The 2017 Shinty Review of the Season – Part 2 | |
30 December 2017 We’d reached the business end of the shinty season as Twe look back on the second half of 2017.
July 2017 Keith Loades Is President-Elect The Camanachd Association confirmed that Keith Loades was successful in his application to take on the position of President-Elect for the Camanachd Association. Loades continue in this position until the Camanachd Association Annual General Meeting. Having played shinty throughout his life, and managed Kinlochshiel on three separate occasions, Keith joined the Camanachd Association Board three years ago, serving latterly as vice president.
Scotland Ladies Win In Dublin Scotland Ladies returned from Dublin with the win they wanted, beating the Dublin County Ladies Select 19-10 in their latest Shinty / Camogie clash to tie the series at a win apiece. Skye’s Lorna MacRae scored twelve points.
Young Shinty Stars Shine Seventy-one of the country’s brightest young shinty prospects descended upon Strathallan School in Forgandenny, Perthshire for the 2017 National Player Development Camp. A number of awards were presented at the end of Thursday’s session: Player of the Camp: Roddy Young (Kingussie); Most Improved Player: William Boag (Bute); Outstanding Performance: Ruaraidh Graham (Inveraray).
Young Scots Star On Irish Tour Scotland U17 completed another successful Irish tour, recording wins against both Waterford U17 and Dublin U17 on their annual four-day visit to the Emerald Isle. After an inspiring trip to Croke Park, the Scotland squad travelled south to play Waterford U17 at Walsh Park; a county ground. Scotland dominated the game from the start; eventually running out convincing (12-7) 43-13 (1-10) winners. Scotland won the annual meeting with Dublin U17 (9-3) 30-11 (1-8).
Taynuilt Primaries Lift MacKay Cup Taynuilt Primaries won the 2017 MacKay Cup, shinty’s top primary school-age event, beating Alvie Primary School 2-1. Joe MacVicar and Mathew Sloss got the goals with Calum Douglas pulling a goal back.
Spectacular Day At North Shinty World Cup The 2017 North Shinty World Cup was a huge success as 330 players made up 43 teams to play on seven pitches at The Bught Park, Inverness. A total 120 games were played and following the action:
Shinty Photos Exhibition Acclaimed shinty photographer Neil G Paterson hosted a month-long exhibition at Eden Court, displaying prints of images taken during his nine seasons covering the sport.
On The Field Round Up Marine Harvest Premiership It remained very tight at the top of the division. Kinlochshiel held a two point advantage although they had played a game more than Kyles who would rue losing a two goal lead when the sides drew 2-2 at Tighnabruaich at the end of the month. Marine Harvest National Division Caberfeidh stayed a point ahead of Skye in the National although the Islanders had a game in hand. Marine Harvest North Division 1 The Newtonmore seconds had a three point cushions at the top of the league. Marine Harvest South Division 1 Lochside Rovers were in a good position; two points behind Aberdour but with three games in hand. Marine Harvest North Division 2 Despite suffering their first league defeat – against the Caberfeidh reserves – Glengarry stayed comfortably ahead at the top of the table. Marine Harvest South Division 2 The Inveraray seconds held a two point advantage over Strachur. Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Lovat, Newtonmore, Oban Camanachd and Skye Camanachd reached the last four of shinty’s premier competition. Artemis Macaulay Cup Newtonmore beat Lovat and Kyles Athletic defeated Oban Camanachd to set up next month’s Macaulay final. Balliemore Cup Fort William won the Balliemore Cup, edging out Caberfeidh on penalties after a 4-4 draw at Blairbeg. Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup Lochside Rovers and the Kingussie seconds won through to the Sutherland Cup Final. Strathdearn Cup The Newtonmore and Kingussie seconds set up an all-Badenoch Strathdearn Cup Final with Glengarry and Skye reserves losing out in the semi-final stage. Bullough Cup The Inveraray seconds were surprise winners against Lochside Rovers to reach the Bullough Final where they will face Strachur who beat the Kyles Athletic second team.
August 2017 Macaulay Association Canvas Views The Camanachd Association asked the Macaulay Association to review their eligibility criteria for the Artemis Macaulay Cup competition. The Camanachd Association suggested the Macaulay Association considered some way of incorporating the teams that are promoted to the Premiership should there have been eight North or South sides in the previous year’s top flight.
2017 Inverness Sixes A total twenty seven teams took part in the Annual Inverness Sixes at The Bught Park, Inverness. Caberfeidh won the Jubilee Shield for the third year in a row, Strathspey lifted the Rosedean Shield, Skye Camanachd Ladies retained the Alistair Gow Shield and Lochaber U14 took the Ken Ross Trophy.
On The Field Round Up Marine Harvest Premiership The title race changed hands once more as Kyles Athletic finished the month ahead of Kinlochshiel on goal difference. Marine Harvest National Division Wins over Oban Celtic, Inverness and Fort William meant Skye went three points clear at the summit. Marine Harvest North Division 1 The Newtonmore colts and Aberdeen University continued to battle it out for the championship and the ‘More ended the month with a slender one point advantage. Marine Harvest South Division 1 Four wins in August confirmed Lochside Rovers’ status as title favourites. Marine Harvest North Division 2 Glengarry’s only league action this month was a win over Lochcarron but they remained out in front. Marine Harvest South Division 2 The Inveraray second team were now homing in on the league title. Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Lovat and Newtonmore were semi-final winners and started their preparations for next month’s show-piece final. Strathdearn Cup Roddy Young scored twice as the Kingussie colts beat the Newtonmore colts 4-2 in this derby final. Bullough Cup The Inveraray second team won the Bullough Cup, beating Strachur 3-0 in the final at Strachurmore. David Robertson, Euan McMurdo and Russell McKinlay made the difference.
September 2017 Lachie Wood to Referee Scottish Final The Camanachd Association confirmed that Lachie Wood from Lochgilphead will referee the 2017 Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final between Lovat and Newtonmore at The Bught Park, Inverness. Lachie Wood took charge of the Bullough Cup Final in 2013, the Balliemore and Valerie Fraser Cup Finals in 2014 as well as the 2015 Macaulay Cup Final. He also refereed the Glasgow Celtic Society Cup Final in 2014 and 2017.
On The Field Round Up Marine Harvest Premiership Kinlochshiel were within touching distance of a first top flight title after they beat challengers Kyles Athletic 4-0 at Kirkton. Marine Harvest National Division Skye Camanachd secured the National Division flight title and an immediate return to shinty’s top flight. Marine Harvest North Division 1 The Newtonmore second team retained the North Division 1 title and they were presented with the trophy flowing their final match of the season; a 3-2 defeat to the Fort William seconds at An Aird. Marine Harvest South Division 1 Lochside Rovers were just a point away from the South 1 championship after beating nearest challengers Aberdour 4-1. Marine Harvest North Division 2 The Lochaber seconds stayed on Glengarry’s tails as the title race moved into the final weeks of the season. ‘Garry held a two point advantage with both sides still having two games to go. Marine Harvest South Division 2 The top two sides – Inveraray seconds and Strachur – didn’t play a league match during September. Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Newtonmore saw off a late Lovat fight-back to win 3-2 and lift the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup. Neil Stewart and Jamie Robinson had ‘More 2-0 ahead at the break. Substitute Marc MacLachlan started the Lovat revival and Lorne MacKay restored parity shortly after. The game’s defining moment came with 14 minutes remaining. David MacLean and Glen MacKintosh to set up Evan Menzies, who had lost his marker, and Menzies struck the ball low into the net from just inside the penalty spot to win the trophy. Drew MacDonald was awarded the coveted Albert Smith Medal as man of the match. Artemis Macaulay Cup There were goals galore as Kyles Athletic defeated Newtonmore 7-4 to lift the Artemis Macaulay Cup. Roddy MacDonald scored four times for the Tighnabruaich men.
Skye Take Valerie Fraser Cup Skye Camanachd won the WCA Marine Harvest Valerie Fraser Cup for the first time with a 6-1 win over Lochaber in the final at An Aird. Player of the match Lorna MacRae scored five times whilst Jenna Beaton scored the other Skye goal. Alison MacVicar was on target for Lochaber.
‘Garry Lift Challenge Cup Glengarry were WCA Marine Harvest Challenge Cup winners and Leona Falconer grabbed a hat-trick as they beat Ardnamurchan 7-1 in the final at An Aird. ‘Garry’s Joanne Gillanders was named player of the match.
Oban Camanachd’s MacQuiston Cup Success Ewen Logan, Lennon Campbell and Blair MacFarlane got the goals as Oban Camanachd U17 beat Col Glen U17 3-0 to lift the MacQuiston Cup at The Winterton.
Portree High Win Great Glen Schools Sixes Portree High School won the 2017 Shinty Shop Great Glen Schools Sixes at Blairbeg. A total nine teams took part in the U16 tournament with Portree beating Glenurquhart on penalties in the final.
2017 Donnie MacLean Sixes The annual Donnie MacLean Sixes took place at Spean Bridge. After a great day’s shinty, Kingussie U14 ran out winners, beating Lochaber U14 in the final.
Inverness U14 Win 2017 Ferguson Transport & Shipping Shield Inverness U14 won the Ferguson Transport & Shipping Shield at Spean Bridge. Four squads took part in the north round of fixtures and Inverness beat Lochaber, Badenoch and Skye & Wester Ross to win the day. Inverness captain Finlay Ogilvie was presented with the winner’s shield by Stuart Callison from Ferguson Transport & Shipping.
WCA North Double The North seniors beat the South seniors 5-0. Hazel Hunter and Sarah Corrigall both scored twice with Laura Gallacher also finding the back of the net. The North led 4-0 at the break before eventually running out convincing 10-0 winners. Megan Ralph scored twice, Zoe Reid grabbed a hat-trick and Alison MacVicar bagged a double whilst Leona Falconer, Mairi Stewart and Mairi Duncan got the others.
Balla’ Youngsters Retain National Development Title Ballachulish U14 successfully defended their Marine Harvest National Development trophy, beating Oban Lorn 6-2 at Mossfield. Lewis Moran scored four times for Balla’ whilst David Wilson netted twice. Coll MacKay and Duncan MacEwan were on target for Oban Lorn.
Kingussie U14 Win MacMaster Cup Kingussie U14 had to fight all the way to win the Kenneth MacMaster Cup, beating Lochaber U14 6-4 in a high scoring final. A Ewan Baker hat-trick, a Michael Slimon double and Ally Douglas for the Kings cancelled out a Max Campbell brace and goals from Dillon Brockie and Robbie Rydings. Kingussie captain Cameron Leiper was presented with the MacMaster Cup by David MacMaster.
North Take Honours Strikes from Dylan Borthwick, Martin Pringle and Victor Smith gave North U17 a 3-1 victory over South U17 at An Aird. Lewis Buchanan pulled a late goal back for the South. Earlier in the day, North U14 were convincing 11-2 winners over South U14 in their noon throw up at An Aird. The North scorers were Max Campbell and Euan Maccormick and doubles from Taylor Matheson, Declan Brannan, Michael Slimon and Ross MacKinnon. Ross Campbell and Gregor MacDonald scored for the South.
October 2017 Ronald Ross Names Scotland Squad Scotland Head Coach Ronald Ross named his squad for the forthcoming Marine Harvest Shinty / Hurling international against Ireland. There were first caps for Lovat pair Craig Mainland and Daniel Grieve as well as Badenoch duo Michael Russell from Newtonmore and Ryan Borthwick from Kingussie. Meantime, Scotland U21 Head Coach Alan MacRae also named his pool for the meeting with their Irish counter-parts. The new caps were Glenurquhart’s Lachlan Smith, Robert Mabon from Kingussie, Skye’s Ally “Cleodi” MacLeod, Newtonmore duo Iain Richardson and Craig Ritchie and Fort William pair Alexander MacMillan and Calum Shepherd.
Boost For Shinty The Camanachd Association announced that Marine Harvest had agreed to a new, six-figure, three year sponsorship deal - the largest single sponsorship investment in the sport to date. The new agreement extends the partnership between Marine Harvest and the Camanachd Association to 33 years, running until the end of the 2020 season, and represents one of Scotland’s longest running sport sponsorships.
Scots Win Scotland retained the Marine Harvest Quaich, beating Ireland (2-12) 18-15 (0-15) in their Shinty / Hurling international at The Bught Park, Inverness. Kevin Bartlett was again top scorer with twelve points whilst a late, stunning Stuart MacDonald save kept the Scots in front. Steve Bracken from sponsor’s Marine Harvest presented the Marine Harvest Quaich to Scotland captain Finlay MacRae. A storming second half display gave Ireland U21 a 19-15 victory over Scotland U21 in their Marine Harvest Shinty / Hurling International.
2017 Annual Marine Harvest Shinty Awards The 2017 Annual Marine Harvest Shinty Award winners were announced at a ceremony and dinner hosted by sponsors Marine Harvest at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness. James Perlich from Kyles Athletic was named Marine Harvest Coach of the Year whilst his player Andrew King was Marine Harvest Player of the Year. Kinlochshiel were Marine Harvest Club of the Year. Lochside Rovers were to the fore as manager Gareth Evans was the recipient of the Marine Harvest South Division 1 Coach of the Year whilst keeper Cameron Sutherland collected the Marine Harvest South Division 1 Player of the Year Award.
On The Field Round Up Marine Harvest Premiership Kinlochshiel clinched an historic first Premiership title when they beat Oban Camanachd at Mossfield. Kilmallie and Glasgow Mid Argyll finished in the relegation places. Marine Harvest National Division Caberfeidh and Fort William were battling it out for the division’s second promotion spot. Newly promoted Oban Celtic finished their season in a respectable sixth place. Marine Harvest South Division 1 Lochside Rovers were crowned South Division 1 champions after they defeated the Kyles Athletic second team 8-0 at Ganavan. Gareth Evans’ side had looked favourites to win the league for some weeks and they showed remarkable consistency, only dropping four points all season, scoring 74 goals whilst only conceding 12 times. Marine Harvest South Division 2 The Inveraray seconds sealed the title and promotion to South 1.
November 2017 On The Field Round Up Marine Harvest National Division Caberfeidh clinched the second promotion place to the Premiership.
Kings Snatch London Shield Kingussie U17 won the London Shield, eventually edging out Oban Camanachd U17 on penalties following their 4-4 draw in what was a thrilling final at The Dell. Ross Campbell and Lewis Buchanan gave the Oban side an early 2-0 lead but Roddy Young and Ruaridh Anderson drew Kingussie level. Goals from Young again and Lennon Campbell made it 3-3 and took the final into extra-time. Ruaridh Anderson put Kingussie back in front but Lewis Buchanan got his second from the penalty spot to make it 4-4. With no further scoring, a penalty shoot-out ensued and Kieran MacPherson was the only scorer to add the London Shield to the Wade Cup which was won by Kingussie High School earlier in the week.
Skye Ladies Are Champs Skye Camanachd were confirmed as WCA Marine Harvest National Division 1 winners for the second successive season when nearest challengers Lochaber were unable to raise a team for their title-decider at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree.
Oban Camanachd End of Season Sixes The inaugural Oban Camanachd end of season sixes took place at Mossfield. This was a fun day for all associated with the club and eight teams of mainly eight players signed up to the event. After an entertaining afternoon’s shinty, Lorne Dickie’s Jura side and Gavin Stobbart’s Colonsay squad won through to the final. The sides could not be separated and an immediate sudden death penalty shoot-out decided the outcome with Jura keeper Brian MacCallum scoring the winner.
December 2017 2018 Artemis Macaulay Cup - Draw The 2018 Artemis Macaulay Cup draw was made live on Oban FM’s Sports Show. The pick of the ties is the North meeting between Kinlochshiel and Newtonmore on the west coast. The winners will meet whoever comes out on top in the tie between Kingussie and Skye Camanachd at the Dell so there are the possibilities of either west coast or Badenoch derbies in the quarter-finals.
Shinty Rule Changes on the Horizon The Camanachd Association Board of Directors look set to introduce a number of byelaw changes for the 2018 shinty season including the introduction of a sin bin linked to match bookings. |