The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 5 April 2014 | |
06 April 2014 There was more league and cup shinty action from a busy programme on Saturday 5 April 2014.
Orion Group Premiership Lovat 4 Kinlochshiel 2 Lovat’s 100% start to the season continued with a 4-2 win over Kinlochshiel at Balgate. A large crowd gathered for this 4pm throw up, with most supporters having taken in other games earlier in the day, and they weren’t disappointed as this was an entertaining contest, played at a frantic pace. Lewis Tawse missed out for Lovat and there was a starting place for Calum Macaulay. ‘Shiel manager Colin Fraser was again without the services of Gordie MacDonald through injury. They started with the three MacRae brothers – Finlay, Keith and John – in attack alongside Jordan Fraser and Graham Morrison at full centre. Kinlochshiel were up for the match and they started well and took the lead on the half hour mark. Referee John Angus Gillies had no option but to point to the penalty spot when home keeper Stuart MacDonald fell on the ball in a muddy goal area. Finlay MacRae stepped up to score from the spot. Lovat drew level 5 minutes later as Kevin Bartlett continued his good scoring run to bag his eighth goal of the season. Lovat went in front on 38 minutes when an Owen Ferguson shot bounced in front of Scott Kennedy’s out-stretcheded foot and nestled in the back of the net to make it 2-1. Kinlochshiel squared the game on 52 minutes when Finlay MacRae scored his second goal of the afternoon. Lovat were clinical in front of goal though and this was the main difference between the sides which was emphasised when Lorne MacKay powered a great shot into the top corner of the net to make it 3-2 a minute later. Lovat manager Allan MacRae brought on Graeme MacMillan in place of Owen Ferguson just after the hour mark. MacMillan’s introduction helped Lovat finish the game strongly as he covered a lot of ground between the attack and midfield areas and it was fitting that he grabbed the clinching goal to make it 4-2 on 77 minutes. Drew Howie was excellent at the back for Lovat, keeping the defence together through periods of Kinlochshiel pressure. Tempers flared at times but the match was well controlled by referee John Angus Gillies. The Balgate men remain top of the table, two points ahead of Newtonmore, although they have played a game more. The title rivals have a much anticipated meeting at the Eilan next weekend.
Glenurquhart 1 Newtonmore 4 Newtonmore made it four wins out of four as they beat Glenurquhart 4-1 at Blairbeg. Glen co-managers Billy MacLean and Dave Menzies were at least half a dozen players short of their regular squad which was always going to make it difficult against the champions. James MacPherson was the Glen hero last weekend, scoring the only goal of the game in the RBS MacTavish Cup win over Skye Camanachd, but the goal came at a cost as the former Lovat player sustained a hamstring injury in the act of scoring and he faces several weeks on the sidelines. The game came too early for Andrew Corrigan whilst Neale Reid and David Smart were also unavailable. Lewis MacLennan started at full centre for the home side. Newtonmore boss Paul John MacKintosh received a boost when Danny MacRae returned for to the starting line-up after a fortnight out with a shoulder injury. Fraser MacKintosh put Newtonmore ahead on 19 minutes with the only goal of the first half. Fraser MacKintosh got his and his side’s second 4 minutes into the second half as the visitors took control. Danny MacRae then took over and he scored on 56 minutes and on the hour mark, his second was a shot blasted into the roof of the net, to give ‘More an unassailable 4-0 lead. Lewis MacLennan pulled a goal back for the Glen on 78 minutes with a great strike but Newtonmore continue their perfect start to the season. Indeed ‘More could have added to their tally but Stuart MacKintosh saved a second half Glen MacKintosh penalty.
Kingussie 2 Kyles Athletic 2 The match between Kingussie and Kyles Athletic at the Dell took place exactly 100 years and one day after the two clubs met in the 1914 Camanachd Cup Final in Glasgow. This turned out to be the last match some players from both teams ever played as nine of them gave their lives during WW1. The significance of the game was marked by both clubs and a Pipe Band led both sides onto the field. There was a minutes silence ahead of throw up and a commemorative match programme was distributed amongst supporters. When the on-field play got under-way, the match itself was keenly contested. Kingussie’s Thomas Borthwick scored the only goal of the first half although Lee Bain came close to doubling the home side’s advantage when he saw his 20 yard shot crash back off the crossbar. Kyles took a grip of the game midway through the second half when Roddy MacDonald and Dunkie Kerr both scored within 5 minutes of eachother to put the Tighnabruaich men 2-1 in front. Kingussie fought back though and Savio Genini made it 2-2 with around 10 minutes remaining. Both sides had chances to win it but they had to settle for a draw which was probably a fair result.
Inveraray 2 Lochaber 2 Inveraray and Lochaber both picked up their first point of the season in a 2-2 draw in their 3pm throw up at the Winterton. Lochaber travelled south without forward Stuart Callison who was red carded in the RBS MacTavish Cup defeat against Beauly last weekend. The visitors got off to a great start with Ben Delaney scoring on 10 minutes. Shaun Nicolson fired home on 20 minutes gave the Spean Bridge side a 2-0 lead. Chris Crawford pulled a goal back for Inveraray on 35 minutes and Euan McMurdo earned the home side a point with a strike 15 minutes from time.
Marine Harvest National Division Beauly 1 Fort William 4 Fort William played their first Marine Harvest National Division shinty action of the season and they picked up their first two points as they beat Beauly 4-1 at Braeview Park. Home manager Roger Cormack had to do without his son, Conor Cormack, who was banned following his sending off in the RBS MacTavish Cup win over Lochaber last Saturday. Gary Innes was still missing for Fort William as was Duncan Rodger. There was a minutes silence ahead of throw up to mark the passing of John MacLean (senior) who was a long term supporter and benefactor of Beauly Shinty Club. Fort William made a good start to the game and Josh Grant in the home goal made a couple of important early saves to maintain parity. The visitors made their pressure count though and young forward Alexander MacMillan fired them into a 14 minutes lead. Another youngster, Arran MacPhee, made it 2-0 on 21 minutes. Fort William were dealt a blow when they lost forward Gordie MacKinnon through injury. Beauly, who continued with David MacLean in the full forward position, battled their way back into the game and it was MacLean who pulled a goal back when sent a brilliant waste-high shot past Paul MacKay from fully 30 yards out on 39 minutes to make it 2-1 at the break. The next goal was always going to be crucial and it was Fort’s Jack Fraser who swept the ball home following a corner on 65 minutes. The Fort William forwards were full of running and just 4 minutes later, they clinched the points as Arran MacPhee got his second goal of the game from a well-worked set-piece. Beauly introduced substitutes Jack Macdonald, Ewen Campbell and Marc MacLachlan but it was title favourites Fort William who took the points.
Oban Camanachd 0 Kilmallie 1 Oban Camanachd suffered their first defeat of the season when they lost 1-0 to Kilmallie in their 3pm throw up at Mossfield. Michael Rodger was free of suspension for Kilmallie and he proved to be key to the outcome of the match; scoring the only goal of the game after 38 minutes. Seb MacMillan had chances to increase Kilmallie’s led but they will settle for a 1-0 win at a difficult venue. This was a good performance from Kilmallie, prompted by Liam MacDonald at full centre, against an on-form Oban Camanachd team. Peter Carmichael and Martin Stewart were outstanding at the back for the Canal Parks side. The Oban side remain top of the table after four games with Kilmallie, who have played two games fewer, in second place with a 100% record.
Glasgow Mid Argyll 2 Caberfeidh 3 Caberfeidh picked up their first points of the season as they beat Glasgow Mid Argyll 3-2 at Yoker. The first half was scoreless with all the goals coming during the second 45 minutes. Craig Anderson put GMA ahead 10 minutes after the break but Ally MacLennan levelled. Cabers scored twice more through Ally MacLennan again and Ruairidh MacLennan, with the winner coming 12 minutes from time, either side of another Craig Anderson goal. The 3-2 win gives Caberfeidh their first points of the season.
Bute 0 Glenorchy 2 Glenorchy collected their first points of the season as they beat Bute 2-0 at the Meadows. James Craig was free of suspension for the home side. The first half was scoreless but Kieran MacKay gave the visitors the lead a minute after the restart. Grant MacPherson doubled Glenorchy’s advantage when he made it 2-0 on 65 minutes. The Islanders had their chances though and they missed twice from the spot after referee David Mitchell awarded them two penalties.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Col Glen 6 Bute 0 Col Glen were too strong for Bute, running out 6-0 winners at Glendaruel. An Andy MacVicar double and goals from Hamish MacLean, Neil McKirdy, Stuart McKellar and Willie MacVicar counted for second place Col Glen. A positive for the Islanders though will be that they seem to have put their team raising difficulties behind them, fielding two teams on the same afternoon.
Balliemore Cup - First Round Glengarry 2 Aberdour 3 In one of only two Balliemore Cup first round ties to go ahead this weekend, Aberdour travelled north to take on Glengarry at Craigard and they ran out 3-2 winners. Daniel MacLennan was available following suspension for Glengarry. This was Aberdour’s first ever Balliemore Cup tie and some returning players meant they could list substitutes for the first time this season. Keeper Tom Bowerman returned in goal for his first game of the season. Aberdour dominated the first half but they couldn’t convert and they found the Glengarry defence to be resolute, just as Skye had done the previous week. They were made to play 5 minutes before the break when Glengarry scored against the run of play. Andrew Gilchrist collected a ball to the forward line and his deflected shot deceived keeper Tom Bowerman and ended up in the back of the net. Aberdour regrouped at the break and they made a strong start to the second half with Jack Kelly equalising a couple of minutes after the restart with his first hit of the ball. With their confidence restored, the Aberdour forward line moved the ball around confidentially and they went in front for the first time in the tie through Angus Thorburn on 64 minutes. Aberdour passed up a couple of chances before Darren Coyle shot home on 82 minutes to make it 3-1 and secure the win. Referee Ron Kennedy awarded the home side a penalty a couple of minutes from time following a skirmish in the Aberdour goal area. Ken Henderson stepped up to convert and reduce the deficit to 3-2 but the visitors saw out the remainder of the tie for an historic first Balliemore Cup victory.
Taynuilt 6 Boleskine 2 (after extra time) Marine Harvest South Division 1 side Taynuilt beat Boleskine from Marine Harvest North Division 2 6-2 after extra time at the Playing Fields. Matthew Ross was free of suspension for Boleskine after serving a one match ban. D Campbell put Taynuilt ahead on 27 minutes and this was the only goal of the first half. Marc Bergant made it 2-0 on the hour mark and Taynuilt looked on course for a place in the next round. However a late double from Iain Grant on 82 and 84 minutes meant referee Lachie Wood took the tie into an extra time period. The home side dominated the final 30 minutes and Stuart Scott put them back in front on 93 minutes. David Graham made it 4-2 on 101 minutes and Stuart Scott went on to complete his hat-trick with goals on 115 and 118 minutes to wrap up a 6-2 triumph.
Kilmory P Inverness P Inverness set off from the Highland Capital on at 8.30am on Saturday morning with both teams on a coach, ready for a cup double-header in the south. With their seconds due to face the Glenorchy reserves, the Inverness senior side had a meeting with Kilmory at MacRae Park. However the Inverness plans went awry when they received a telephone call at Tyndrum just before 11.30am to tell them that MacRae Park was unplayable and the tie was off. The tie will now be played at the Bught Park next weekend.
Lochcarron P Aberdeen University P The match between Lochcarron and Aberdeen University at Battery Park was postponed because of a bereavement.
Skye Camanachd W/O v Strachur Skye Camanachd were given a walk over into the Balliemore Cup quarter finals when Marine Harvest South Division 1 side Strachur were unable to raise a team for their trip to Pairc nan Laoch, Portree.
Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup – First Round Lovat 7 Lewis Camanachd 1 Lovat reached the semi final stage of last year’s competition and they are safely through to the next round of this year’s tournament following their 7-1 win over Lewis Camanachd in their 1pm throw up at Balgate. Lovat presented the Islanders with a commemorative Quaich ahead of the game to mark the first ever meeting between the sides. Lovat manager Graeme MacMillan was able to field as strong a side as he has probably had all season. He included former Skye Camanachd player Iain Nicolson in his attack whilst Martin Mainland was back for his first appearance of the season after a football injury and he started in defence. Alan MacPherson also made his first appearance of the season, at full centre. Steven Cameron was also included after an absence from the squad and he started on the bench. Lewis manager Iain Sinclair was missing Paul Duke which was a blow to his side. Three goals in four minutes midway through the first half put Lovat in control. Rory Campbell fired the home side ahead on 20 minutes and Iain Nicolson made it 2-0 just a minute later. When Rory Campbell got his second and Lovat’s third on 23 minutes, things looked bleak for Lewis. However the Islanders steadied the ship and although Lovat enjoyed territorial advantage for the rest of the half, there was no further scoring. Donald Lamont pulled a goal back for Lewis on 66 minutes but Iain Nicolson made it 4-1 on 69 minutes. Iain Nicolson completed his hat-trick a minute later (not Rory Campbell as reported) and Jimmy MacKenzie made it 6-1 on 76 minutes. Iain Nicolson went on to take his personal tally to four goals on 82 minutes to seal a 7-1 win and whilst the result was never in doubt, Lewis can take much from their battling performance.
Newtonmore 2 Kingussie 3 (after extra time) Kingussie came out on top with a 3-2 extra time win in their noon derby tie with Newtonmore at the Eilan. Newtonmore went into the game as favourites although such derby games can often be hard to predict. Newtonmore co-managers Cammy MacDonald and Glen Tonkin had John MacKenzie, Blair MacKintosh and Calum Stewart at their disposal. Kingussie had Ronald Ross in defence but other than Kevin Thain and Michael Clark up front, manager Michael Falconer put out a youthful side. An early goal from Martin Hall after just 3 minutes put Newtonmore ahead and that’s the way it stayed until the break. Chris Hollysong restored parity on 62 minutes. Newtonmore had the bulk of the possession and John MacKenzie looked to have won the tie for them when he netted 10 minutes from time but young James Falconer made it 2-2 just 3 minutes later. The winning goal came on 100 minutes and it was Kings veteran Michael Clark who was the toast of Kingussie as he put them through to the next round.
Tayforth 1 Kyles Athletic 5 Kyles Athletic are through to the next round after a 5-1 win over Tayforth at Levenhall Links, Musselburgh. Tayforth scored on 40 minutes to lead 1-0 at half time. Kyles’ Innes MacDonald, who normally plays in goal, set up Ally MacKay for the equaliser. Roddy MacColl came on as a second half substitute for the visitors and he put Kyles in front. Innes MacDonald made it 3-1 before Roddy MacColl went on to complete his hat-trick with two more goals to make it 5-1.
Oban Celtic 3 Kilmallie 3 (Kilmallie won 2-0 on penalties) It took extra time before Kilmallie eventually ran out 2-0 winners against Oban Celtic at Ganavan. Kilmallie got off to a flying start when Arran Sandison put them ahead on 8 minutes and Ross MacKenzie added a second on 14 minutes. The visitors took their advantage into the interval but it was Oban Celtic who were to find the net in the second half. Scott Burnett pulled a goal back after 58 minutes and with just a minute remaining, Scott Burnett got his and Oban Celtic’s second to make it 2-2. Referee Robert Baxter took the tie into an extra time period and with no further scoring, a penalty shoot-out ensued. Kilmallie proved the more accurate from the spot, winning the penalty shoot-out 2-0.
Lochside Rovers 3 Lochaber 2 Lochside Rovers edged out Lochaber by the odd goal in five in their noon throw up at Mossfield. It was first blood to the Oban side as Brian MacCallum put them in front on 15 minutes. Lochside Rovers, whose impressive young side has been getting rave reviews this season, doubled their advantage a couple of minutes into the second half and it was that man Brian MacCallum again who found the back of the net. When Daniel MacKinnon made it 3-0 on 53 minutes, Lochside had one foot in the next round. When Stuart Matheson gave Lochaber hope with a goal after 72 minutes, it seemed just consolation but Keith Neville netted 5 minutes from time to set up a grand stand finish. But Lochside held on to make it through to the next round.
Caberfeidh 1 Beauly 2 A late goal from player / manager Stephen MacLean gave Beauly a 2-1 win over Caberfeidh at Castle Leod. After a goalless first half in which Cabers had the bulk of the play, Alan Ross put the home side ahead after 55 minutes. Young Beauly forward Sandy Elrick restored parity 10 minutes later and that’s the way it stayed until 5 minutes from time when Stephen MacLean’s goal put Beauly through to the next round.
Ballachulish 0 Kinlochshiel 2 Ballachulish went down 2-0 to Kinlochshiel at Jubilee Park. A goal in each half from Sandy MacDiarmid on 15 minutes and Ross MacMillan, who normally plays in defence, just 10 minutes from time, gave ‘Shiel the win.
Inveraray 0 SCOTS Camanachd 2 Forces side SCOTS Camanachd beat Inveraray 2-0 in their noon throw up at the Winterton. The SCOTS included Skye keeper Iain Munro in goal and there was also a place for former Kilmallie co-manager Johnny Morrison. Former Lochcarron player Michael Cooper put the SCOTS ahead and when referee Alan Harrison pointed to the penalty spot, Ewan Graham stepped up to convert and make it 2-0. As well as the goal scorers, Chris Munro and Arran Devine turned in fine performances for the SCOTS.
Glenorchy 0 Inverness 3 (after extra time) It took extra time to separate Glenorchy and Inverness in their 1pm throw up at Mart Park, Dalmally. The first 90 minutes ended scoreless but Inverness went in front a minute into extra time through Connor MacIntyre. Inverness had former Kinlochshiel player Zander Grant back after injury and he sealed the win with goals on 110 and 155 minutes to make it 3-0, Referee Euan Pearson red carded two Glenorchy players.
Strathspey Camanachd 6 Strathglass 5 Strathspey Camanachd and Strathglass served up an eleven goal thriller in their 1.30pm throw up at Grantown Grammar School. This tie swayed one way and then the other from when Strathglass took the lead in the first 10 seconds until the Cannich men had a goal ruled out for offside by referee Andy MacLean in the last minute of the tie. Strathspey top scorer Andy Hay added to his tally with a hat-trick. Chris Cameron, Donald Colville and Edgars Peca got the others for the home side for whom Murdo Ross was excellent. Ewan Harper was on target for Strathglass with the ever-green Robert Geddes getting their other four goals.
Glenurquhart W/O v Glasgow Mid Argyll Glenurquhart were given a walk-over against Glasgow Mid Argyll as the visitors were unable to raise a team for their journey north to Blairbeg.
Lochbroom W/O v Aberdour 0 Lochbroom are through to the next round as Aberdour, who had to send a first team to Invergarry to play Glengarry in the Balliemore Cup, were unable to raise a reserve team for another long journey north to Ullapool. |