Bute Primaries won the 2016 Tulloch league with a 6-2 victory over Portree Primary School at the Jubilee Park.
On The Field Round Up Marine Harvest Premiership Home wins over Kyles Athletic and Glenurquhart and a draw with Lochaber at Spean Bridge gave Oban Camanachd a second stint at the top of the Premiership at the end of June. Newtonmore, Kinlochshiel and Kyles Athletic made up the remainder of the top four places.
Marine Harvest National Division Inveraray were new National Division leaders at the end of June with a number of teams very much in title contention.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 The Newtonmore second team and Strathglass continued to tussle for the league trophy. Strathglass actually ended the month on top of the table on goal difference but ‘More were to return to the summit a week later.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Table toppers Lochside Rovers stayed top although they did drop three out of six points during the month.
Marine Harvest Division 2 Two league wins in two games meant Aberdeen University were proving difficult to catch at the top of the division.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Kilmory topped the league for the first time this season during June, ending the month ahead of nearest challengers Tayforth.
RBS MacTavish Cup A Glen MacKintosh strike with the last hit of the ball earned Newtonmore a 2-1 victory over a gallant Lochaber side in the 2016 RBS MacTavish Cup Final at a wet Bught Park. Norman Campbell gave Newtonmore a first half lead but Zandz Ferguson equalised shortly after. The winning goal came late in the game, courtesy of Glen MacKintosh. Lochaber keeper Callum MacDonald was named man of the match.
Gregor Cameron Consultancy Glasgow Celtic Society Cup Kyles Athletic retained the Gregor Cameron Consultancy Glasgow Celtic Society Cup with a 3-1 win over Inveraray at the Taynuilt Sports Field. Inveraray’s Lewis Montgomery cancelled out Dunkie Kerr’s opener but goals from Sandy MacKenzie and Thomas Whyte gave Kyles a fourth successive triumph in this competition. Inveraray keeper Scott MacLachlan was man of the match.
Balliemore Cup Kilmallie and Caberfeidh made it through to the Balliemore Cup Final after two exciting semi-final ties. Kilmallie came from 4-1 down to beat Beauly 8-4 win with five of their goals coming in the final 15 minutes. Duncan Rodger and Liam MacDonald both grabbed hat-tricks with Michael Rodger also contributing with a brace. Caberfeidh were 3-1 winners against Strathglass, who knocked out Taynuilt earlier in the month, with Martin MacDonald, Liam Symonds and Gavin Mclaughlin getting their goals. |