The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 23 August 2014 | |
24 August 2014 Newtonmore ended a 28 year wait to lift the Artemis Macaulay Cup following the shinty action on Saturday 23 August 2014.
Artemis Macaulay Cup - Final Kyles Athletic 1 Newtonmore 2 (after extra time) Newtonmore won their first Artemis Macaulay Cup since 1986 when they beat Kyles Athletic 2-1 after extra-time at Mossfield. Kyles Athletic were without Callum Miller, Iain MacDonald and Donald Irvine when they drew with Inveraray last weekend. MacDonald and Irvine returned but Miller was the biggest concern for bosses Norman MacDonald and James Perlich as he had been missing since picking up an injury in the Artemis Macaulay Cup semi-final win over Oban Camanachd at the end of July. However they were convinced by his fitness at training during the week and he started in defence. Kyles forward Roddy MacDonald was the tournament’s top scorer with six goals. Newtonmore had injury concerns over defender Norman Campbell and forward Glen MacKintosh who both picked up knocks in the draw with Lovat last weekend. However both started and ‘More boss Paul John MacKintosh was able to list other injury victims Fraser MacKintosh and Andy MacKintosh as substitutes but long-term injury victim Rory Kennedy continued to miss out. Kyles attacked from the throw up but Newtonmore started to win the middle of the park and they broke the deadlock on 16 minutes when Calum Stewart touched the ball to his strike partner Danny MacRae and the bounce of the ball from MacRae’s low shot beat Kenny MacDonald to make it 1-0. For all Newtonmore’s pressure, they still only led by a single goal and Glen MacKintosh broke down the right on 40 minutes but Kenny MacDonald saved his effort and Calum Stewart put the rebound wide of the gapping goal. There was an unusual scene seconds later when referee Deek Cameron blew for half time with 5 minutes of the first half still remaining. However fourth official Colin MacDonald pointed out the error and the players got back into their positions to play out the remainder of the half. Kyles now had the breeze at their backs after the restart and a Roberto Zavaroni ball into the D caused panic after 49 minutes but Michael Ritchie got the ball away before any damage was done. Kyles now looked a much different prospect and they levelled on 53 minutes when Thomas Whyte did well down the right side of the park and when ‘More failed to clear their lines from his cross, Dunkie Kerr took advantage to crack the ball low into the net to make it 1-1. Kyles had the better of the second half, but with no further scoring, referee Deek Cameron took the final into an extra-time period following almost 7 minutes injury time. There was little in the way of goal-mouth action during the first period of extra-time until Fraser MacKintosh won the ball on the ‘More right and found Jamie Robinson but the full centre’s shot rose over the bar on 100 minutes. Seconds later, play switched to the other end and Michael Ritchie turned away Dunkie Kerr’s shot. Newtonmore went back in front on 114 minutes. Captain Scott Chisholm played a long, dangerous ball into the Kyles goal area and the Tighnabruaich men were unable to clear the danger and a Glen MacKintosh challenge on Iain MacDonald made just enough space for Fraser MacKintosh to crash the ball low into the corner of the net to make it 2-1. Kyles threw everyone forward and forced a couple of corners on the left but Newtonmore stayed strong to win their first Artemis Macaulay Cup since 1986.Newtonmore captain Scott Chisholm raised the Macaulay Cup aloft and the first piece of a league and cup double attempt was completed for the men from the Eilan.
Strathdearn Plate Final Lovat P Beauly P The inaugural Strathdearn Plate Final between Lovat and Beauly which was to throw up at noon at Castle Leod was postponed following the sad passing of Lovat stalwart Jackie Henton.
Orion Group Premiership Lovat P Kingussie P The 3pm throw up between Lovat and Kingussie at Balgate was postponed following the sad passing of Lovat stalwart Jackie Henton.
Marine Harvest National Division Fort William 1 Oban Camanachd 1 Title contenders Fort William and Oban Camanachd drew 1-1 in their vital 2pm meeting at An Aird. These sides look to be battling it out for the title. Neil Robertson was free of suspension for Fort William but James Tangey was sidelined with a one match ban for a points accumulation. There was a minutes silence ahead of throw up in memory of Oban Celtic stalwart Bob Wylie who passed away earlier in the week. When referee Ron Kennedy awarded Fort William a penalty after 13 minutes, Arran MacPhee stepped up to convert from the spot. The penalty was given when Oban keeper Robert Dunnings fell on top of the ball as Arran MacPhee was attempting to shoot following a scramble inside the D. MacPhee’s conversion was his 26th goal of the season and the Fort teenager must be high in the thoughts of Scotland U21 head Coach Garry Reid. Oban Camanachd levelled 5 minutes after the restart through Lorne Dickie. It took a couple of smart second half saves from keeper Dunnings to keep the visitors on level terms and although the Oban Camanachd pushed for a winner in in the latter stages, the sides had to settle for a point each. Oban Camanachd have two matches remaining – at home to both Beauly and Fort William. They remain a point ahead of Fort William but the An Aird side has a game in hand. Fort William’s remaining three matches are home meetings with the bottom two sides – Bute and Glenorchy – as well as a trip to Mossfield to play Oban Camanachd which will surely decide the title on Saturday 27 September 2014.
Caberfeidh 2 Glasgow Mid Argyll 1 Fifth place Caberfeidh came from behind to beat sixth place Glasgow Mid Argyll 2-1 in their 3pm throw up at Castle Leod. Caberfeidh’s Jodi Gorski started a two match ban following his red card against Glenorchy in Cabers last outing four weeks ago. GMA went ahead after 17 minutes when Craig Anderson scored his 17th goal of the season from the penalty spot. Referee Evan MacRae pointed to the spot when GMA youngster Calum McLay was fouled inside the D and Anderson put the spot-hit low into the bottom corner of the net to make it 1-0. GMA took their single goal lead into the break but Ruairidh MacLennan levelled for Cabers on 66 minutes. A draw looked likely until the final minute and the winning goal was fit to win any match. David Mellis did the damage as his shot from over 40 yards flew into the top corner of the net to make it 2-1. Both sides have one remaining fixture as Cabers travel to Bute and GMA host Kilmallie next weekend.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Strathglass 2 Skye Camanachd 4 Skye Camanachd took a step closer to the Marine Harvest North Division 1 title when they beat Strathglass 4-2 at Cannich. Skye were without captain Gilleasbuig MacDonald who was working and Jordan Murchison who travelled with the second team to Aberdeen. Chris MacLennan was added to the squad. Shockie MacLennan got Skye off to a great start with a goal in the opening minute. However Strathglass fought back and goals from Robert Geddes on 22 minutes and Scott Douglas on 31 minutes put the home side 2-1 in front. They looked as if they just might take that lead into the break until Ally “Spod” MacLeod popped up to equalise on the stroke of half-time. Skye put in a better performance in the second half and a double from Kenny MacLeod on 50 and 65 minutes was enough to secure both points.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Ballachulish 1 Aberdour 0 Ballachulish go three points clear at the top of the table following their narrow 1-0 win over Aberdour at Jubilee Park. The sides met a fortnight ago when Ballachulish came out on top by the odd goal in five and this game was equally close. Balla’ went into the game without John MacDonald and David Campbell was still out with a broken hand. The all-important goal came on 73 minutes and it was scored by Michael Slezas. The one down-side for Ballachulish was a red card for keeper David MacPhee issued by referee Ronnie Campbell – MacPhee’s second sending off this season. The home side stayed in front though and Balla’ are now just a win away from the title and their next scheduled match is against Strachur are Strachurmore next weekend.
Taynuilt 4 Strachur 0 Taynuilt eased their relegation fears when they beat Strachur 4-0 in their noon clash at the Taynuilt Playing Fields. David Graham gave the home side the lead on 35 minutes and two goals just before the break put Taynuilt in control. An Iain MacLennan own goal doubled their advantage on 40 minutes and Stuart Scott made it 3-0 a couple of minutes later and Taynuilt took that lead into the break. Stuart Scott got his second and Taynuilt’s fourth 20 minutes from time to send the home support home happy. Kilmory are now two points adrift of Taynuilt at the bottom of the table and their last match is at home to on-form Oban Celtic next weekend.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Aberdeen University 4 Skye Camanachd 2 Aberdeen University came from two goals down to beat Skye Camanachd 4-2 in their crucial relegation battle at Balgownie. Alan Palmer missed out for Skye through work commitments whilst Chris MacLennan was on first team duty. Allan MacLeod and DJ Gilpin were unavailable but Jordan Murchison was added to the squad. Skye got off to a good start and they were 2-0 ahead thanks to goals from John Angus MacInnes on 5 minutes and Jordan Murchison on 18 minutes. However Mark Fraser reduced the deficit on 28 minutes to make it 2-1 at the break. Aberdeen University player / manager Jamie Beaton made it 2-2 on 58 minutes and the Students won the points with two late goals. Mark Fraser got his second to put the home side ahead for the first time in the match with just 12 minutes remaining. Willie Hunter sealed the win with a goal on 82 minutes to make it 4-2. There is now no margin for error for Skye. They sit in bottom place in the table, four points behind Aberdeen University who have completed their league programme. Skye have two matches remaining - at home to Boleskine and at home to Lochaber - and they must win them both to avoid relegation.
Lochcarron P Fort William P The match between Lochcarron and Fort William at Battery Park was postponed because of two bereavements in Lochcarron.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Inveraray 6 Glenorchy 0 Inveraray were crowned Marine Harvest South Division 2 champions following their 6-0 win over Glenorchy at the Winterton. There were no goals in the first half but a Fraser Watt strike after 51 minutes settled the hosts. With no first team fixture, Inveraray were able to boost their squad and Lewis MacNicol made it 2-0 on the hour mark. Inveraray first team player / co-manager Garry MacPherson made it 3-0 a minute later and Fraser Watt’s second on 69 minutes put Inveraray out of reach. Garry MacPherson got his second to make it 5-0 on 72 minutes and Lewis MacNicol did like-wise on 79 minutes to seal the 6-0 victory. Referee Alan Harrison red carded Glenorchy duo John MacNulty and Zander Kilmurray.
Glasgow Mid Argyll 0 Ballachulish 0 The match between Glasgow Mid Argyll and Ballachulish at Yoker has been rearranged for Saturday 6 September 2014.
Marine Harvest North Division 3 Kilmallie W/O v Lochbroom Lochbroom were unable to raise a team for their trip to the Canal Parks so Kilmallie were awarded the points. |