The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 15 March 2014 | |
16 March 2014 Shinty put the weather difficulties of the last two Saturday’s aside with only five postponements on Saturday 15 March 2014.
Orion Group Premiership Lochaber 1 Lovat 3 Lovat are the early Orion Group Premiership leaders as Allan MacRae’s side maintained their 100% record with their third consecutive win, this time against Lochaber at Spean Bridge. Robert Johnstone’s Lochaber side were without suspended duo Zandz Ferguson and Brennan MacDonald who each served a one game ban for a points accumulation. Full back Lachie Campbell was also unavailable and the team went into the game having not played since the end of last season as the wet weather ruined their pre-season plans. The visitors had to do without Lorne MacKay who started a two game suspension following his red card against Kingussie last weekend but Calum MacAulay came into the squad. Greg Matheson was passed fit to play for Lovat although he didn’t seem to have fully recovered from a knee injury sustained against Kingussie last weekend. The home side’s pre-season plans were foiled by the wet weather and this was their first league match. Graeme MacMillan scored his second goal in successive games when he cut in from the left on 29 minutes to give Lovat the lead. Kevin Bartlett made it 2-0 on with a good shot 37 minutes but Pat Toal gave Lochaber hope when he pulled a goal back with a shot from a wide area a couple of minutes later. Greg Matheson scored his third goal in three games when he made it 3-1 just 3 minutes into the second half. Kevin Bartlett got his second on 65 minutes and Jamie Matheson made it 5-1 just 5 minutes from time when he skilfully turned the ball into the net after Kevin Bartlett had hit the post following a run down the right wing. This was a really slick showing from Lovat and Lochaber had keeper Calum MacDonald to thank for some brilliant saves, particularly in the second half.
Newtonmore 2 Inveraray 0 Newtonmore made it two wins out of two with a 2-0 triumph over Inveraray at the Eilan. Newtonmore boss Paul John MacKintosh has injured duo Rory Kennedy and Drew MacDonald on the sidelines but he still had a very strong squad to choose from. Inveraray co-managers Garry MacPherson and Graham MacPherson were without Douglas Dando who suffered broken ribs at training. Inveraray full centre David Robertson was also missing following an operation on his nose. Fraser MacKintosh put ‘More ahead on 37 minutes but Inveraray proved dogged opponents and they had several chances to draw level but they were unable to test Michael Ritchie in the Newtonmore goal. Newtonmore had the chance to double their advantage when referee David Mitchell awarded them a penalty. However Graham MacPherson saved Glen MacKintosh’s spot hit. The home side were not able to relax until Fraser MacKintosh got his and his sides’ second goal of the afternoon in the final minute. Inveraray stayed strong in defence with Andrew McMurdo commanding at full back whilst Euan McMurdo was outstanding in the middle of the park.
Glenurquhart 0 Kyles Athletic 0 An unplayable pitch at Tighnabruaich meant the match between Glenurquhart and Kyles Athletic was reversed to Blairbeg with a 3.15pm throw up. The Glen were minus most of their defence as injury ruled out Andrew Corrigan and Ally MacKintosh with John Barr also missing. Kyles were boosted by Dunkie Kerr’s return after indicating that he would retire in the close season. Iain MacDonald was also included after the former Bute player joined the Tighnabruaich club during the week. This was an even encounter but there was very little goal action. Kyles started well without troubling Stuart MacKintosh whilst at the other end; a Lewis MacLennan shot from distance was palmed away by Kenny MacDonald. The best chance of the first half fell to the visitors but Stuart MacKintosh raced from his line to thwart Roddy MacDonald before clearing the ball to safety. Lewis MacLennan had a late chance to win both points for the Glen when he was set up by Neale Reid but his shot whistled wide of target. With neither side able to break the deadlock, they had to settle for a point apiece. Kyles finished strongly but the Glen defence, with Michael Brady and Fraser Heath dominant, stayed strong. Iain MacDonald and Lewis MacLennan were both booked by referee Billy Wotherspoon.
Kingussie 1 Kinlochshiel 0 Kinlochshiel’s Kirkton pitch has yet to see shinty action this season and it was ruled unplayable on Friday afternoon so their game against Kingussie was switched to the Dell. Kingussie had Louis Munro free from a two match suspension and he went straight into the starting line-up at full centre. Kinlochshiel were minus full back David Falconer who has a broken collar bone however Gordie MacDonald was included although he hasn’t fully recovered from a knee problem and Keith MacRae returned following a hernia operation. There was an outfield debut for Ewan Falconer – who had previously played for the first team in goal – and he slotted in at wing back with Paul MacRae reverting to full back. This was an evenly matched contest between two teams looking for their first points of the season. Both keepers made good first half saves – Kings’ Craig Dawson from Keith MacRae and Finlay MacRae and Shiel’s Scott Kennedy from Lee Bain and Savio Genini - to keep the game scoreless at the break. Kingussie made the vital breakthrough a couple of minutes into the second half with a goal from nothing. Lee Bain turned Paul MacRae on the penalty spot and he hit a low drive into the bottom right corner of the net to put Kingussie 1-0 in front. The match swung from end to end after that and the Kings goal was under threat with chances falling to Keith MacRae and John MacRae but Craig Dawson was outstanding in the Kingussie goal, making one particularly eye-catching save from Gordie MacDonald. At the other end, Scott Kennedy made a fantastic stop to foil Louis Munro. ‘Shiel manager Colin Fraser made a change in attack when he introduced Jordan Fraser and Alasdair Nixon in place of Duncan “Ach” MacRae and Oliver MacRae and Fraser almost levelled within moments of coming on when he sent a piledriver just past the post. At the other end of the park, ‘Scott Kennedy pulled off two excellent saves from Thomas Borthwick and Lee Bain. The game was played in good spirit, allowing referee John Angus Gillies to keep his cards in his top pocket.
Marine Harvest National Division Beauly 0 Oban Camanachd 1 Beauly and Oban Camanachd had a tight encounter in their 1.30pm throw up at Braeview Park. The Oban side were missing defenders Scott MacMillan and Garry Lord. Beauly had won the last two meetings between the teams and two fins saves from Oban Camanachd keeper Robert Dunnings kept the match even at the break. A superb finish from former Scotland U17 player Malcolm Clark on 55 minutes, set up by Gavin Stobbart, gave the Oban side both points. The visitors spurned chances to add to their tally but their second victory leaves them top of the table.
Glasgow Mid Argyll 4 Glenorchy 2 Glasgow Mid Argyll were 4-2 winners over Glenorchy in their 3pm throw up at Yoker. The match got off to an explosive start with Kieran MacKay putting Glenorchy ahead on 2 minutes and Craig Anderson levelling just 60 seconds later. Duncan Smith put the visitors back in front on 14 minutes but Craig Anderson went on to complete his hat-trick with goals on 28 and 37 minutes to put GMA ahead for the first time in the game. Mark Bain was on target a couple of minutes from the break to give GMA a two goal interval cushion. There were no second half goals so GMA, who had Ryan Harrison sent off by referee Ted MacDonald for an off the ball incident midway through the half which was spotted by the goal judge, secured their first points of the season.
Fort William P Bute P Fort William and Bute were to get their respective seasons under way at An Aird. Fort William’s home ground was closed for a large part of last season for significant ground maintenance works and there had been concerns expressed about the current condition of the pitch. However it passed a Saturday morning pitch inspection to give the match the green light. There was a late twist though as Bute were unable to raise a team so the match was postponed. Bute have been deducted two points and the match will be rescheduled for a later date.
Kilmallie P Caberfeidh P The match between Kilmallie and Caberfeidh was postponed as the Canal Parks was unplayable. The match was unable to be transferred as Caberfeidh were having works carried out to their Castle Leod pitch.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Glenurquhart 0 Skye Camanachd 3 The throw up for the meeting between Glenurquhart and Skye Camanachd was brought forward to 1pm to allow the Glenurquhart and Kyles Athletic first teams to meet later in the afternoon. Skye boss John MacLeod was without Chris Rose, Iain Murray and keeper Jamie Gannon so stand-in goalie Aonghas MacDonald continued in goal. The Islanders took the lead a minute later when Danny Morrison created some space for himself and from 25 yards out; he hit a rocket shot into roof of the net to make it 1-0. Glen keeper David MacFadyen saved a first half Jordan Murchison penalty so Skye had just one goal to show for all their first half pressure. Skye sealed the win with two late goals. Danny Morrison turned provider when he fed the ball to Shockie MacLennan who made no mistake from about the penalty spot to make it 2-0 on 77 minutes and substitute Kenny MacLeod rounded off the scoring when he made it 3-0 with a fine effort from 20 yards just 5 minutes from time.
Strathglass 2 Newtonmore 1 Strathglass beat Newtonmore 2-1 at Cannich. With Strathglass manager Callum Duff unavailable, keeper Stevie MacLachlan and club stalwart Roy MacKenzie looked after the side. Newtonmore co-managers Cammy MacDonald and Glen Tonkin have seen their side make a fine start to the season with a couple of victories in their opening two games and they still have forward Neil Stewart and defender Martin Ivil to return from injury. However they were short in attack with Calum Stewart, John MacKenzie and Martin Hall all missing this encounter. Strathglass got off to a great start when Josh Ironside scored after just 3 minutes. Chris Sellar made it 1-1 on 36 minutes and that is the way it stayed until Strath stalwart Robert Geddes netted the winner just 10 minutes from time. Strathglass introduced substitute Raymond Fraser in the closing stages but he was sent off by referee Graham Cameron for retaliation, just 5 minutes from time.
Lovat 1 Kingussie 4 Three late goals gave Kingussie the points in a 4-1 win over Lovat at Balgate. Rory Campbell put the home side ahead on 15 minutes but Kevin Thain drew Kingussie level just 4 minutes later. Ronald Ross started in defence for Kingussie but he was pushed forward into midfield in the closing stages of the game and he put Kingussie in front on 88 minutes. Goals from Roddy Young on 89 minutes and Kevin Thain on the stroke of full time added gloss to the final scoreline.
Inverness 1 Beauly 3 The Beauly second team were surprise 3-1 winners over Inverness at the Bught Park. Connor Golabeck sat out the third game of a three match ban whilst Zander Grant is still injured. Beauly had former first team manager Stephen MacLean in charge of their side and he introduced some experience to his young side by including Jamie MacLennan and Conor Ross and indeed MacLean also took to the field himself. Martin Davidson transferred from Beauly to Inverness earlier in the week but a gentlemen’s agreement between the two clubs meant he didn’t feature in this game. The home side were also minus former Beauly player Innes Simpson. After a goalless first half, Jamie MacLennan opened the scoring on 53 minutes to put Beauly ahead. However Inverness’ Liam Girvan drew parity just a couple of minutes later. Beauly went on to take the points though with goals from Sandy Elrick on the hour mark and Conor Ross a couple of minutes from time. Inverness were thwarted in their efforts by some fine saves from Beauly keeper Josh Grant.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Ballachulish 3 Taynuilt 0 Ballachulish took the points with a 3-0 win over Taynuilt at Jubilee Park. The home side were without captain John MacDonald who was suspended. There were no goals in the first half although Taynuilt had their fair share of possession and Grant MacKenzie twice went close for the home side before withdrawing through injury at the break. Lorne Brown put Balla’ ahead on 61 minutes and Scott Henderson made it 2-0 just 3 minutes later. Willie Neilson was outstanding at the back for Taynuilt but Lorne Brown got his second to round off a good Balla’ win a couple of minutes from time.
Lochside Rovers 0 Kilmory 2 Kilmory ran out 2-0 winners against David MacMillan’s young Lochside Rovers side in their 1pm throw up at Ganavan. The visitors took the lead on 33 minutes when referee Robert Baxter awarded them a penalty after Alister MacArthur was upended inside the D. MacArthur did manage to put the ball in the net but the whistle had gone before the ball crossed the line. However Iain Robertson stepped up to convert from the spot. Dennis MacGarry made it 2-0 just 5 minutes from time when he scored from just outside the D. The win keeps Kilmory at the top of the league whilst Lochside will be impressed with a fine debut from 15 year old defender Ross MacMillan.
Strachur 2 Aberdour 2 Strachur and Aberdour shared the points at Strachurmore. The visitors have had a busy pre-season but this was their first competitive outing. Aberdour’s Angus Thorburn served a one match ban for a points accumulation carried forward from the end of last season. Strachur had the better of the first half but all they had to show for their efforts was a Rhys Campbell goal. Aberdour made them pay when Jack Kelly equalised early in the second half. Andrew Robertson put the home side back in front within minutes but a late Darren Coyle effort gave Aberdour a hard-earned point.
Oban Celtic 1 Kyles Athletic 1 Oban Celtic and Kyles Athletic had to settle for a point each in their 2pm throw up at Mossfield. Alastair MacKay put the visitors ahead after 34 minutes but Alan Duffy levelled 3 minutes before the break. Oban Celtic lost Neil Carmichael and Donald MacCallum through injury in the first half and both face an anxious wait to see if they will be fit for the derby meeting with Lochside Rovers at Ganavan next weekend.
Marine Harvest North Divison 2 Boleskine 3 Lochaber 1 Boleskine top Marine Harvest North Division 2 following their 3-1 win over Lochaber at Farr. Martin Patterson had given Lochaber ahead and they controlled the early stages of the game. However the home side fought their way back into the game and goals from Neil Hope, Keith Nicolson and Doneil MacLeod gave Boleskine their second league victory in three games.
Skye Camanachd 7 Aberdeen University 0 Skye Camanachd and Aberdeen University both opened their domestic season at a wet and windy Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. The Students travelled with just twelve players and they suffered a blow when former Beauly player Greg Tillman had to leave the field on 37 minutes as he required five stitches to a head cut. Skye had enjoyed the majority of the first half pressure and Ally “Viewfield” MacLeod and Angie MacDonald netted on 44 and 45 minutes to put the Islanders two goals to the good at the break. Angie MacDonald completed his hat-trick with goals on 47 and 51 minutes to make it 4-0. Skye substitute John Murphy, making his first appearance for around sixteen years, got in on the act with a sweet strike on the hour mark to make it 5-0. The Aberdeen side never let their heads drop but Ally “Viewfield” MacLeod went on to complete his hat-trick with goals on 68 and 85 minutes to make it 7-0.
Glengarry P Kinlochshiel P The derby between Glengarry and Kinlochshiel was postponed as Craigard failed a Saturday morning pitch inspection.
Lochcarron P Fort William P Lochcarron’s season is still to get going as their match with Fort William at Battery Park was postponed on Friday evening because of an unplayable field and a switch to An Aird was not an option.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Glenorchy 0 Tayforth 3 Tayforth took the points with a 3-0 win over Glenorchy at Dalmally. A strong wind and a heavy pitch hampered the game but Shane Mason put the visitors ahead with a goal after 15 minutes. Tayforth had the wind at their backs in the first half and Somhairle Fraser made it 2-0 with his first senior goal just 10 minutes later. Glenorchy came more into the game in the second half but David Arnot rounded off the scoring when he scored on the hour mark. The win gives Tayforth a maximum six points out of six from their three games played and they are early league leaders.
Aberdour 3 Ballachulish 4 Aberdour and Ballachulish served up a seven goal thriller at Silver Sands. Brandon Marshall, Cameron Young and David MacDougall counted for the home side but Lewis Bryson, a Jack MacLean double and a Patrick MacLean penalty, awarded by referee Neil MacDonald, gave Ballachulish the points.
Inveraray 0 Col Glen 0 Inveraray and Col Glen shared the points following a goalless draw at the Winterton.
Bute P Glasgow Mid Argyll P The match between Bute and Glasgow Mid Argyll was postponed because heavy rain on Friday and Saturday left the field at the Meadows unplayable. This is the third consecutive week that the Meadows has failed a pitch inspection.
Marine Harvest North Division 3 Inverness 0 Kilmallie 8 Kilmallie were too strong for Inverness in their 12.30pm throw up at the Bught Park. New signing Martin Davidson turned out for Inverness. Kilmallie put last weekend’s team raising difficulties behind them as they took a first minute lead through Bryan MacKay. Aaron Sandison made it 2-0 on 20 minutes and Craig MacIsaac added a third just 5 minutes later. Ross MacKenzie got the first of his four goals on 27 minutes and he added to his tally on 34, 53 and 60 minutes to make it 7-0. Brian MacKinnon rounded off the scoring when he made it 8-0 just 3 minutes from time,
Lochbroom 0 Lewis Camanachd 0 Neither Lochbroom nor Lewis Camanachd were able to break the deadlock in their 1.30pm throw up at Inverlael. The match was played in difficult conditions with a heavy pitch and strong wind hampering the players.
Strathspey Camanachd 1 Caberfeidh 4 Strathspey Camanachd played their first competitive match at Grantown Grammar School but it ended in defeat, going down 4-1 to Caberfeidh. Both teams created chances in the opening period of the game but Cabers used the wind advantage to their benefit and they led 3-0 at the break. A Liam Symonds brace and goals from Alan Ross and Trevor Innes gave Cabers the points and the home side’s consolation was a late Andy Hay penalty, awarded by referee Andy MacLean. The Castle Leod side now top the table.
(This round up will be updated as more information becomes available) |