The 2017 Shinty Review of the Season – Part 1 | |
30 December 2017 With the curtain 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 2017.
January 2017 Lovat Retain Lovat Cup Lovat retained the 2017 Lovat Cup with a convincing 5-2 victory over Beauly at Braeview Park. Lovat made a whirlwind start to the game, scoring four goals through Graeme MacMillan (twice), Lorne MacKay and Greg Matheson in a blistering opening 16 minute spell. Sandy Elrick before the break and Jack MacDonald, after a 22 yard Conor Ross strike was saved by teenage stand-in Lovat keeper Ronan MacMillan, reduced the deficit early in the second half. However Kevin Bartlett made it 5-2 and captain Drew Howie was presented with the Lovat Cup by the 16th Lord Lovat, Simon Fraser. The win was a final match in charge for Lovat’s Camanachd Cup winning manager John MacRitchie.
Oban Camanachd Mark The New Year Oban Camanachd marked the New Year at Mossfield. There was a change of format as the usual “Youngsters” v “Oldies” clash was replaced by a mixed match with players from the club’s U17 side, Lochside Rovers, Oban Camanachd and indeed some ex-players. A Fraser Inglis double had the Red & Blacks 2-0 ahead but Michael MacQueen pulled a goal back for the Whites before Willie Neilson made it 3-1. The Whites went on to level through an Andrew MacCuish goal and a superb 30 yard effort from Daniel Cameron which made it 3-3. The Whites led for the first time through Conner Howe but there was last minute drama as the Red & Blacks were awarded a penalty. Whites’ keeper Beano Logan did well to save Brian MacCallum’s well-struck spot-hit but Fraser Inglis sent the rebound into the top corner of the net from the angle and his hat-trick goal made it 4-4. The match went to a penalty shoot-out and some great goalkeeping from Des MacMillan and Beano Logan meant it was all-square after the first ten penalties so it went to sudden death with Daniel Cameron netting the crucial penalty to win it for the Whites who lifted the John Collie Trophy.
The Oldies Are Still Golden At MacKinnon Sixes The Golden Oldies won the John MacKinnon Memorial Shinty Sixes for the third successive year at the Portree High School astro pitch. This was the fourth year of the event which remembers Skye Camanachd Vice President John MacKinnon who died in December 2011 as the result of a tragic accident at work. Eight teams - six Skye teams and sides from Kinlochshiel and Lochcarron - took part. The final was a tense affair. A turn and shot from John Gillies put the Golden Oldies ahead but there was an immediate response from the Storr Troopers as Abby McLean made it 1-1. The winning goal came when Ewen MacKinnon sprayed a pass to his son William MacKinnon and he thumped the ball home. It was fitting that John MacKinnon’s grandson would net the winner.
Managerial Merry Go Round In Shinty’s Top Flight A busy managerial merry go round over the close season meant that only three managers from the 2016 Marine Harvest Premiership remained in a top flight post. Ally Ferguson, Paul John MacKintosh and Iain Hay were the only survivors from their previous term. Iain MacLeod replaced co-managers Billy MacLean and Dave Menzies at Glenurquhart whilst Lovat appointed Fraser Gallacher in place of John MacRitchie. Long-term trainer James Perlich took over from Norman MacDonald at Kyles Athletic whilst the most surprising switch was at Kirkton where Johnston Gill was voted in over Colin Fraser. Kingussie appointed Dallas Young as their first team boss, replacing co-managers Russell Jones and Davie Anderson. Kilmallie and Glasgow Mid Argyll won promotion from the previous season’s Marine Harvest National Division and, not surprisingly, Mark MacPherson and George Hay stayed in charge at their respective clubs.
Oban Celtic Add To Squad Oban Celtic manager Kenny Wotherspoon added two new signings to his squad ahead of the club’s national shinty campaign.
On the Field Action The pre-season friendlies began and Jack MacDonald’s double helped Beauly draw 3-3 with Aberdeen University. Kinlochshiel defeated Inverness 8-0 with John MacRae getting a hat-trick. Oban Celtic defeated Taynuilt 4-0 with new signings Andrew Hunt and Fulton Ronald given a run out. Ally McKerracher, Iain MacKechnie, Scott Burnett and Daniel Madej got the goals in what was a good work-out for Kenny Wotherspoon’s side.
Badenoch & Strathspey Lift Johnstone Rose Bowl Badenoch & Strathspey Ladies lifted the Johnstone Rose Bowl at the Nevis Centre, Fort William. Badenoch eventually ran out 7-6 extra-time victors over holders Skye in the final. Badenoch’s Kirsty Deans was named player of the tournament.
February 2017 Transfer Latest Highly rated goalie Cameron Sutherland has joined Lochside Rovers from Ballachulish whilst Ewan MacCorquodale moved to Oban Lorn from Oban Celtic. Kilmallie were boosted by Peter McIntyre’s return after a spell abroad and then with Inveraray whilst Fraser MacMillan returned to Taynuilt from Oban Celtic. Glasgow Mid Argyll added Lochside Rovers goalie Robert Dunnings, ex-Glenurquhart defender Stuart Reid and Kinlochshiel pair John Don MacKenzie and Duncan “Ach” MacRae to their squad.
Tulloch Homes To Sponsor Camanachd Cup The Camanachd Association announced that national house builders Tulloch Homes are the new sponsor of the prestigious Camanachd Cup competition, signing a lucrative 4 year deal.
Portree & Inverlochy Are 2017 National First Shinty Winners Portree Primary School and Inverlochy Primary School were the winners at the Gilmour Sports National First Shinty tournaments in Fort William. Inverlochy beat Balnain in the final of the Primary 5 (& under) tournament whilst Portree Primary School overcame Dingwall Primary School in the Primary 7 (& under) final.
Bute Withdraw From National Division Bute withdrew their first team from the Marine Harvest National Division to play in Marine Harvest South Division 1. Bute advised that: “The players are unable to commit to our first team due to family and work commitments combined with the additional travel involved with the current National League set up. We consider that if we do take part in that league we will be unable to complete the fixture list and will have to withdraw during the season, this would be unfair on the other teams, it would also result in the loss of playing members of our club.” Bute were deducted 8 points when they commenced their Marine Harvest South Division 1 campaign.
On the Field Action The pre-season friendlies continued with Oban Camanachd playing three times during the month. Iain Hay’s side lost 2-1 to Inveraray at the Oban High School 3G pitch before beating Kyles Athletic 4-2 at Ganavan with Matt Rippon scoring twice. Oban Camanachd then beat Strathglass 3-0 at Cannich to lift the Murdo MacKenzie Memorial Cup. Daniel Cameron, Matt Rippon and a superb 25 yard shot from Malcolm Clark made the difference. However the win came at a cost as defender Garry Lord would miss the start of the season after suffering an ankle injury in the game. Oban Celtic set themselves a tough pre-season, playing twice against Marine Harvest Premiership sides. Glasgow Mid Argyll proved tough opponents as they beat the Oban side 7-1 at Mossfield. Craig Anderson opened his account for the new term with a hat-trick whilst Duncan “Ach” MacRae scored twice. A powerful second half display gave Kilmallie a 6-1 win over Oban Celtic at Mossfield. Oban Celtic took the lead thanks to a cracking Daniel Madej effort and that’s the way it stayed until the break. Indeed Kenny Wotherspoon’s side could have been further ahead had it not been for some fine goalkeeping from Shane Gillies in the Kilmallie goal whilst an Ally McKerracher shot came back off the post. However the second half belonged to the Canal Parks side and they went on to score six times without replay. Ryan Stewart, Mark Graham’s brace Bryan MacKay, Michael Rodger and Duncan Rodger all netted. Lochside Rovers beat Oban Lorn 2-1 at the Oban High School 3G pitch. Calum Kirsop and Michael McQueen scored for Lochside with Drew Walker countering. Lochside then drew 1-1 with the Kyles Athletic second team at Ganavan. Iain MacMillan netted for the home side whilst youngster Paddy Mulholland was the Kyles scorer. Glenorchy beat Oban Lorn from the league below 2-1 at Mart Park. Findlay Ross scored both goals with Drew Walker replying for Oban Lorn. Alex Cunningham’s brace helped Kilmory beat Ballachulish 5-0 in their match at Jubilee Park. Col Glen defeated Bute 2-0 at Otter Ferry with Conor Kennedy and Lorne Marshall scoring. Kinlochshiel made it fourteen goals in two pre-season outings when they beat Inveraray 6-2 at the Winterton with Jordan Fraser grabbing a hat-trick. Kilmallie beat Inverness 2-0 at the Bught Park outside pitch. Ryan Stewart and Craig MacIsaac got the goals that made the difference. Fort William lifted the Glen Mhor Cup when they beat an under-strength Lochaber side 6-0 at Spean Bridge. Arran MacPhee, Calum Shepherd and Lewis Clark all bagged doubles. Fort William then lost 4-0 at Lovat with Craig Mainland, Lorne MacKay twice and Martin Bell were on target. Iain Robinson’s double helped Newtonmore beat Lochaber 5-1 at the Eilan. A late Ryan Gillies goal gave Taynuilt a 1-0 win over the Glasgow Mid Argyll second team at the Taynuilt Sports Field. Glengarry had two big wins. They beat the Inverness second team 10-0 at Craigard with Raymond Robertson scoring four times. ‘Garry then beat the Lovat second team 7-1 at Balgate but four-goal Nick Dalgety helped Ewen Cameron’s side to victory.
March 2017 Camanachd Association Appoint New Chief Derek Keir was appointed Camanachd Association Chief Executive Officer but won’t take office until May. After an initial round of interviews failed to identify a suitable candidate, shinty’s governing body will be pleased to have replaced Torquil Macleod who left in November.
Lochaber High School Are 2017 Donella Crawford Winners Lochaber High School were crowned Donella Crawford sixes winners at the annual tournament in Ardnamurchan. After an exciting day’s shinty, Lochaber beat Portree 1-0 in the final.
On The Field Action The new shinty season got underway on Saturday 4 March 2017. Marine Harvest Premiership Kingussie were the early pace-setters after beating Glasgow Mid Argyll and Glenurquhart either side of a draw with Kilmallie. Oban Camanachd were second courtesy of wins over Lochaber and Newtonmore although they did lose to eventual tile challengers Kinlochshiel and Kyles Athletic. Marine Harvest National Division Skye made their early intentions clear as wins over Inverness and Oban Celtic, either side of a draw with Caberfeidh, left them top of the table. Marine Harvest North Division 1 Aberdeen University won both their opening matches against the Kingussie seconds and the Glenurquhart seconds and that was enough to leave them top of the table at the end of the month. Marine Harvest South Division 1 Aberdour suffered a heavy opening day defeat to Lochside Rovers but victories over Col Glen and the Kyles Athletic seconds left them early league leaders. Marine Harvest North Division 2 Glengarry scored eighteen goals against Lewis, the Caberfeidh colts and Strathspey Camanachd to give an indication what was to come from them throughout the season. Marine Harvest South Division 2 Strachur won both their opening fixtures against Dunoon and Aberdour seconds to top South 2. RBS MacTavish Cup Caberfeidh, Glenurquhart, Kinlochshiel, Lovat and Newtonmore all progressed in the MacTavish Cup. Gregor Cameron Consultancy Glasgow Celtic Cup There were opening round wins for Glenorchy, Kilmory and Tayforth whilst it took penalties for Bute to get past Oban Celtic.
April 2017 On The Field Action Marine Harvest Premiership A perfect five wins out of five took Kyles Athletic to the top of the Marine Harvest Premiership. However Kinlochshiel also had a 100% record and they were only two points behind with a game in hand. Marine Harvest National Division League wins over Beauly and Strathglass kept Skye out in front in shinty’s second tier with Caberfeidh and Fort William just a point behind. Marine Harvest North Division 1 The Kingussie seconds ended the month in top spot, ahead of their Newtonmore counterparts who had played a game fewer. The sides drew 2-2 towards the end of the month. Marine Harvest South Division 1 Aberdour managed to stay a point in front of Lochside Rovers and Tayforth although they had played two games more than both clubs. Marine Harvest North Division 2 Glengarry were already the team to beat in North 2 with ten points from five matches. The Caberfeidh reserves had the same points total but they had played a game more and had an inferior goal difference. Marine Harvest South Division 2 Home wins over Dunoon, Aberdour seconds and Strachur took the Inveraray second team to the top of the table. Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Skye Camanachd, Caberfeidh and Kilmory safely negotiated their preliminary round ties to reach the first round of the Camanachd Cup. Artemis Macaulay Cup Despite their good league run, Kinlochshiel exited the Macaulay at the hands of a Stuart MacDonald inspired Lovat side. Oban Celtic recorded an excellent 5-4 win at Inveraray. Balliemore Cup The opening Balliemore Cup rounds went to form with Caberfeidh the biggest winners; defeating Aberdeen University 11-0. Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup Teams from Kingussie, Newtonmore, Lochside Rovers and Glengarry all had good second round wins.
May 2017 Reid Names Scotland 2017 Shinty / Camogie Squad Scotland Ladies Head Coach Stuart Reid named his Scotland squad for the Shinty / Camogie international against Dublin in July. Skye’s Rhianna Kirk was given a first cap as were Zoe Reid from Badenoch, Glasgow Mid Argyll pair Lucy McNulty and Lyndsay Michie and Shannon Wilson from Fort William.
Connor Howe Makes Oban Switch Oban Celtic signed forward Connor Howe from Oban Camanachd. Howe hadn’t featured for Oban Camanachd in recent weeks and became the second promising youngster to join Kenny Wotherspoon’s squad from their Oban rivals with Ross MacMillan making the same switch ahead of the start of the season.
On The Field Action Marine Harvest Premiership Despite dropping their first point of the season in a draw with Oban Camanachd, Kyles Athletic stayed top of the division. Bottom side Lochaber picked up their first points of the term, defeating Glenurquhart 3-2. Marine Harvest National Division Skye remained a point clear in shinty’s second tier with Inverness becoming isolated with only two points at the bottom of the table. Marine Harvest North Division 1 Two wins and a draw sent Newtonmore reserves three points clear of second placed Kingussie reserves. Marine Harvest South Division 1 Four league wins took Lochside Rovers a point clear of Aberdour with a game in hand as the championship race heated up. Marine Harvest North Division 2 With maximum points from seven games played, and forty three goals scored and only four conceded, Glengarry stayed top of the table. Marine Harvest South Division 2 The Inveraray second team opened up a five point gap at top of the South 2 summit. Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Inveraray, Kilmallie, Kyles Athletic, Lovat, Newtonmore, Oban Camanachd, Skye Camanachd and Strathglass all made it through to the Scottish quarter-finals. MacTavish Cup Kilmallie and Newtonmore won through to the MacTavish Cup Final. ‘More defeated Glenurquhart 3-1 with Kilmallie beating Kinlochshiel 3-2. Gregor Cameron Consultancy Glasgow Celtic Society Cup A Daniel Cameron goal gave Oban Camanachd a 1-0 semi-final win over Inveraray whilst Kyles Athletic beat Glasgow Mid Argyll 3-0 in the other last four tie. Balliemore Cup Beauly, Caberfeidh, Fort William and Inveraray all enjoyed quarter-final victories in shinty’s intermediate competition.
June 2017 Kingussie U17 Win 2017 Strathdearn Sixes Kingussie U17 retained the Strathdearn Sixes at The Bught Park, Inverness. The Kings beat Skye 2-1 after extra-time in the in the final of this a round-robin tournament.
Lochaber High Dedicate Win In Memory Of Former Players Lochaber High School dedicated their MacPherson Cup success to the memory of 2002 winning captain, Duncan Rodger, and Donald Lamont, who played in the Banavie School team which lifted the cup in 1960. Both men passed away recently and both were in the thoughts of the Lochaber squad that travelled to The Dell for this year’s event; a triangular tournament in which they finished ahead of Dunoon and hosts Kingussie.
On The Field Action Marine Harvest Premiership A win over Kingussie was enough to maintain Kyles Athletic’s league lead. After some cup disappointments, Kinlochshiel also stuttered in the league, losing to Glenurquhart, drawing with Lochaber but recovering to beat Kingussie. Bottom side Lochaber rallied, taking three points out of four against Glasgow Mid Argyll and Kinlochshiel. Marine Harvest National Division Caberfeidh took advantage of Skye’s league inactivity to leap-frog the Islanders as league leaders. Marine Harvest North Division 1 Reigning champions Newtonmore seconds opened up a four point lead but second placed Aberdeen University had two games in hand. Marine Harvest South Division 1 With Lochside Rovers not in league action, Aberdour regained the lead in the title race. However they had played three games more than their Oban rivals. Marine Harvest Division 2 Glengarry’s romp to the league title continued throughout June with big wins over the Lovat seconds and Lewis Camanachd. Marine Harvest South Division 2 The Inveraray reserves stay top of the table despite only playing one league match during the month. Artemis Macaulay Cup Kyles Athletic, Oban Camanachd, Lovat and Newtonmore reached the last four of the Artemis Macaulay Cup. RBS MacTavish Cup Newtonmore lifted the MacTavish Cup after beating Kilmallie 3-2 in the final at The Bught Park. Steven MacDonald, Drew MacDonald and Fraser MacKintosh had ‘More 3-0 ahead but Michael Rodger and man of the match Calum MacDougall cut the deficit to a sing goal, setting up a tense finish. Gregor Cameron Consultancy Glasgow Celtic Society Cup Kyles Athletic overcame Oban Camanachd 3-1 to win the Gregor Cameron Consultancy Glasgow Celtic Society Cup at The Taynuilt Sports Field. A Dunkie Kerr double and Roddy MacDonald had Kyles in control before Daniel Cameron’s late counter. Balliemore Cup Caberfeidh and Fort William will contest the Balliemore Cup Final after both won their semi-final ties. Caberfeidh edged out Beauly 4-3 whilst Fort William bettered Inveraray 3-1. |