The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 26 April 2014 | |
27 April 2014 The main shinty focus was on the first round of the Artemis Macaulay Cup on Saturday 26 April 2014.
Artemis Macaulay Cup - First Round Inveraray 1 Kyles Athletic 5 The tie of the first round looked to be the 3pm throw up between Inveraray and Kyles Athletic at the Winterton. Inveraray have been a bogey side for the men from Tighnabruaich over the last couple seasons but Kyles exerted their authority in this tie. David Zavaroni got Kyles off to a great start with a goal after just 5 minutes. A Roddy MacDonald double on 20 and 35 minutes made it 3-0 at the break. Roberto Zavaroni made it 4-0 on 53 minutes and Roddy MacDonald completed his hat-trick on 61 minutes to make it 5-0. When referee Innes Wood awarded the home side a penalty on 71 minutes, Garry MacPherson stepped up to convert from the spot.
Newtonmore 4 Kilmallie 0 2013 runners-up Newtonmore are through to the next round after their 4-0 win over Kilmallie in their noon throw up. The tie was switched to the Eilan when the Canal Parks failed a pitch inspection. Glen MacKintosh returned to Paul John MacKintosh’s Newtonmore side. Kilmallie boss Duncan Kelly was without youngster Craig MacIsaac who suffered a knee injury in the mid-week derby between Kilmallie U17 and Fort William U17. Glen MacKintosh put Newtonmore ahead on 8 minutes whilst Fraser MacKintosh made it 2-0 just 3 minutes later. The same players scored late in the second half – Fraser MacKintosh on 71 minutes and Glen MacKintosh a couple of minutes from time – to round off a deserved 4-0 win.
Lovat 2 Kinlochshiel 1 (after extra time) It took extra-time to separate Lovat and Kinlochshiel at Balgate. Lovat were missing defender Michael MacKenzie who was unwell. Kinlochshiel’s Finlay MacRae recovered from a knock to the knee to play and he started in defence, picking up Lovat danger-man Greg Matheson. John MacRae started at full centre for the visitors who hope to have midfielder Steven Callander back in the fold sometime during the next few weeks. The sides served up a thrilling league match at the same venue just three weeks earlier when Lovat eventually ran out 4-2 winners. However it is fair to say that this match did not hit the same heights. Kinlochshiel’s Donald Nixon had an early chance for the visitors but he was unable to score. Lovat had an opportunity to take the lead on 10 minutes when Lorne MacKay was brought down inside the D by Paul MacRae and referee Deek Cameron pointed to the penalty spot. However the normally deadly Greg Matheson put his penalty just over the bar. Lovat played with a strong wind at their backs in the first period and they were on top for most of the half. They got their reward on 37 minutes when Lorne MacKay scored the only goal of the first half to put Lovat 1-0 ahead at half time. Kinlochshiel had the elements in their favour in the second half and there was a noticeable change in the run of play as the visitors had much more of the game. ‘Shiel manager Colin Fraser made an inspired substitution when he introduced Duncan “Ach” MacRae and he got the equalising goal shortly after when he beat keeper Stuart MacDonald on 68 minutes to level the tie. A hand injury to Craig Mainland saw Lovat manager Allan MacRae take on Graeme MacMillan and the youngster’s energetic presence seemed to boost the home side. An innocuous challenge involving Graeme MacMillan and Paul MacRae saw the ‘Shiel man have to leave the field with what was later confirmed as a broken arm. Alan MacPherson made his first appearance of the season for Lovat from the substitutes’ bench with just two of the regulation 90 minutes remaining. With no further scoring, referee Deek Cameron took the match into an extra-time period. Lovat had the wind advantage from the restart and the winning goal came 2 minutes from the end of the first period of extra-time when a great 25 yard strike from the in-form Kevin Bartlett hit the back of the net to make it 2-1. Kinlochshiel pushed Finlay MacRae into attack to try and get back on level terms but the Lovat defence, and in particular the commanding Drew Howie, stood firm to earn a place in the next round.
Lochaber 0 Kingussie 1 Kingussie edged out Lochaber 1-0 in an evenly matched tie at Spean Bridge to set up a quarter final derby against Newtonmore at the Dell. Both sides had players serving the second match of a two game suspension – Martin Johnstone for Lochaber and Kingussie’s Lee Bain. Zandz Ferguson returned to the Lochaber line up. The absence of Lee Bain coupled with that of Savio Genini, who was unavailable for this clash. meant Kingussie went into the tie without the two players who scored all five of their goals in their recent 5-2 league win at the same venue. That meant that youngster Robert Mabon and the more experienced John Gibson joined Fraser Munro and Thomas Borthwick in attack. Both Callum MacDonald and Craig Dawson made good saves to keep the game goalless. Just when it was starting to look as if the tie might head for extra-time, Kingussie’s Fraser Munro shot home on 82 minutes to score what was to prove to be the winning goal. Lochaber tried hard to get back on level terms in the closing stages but they couldn’t find a way past Craig Dawson and the Kings held on to their lead.
Fort William 1 Glenurquhart 0 2012 winners Glenurquhart are out of this year’s competition after they lost 1-0 to Fort William at An Aird. The Fort were boosted when Gordie MacKinnon was declared fit after picking up a wrist injury against Strathglass the previous weekend. James MacPherson continued on the sidelines for Glenurquhart with a hamstring injury. Arran MacPhee continued his good scoring run with the only goal of the game on 73 minutes. Gordie MacKinnon fired in a shot from around 20 yards and although Stuart MacKintosh saved his effort, Arran MacPhee, who has once again been called up for the Scotland U17 squad, reacted first to tuck home the rebound on his back-hand. However it wasn’t such a good day for his older brother Niall MacPhee who was sent off in the closing stages of the game by referee Graham Cameron following a scuffle involving players from both sides. Another low point for the Fort was a hand injury to forward Gary Innes and it was later confirmed that he has suffered a broken finger. Fort William will now travel to Balgate to play Lovat in the quarter finals.
Aberdour 0 Oban Camanachd 3 Oban Camanachd beat Aberdour 3-0 at Silver Sands. Oban Camanachd had James MacMillan free of suspension after he served a one game ban for a points accumulation. There were no goals in the first half but Daniel Cameron put the Oban side ahead 3 minutes into the second period. Aidan MacIntyre made it 2-0 on 58 minutes and Daniel Cameron, who has been outstanding for Oban Camanachd this season, got his second and his side’s third goal 15 minutes from time.
Glasgow Mid Argyll 4 Bute 1 Glasgow Mid Argyll beat Bute 4-1 in their all-Marine Harvest National Division tie at Yoker. Craig Anderson put GMA ahead on 6 minutes and Angus MacIntosh struck twice on 30 and 33 minutes to leave the home side in control at the break. Innes MacMillan made it 4-0 on 57 minutes and although Chris McGowan pulled a goal back for Bute on 76 minutes, it was GMA’s day and they host Kyles Athletic in the quarter finals.
Taynuilt 1 Glenorchy 4 Taynuilt went down 4-1 to Glenorchy at the Playing Fields. Glenorchy had Martin MacKillop free of suspension and whilst John McNulty was also available for the visitors, he will miss next weekend’s Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup first round tie against Skye Camanachd because of a points accumulation. Findlay Ross gave Glenorchy the lead after 15 minutes and Duncan Smith made it 2-0 just 5 minutes before the break. Duncan Smith got his second on the hour mark and whilst Steven Parr pulled a goal back for Taynuilt on 75 minutes, Duncan Smith completed his hat-trick when he made it 4-1 just 5 minutes from time to seal a quarter final meeting with Inveraray.
RBS MacTavish Plate Quarter Final Lochcarron 2 Inverness 4 Inverness are the final team through to the semi finals of the new RBS MacTavish Plate competition as they beat Lochcarron 4-2 at Battery Park. Lochcarron were without the suspended David MacCuish. Ex-Lochcarron player Mark Sproule was unable to face his former club after being red-carded in Inverness’ 2-2 draw with the Glenurquhart second team last weekend. Former Lochcarron player Jamie MacLennan returned to haunt them as he scored twice on 14 and 17 minutes to put Inverness 2-0 ahead. Kenny Cushnie pulled a goal back on 37 minutes but Dougie Rankin restored the Highland Capital side’s two goal advantage when he made it 3-1 a minute before the break. Lochcarron made a fight of it though and Kenny Cushnie got his second goal of the afternoon to make it 3-2 on 53 minutes. However Dougie Rankin, who was very sharp up front for Inverness, stretched his side’s advantage once more when he scored his second goal of the game just 6 minutes from time. This was an entertaining tie and Lochcarron turned in their best performance of the season with Gregor Cushnie’s inclusion making a real difference. Inverness now face Skye Camanachd in an all-Marine Harvest North Division 1 last four tie.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Kingussie 0 Skye Camanachd 1 League leaders Skye Camanachd beat the Kingussie second team 1-0 at the Dell. Jimmy Gow looked after Kingussie as manager Michael Falconer was working. Shockie MacLennan returned from injury for Skye in place of Neil MacVicar who was working. Skye played with a strong wind at their backs in the first half but they were unable to break the deadlock. The only goal of game came on 53 minutes when Jordan Murchison played the ball to Shockie MacLennan and he fired a superb 25 yard back-hand half-volley past Russell Menzies for the only goal of the game. Jordan Murchison hit the frame of the goal and although Skye were unable to add to their tally, Jamie Gannon in the visiting goal was rarely troubled. Skye go two points clear at the top of the table as theit attention now turns to the cup competitions.
Strathglass 3 Beauly 3 Strathglass came from 3-1 down to share the points with the Beauly second team at Cannich. Raymond Fraser was free of suspension for Strathglass. First team manager Roger Cormack and Jack MacDonald started for Beauly. Sandy Elrick gave Beauly a 16 minutes lead but when referee David Stafford awarded Strathglass a 20 minute penalty, Ally MacAdams was his usually efficient self from the spot. The home side were shocked when Jamie MacLennan on 26 minutes and Ewan Campbell just 3 minutes later put Beauly 3-1 in front. Strathglass manage Callum Duff moved Donald Fraser out of defence into the centre line and this seemed to revitalise the home side. Strathglass reduced the deficit 20 minutes from time when David Stafford pointed to the penalty spot for a second time and Ally MacAdams kept his nerve to score again. The equalising goal came 9 minutes from full-time when Robbie Stokes scored to rescue a point for his side.
Newtonmore 0 Lovat 1 A goal a couple of minutes from time gave Lovat a 1-0 win over Newtonmore in their reserve meeting at the Eilan. Sandy Tulloch made a surprise appearance for Lovat and Jamie Matheson was also included but full centre Alan MacPherson was called up by the first team. There was very little in the match but it was Lovat who grabbed both points thanks to a Rory Campbell goal on 88 minutes. The goal gave the Balgate side their first league win of the season and Newtonmore remain in second place. Martin Bell’s return to the Lovat side has been a boost for boss Graeme MacMillan and he was in good form as was forward Jamie Matheson.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Kyles Athletic 6 Lochside Rovers 2 League leaders Kyles Athletic came out on top as they beat Lochside Rovers 6-2 at Tighnabruaich. Innes MacDonald has been relishing his chance in the Tighnabruaich men’s attack after being relieved of his goal keeping duties and he equalled older brother Roddy MacDonald’s three goal haul for the Kyles first team with a hat-trick of his own. Matthew MacColl netted twice and Gordon Whyte got the other. Lorn Dickie and Scott Dempster countered for Lochside Rovers.
Oban Celtic 0 Ballachulish 8 Ballachulish were too strong for Oban Celtic as they ran out 8-0 in Oban. Lorne Browne got Balla’ off to the best possible start when he scored in the opening minute. The same player struck again on 26 minutes to give the visitors a 2-0 lead at the break. Grant MacKenzie seems to have put his injury concerns behind him and he made it 3-0 a minute into the second half and David Grant added a fourth on 52 minutes. Oban Celtic’s resistance started to fold and Lorne Browne completed his hat-trick 5 minutes later and Scott Henderson made it 6-0 on 64 minutes. Grant MacKenzie got his second on 79 minutes and Lorne Browne rounded off the scoring when his fourth goal of the afternoon made it 8-0 just 7 minutes from time. Oban Celtic had Kenny Wotherspoon sent off by referee Lachie Wood.
Kilmory 1 Strachur 3 Strachur go third in the table after they beat Kilmory 3-1 at MacRae Park. Rhys Campbell put Strachur into the lead on 15 minutes bur a Colin Campbell goal on 26 minutes made it 1-1 at the break. Andy Robertson on 61 minutes and Angus Campbell just 4 minutes later gave Strachur a 3-1 win.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Skye Camanachd 0 Fort William 2 With Glengarry not in action, Fort William went top of Marine Harvest North Division 2 following their 2-0 win over Skye Camanachd at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Skye had David Grant and Iain Murray in their side but DJ Gilpin and Andrew Banks were missing. Fort William were without brothers Kyle Grant and Mark Grant. After a goalless first half, Ewen Campbell put Fort William ahead on 68 minutes from a corner on the right. Graham Campbell added a second 5 minutes later, also from a corner on the right.
Aberdeen University 1 Boleskine 2 Boleskine stay third after they scored twice in the last 10 minutes to beat Aberdeen University 2-1 at Balgownie. Former Lochcarron player Kieran Murray scored for the second successive Saturday to give the Students a 20 minute lead. And that’s the way it stayed until Boleskine stalwart Lewis Smith made it 1-1 on 80 minutes. Lewis Smith got his and Boleskine’s second 5 minutes later to give the visitors their third league win of the season.
Kinlochshiel 0 Lochaber 0 It was honours even at Kirkton as Kinlochshiel and Lochaber shared the points following a scoreless draw. ‘Shiel’s Aedan MacRae remains out through injury whilst Zandz Ferguson, who played for Lochaber in their win over Skye Camanachd last weekend, was back on first team duty. Lochaber go fourth whilst Kinlochshiel go fifth in the table.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Col Glen 2 Tayforth 6 Tayforth leap-frogged Col Glen to go top of the table following their 6-2 win at Glendaruel. Steven MacKellar and Neil McKirdy scored for Col Glen but strikes from Shane Mason, a Sorley Fraser double, Davie Arnott, Brendan Duggan and Kenny Campbell gave Tayforth the points.
Inveraray 5 Ballachulish 1 Inveraray were 5-1 winners against Ballachulish in their noon throw up at the Winterton. Fraser Watt notched the only goal of the first half a couple of minutes before the break. Iain MacDonald on 55 minutes and Ross Anderson on 64 minutes made it 3-0. Fraser Watt got his second on 73 minutes and Ewan Fyfe added to their tally when he made it 5-0 on 81 minutes. A goal from Patrick Carr 5 minutes from time was some consolation for Balla’.
Bute 4 Aberdour 0 Bute beat bottom of the table Aberdour 4-0 at the Meadows. Ryan Craig, an Ally Carmichael brace and a Liam Poole strike all counted for the home side.
Glenorchy P Glasgow Mid Argyll P The match between Glenorchy and Glasgow Mid Argyll was postponed as the pitch at Mart Park, Dalmally was unplayable.
Marine Harvest North Division 3 Caberfeidh 8 Strathspey Camanachd 1 Caberfeidh go two points clear at the top of the table after a convincing 8-1 win over second place Strathspey Camanachd at Castle Leod. The visitors had to do without the influential Edgars Peca who started a two match ban following his red card against Lochbroom the previous weekend. Liam Symonds was Cabers top scorer with four goals whilst John Ritchie, Trevor Innes, Allan Ross and Jamie MacIntosh got the others. Trevor MacIntosh netted a consolation goal for the visitors. The loss ends and impressive five games unbeaten run for Strathspey.
Kilmallie P Inverness P The 3pm throw up between Kilmallie beat Inverness was postponed as the Canal Parks were ruled unplayable. |