The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 5 July 2014 - UPDATED! | |
06 July 2014 The main shinty focus was on the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup as Glenurquhart, Fort William, Kingussie and Skye Camanachd on Saturday 5 July 2014.
Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup - Quarter Finals Kingussie 1 Kyles Athletic 0 If Kingussie are going to lift this year’s Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup, they look as if they will do it the hard way. The Kings beat much-fancied Lovat in the last round and saw off Kyles Athletic in the quarter-finals - who themselves conquered Newtonmore in the last round - 1-0 at the Dell. There was no Ronald Ross in the Kingussie line-up whilst Lee Bain started in defence; marking Kyles’ danger-man Roddy MacDonald. Kyles were without midfielder David Zavaroni and forward Roberto Zavaroni so Grant Irvine started at full centre. The decisive goal came very early in the tie. John Gibson won the centre for Kingussie and Rory MacGregor collected the ball and played it across goal where Savio Genini hit a backhand shot into the top right corner of the net. Reports from the game suggest there were less than 10 seconds played. Fraser Munro passed up a chance to make it 2-0 but Kyles, with Grant Irvine dominant in midfield, enjoyed plenty possession over the remainder of the game. However the Kingussie defence, and keeper Craig Dawson, were in fine form and the Kyles forwards seemed crowded out at times. Kyles threw Calum Miller forward late in the game with Cammy Keith coming on at the back but they were unable to get the goal that would have given them a replay at Tighnabruaich.
Glenurquhart 3 Inveraray 1 Glenurquhart came from behind to beat Inveraray 3-1 in their tie at Blairbeg. The match had been scheduled to start at 3pm but there was a slight delay as the early Strathdearn Cup semi-final between the Glenurquhart and Newtonmore reserve sides went into extra time. John Barr started in attack for the Glen. David MacLennan was free to play but he will miss their next outing because of a points accumulation. It was an ideal chance for Inveraray to bounce back from last weekend’s Glasgow Celtic Society Cup defeat to Kyles Athletic and Lewis MacNicol and Davie MacPherson started in place of Peter McIntyre and Ally MacDonald from that game. Inveraray took the lead after just 2 minutes thanks to a well worked Euan McMurdo free-hit which was finished off by Lewis MacNicol. The visitors had several set-piece opportunities in that first period but they were unable to increase their lead. It was Glenurquhart who were to make a set-piece work to their advantage when James MacPherson equalised on 39 minutes. Inveraray fell out of the game in the second half and Glenurquhart took control. The home forward line looked very mobile – David Smart didn’t stop running all afternoon. As the tie moved into the final 10 minutes, Inveraray would probably have taken a draw at the Winterton. However Glenurquhart had other ideas and Neale Reid put them in front on 83 minutes. James MacPherson got his second 3 minutes from time to make the final score 3-1. Both late goals were well taken but both came following poor defensive clearances. The win gives the Glen their first Scottish semi-final for a number of years. However Inveraray just have three league matches remaining and their season is over.
Kinlochshiel 0 Fort William 1 Fort William are through to the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup semi-finals, which will both take place on their An Aird pitch, thanks to a 1-0 win over Kinlochshiel at Kirkton. Kinlochshiel had Paul MacRae back in defence and Gordon MacDonald started in attack. Finlay MacRae was deployed at full back and John MacRae and Keith MacRae joined MacDonald and Duncan “Ach” MacRae in a potent-looking attack. Fort William were missing forward Gary Innes, who was in California with his band Manran. Defender Sean Cruickshank started and there was also a place at wing centre for Callum Shepherd as Chris Bamber was with the Fort reserves. Niall MacPhee was back in the team after serving a two match ban and he played the other side of full centre Bryan Simpson. This tie never really hit the heights and it was a low-key opening period. The only goal came after 25 minutes when a speculative Gordie MacKinnon strike hit the back of the net to put the visitors 1-0 ahead. Both keepers had little to do for the remainder of the half. ‘Shiel keeper Scott Kennedy saved a good shot from Arran MacPhee after the break and he also pulled off a great body-save to block a Gordie MacKinnon 20-yarder. Both MacPhee and MacKinnon caused problems for the ‘Shiel defence but they were unable to add to their tally. Kinlochshiel hardly threatened the Fort William goal in the second half which was a huge disappointment for them and their fans. ‘Shiel boss Colin Fraser moved Finlay MacRae into attack to try and get a leveller but Fort William’s dominance in midfield was key and they held onto their lead. In a further blow for the home side, they lost John MacRae with a suspected broken thumb.
Skye Camanachd 4 Kilmallie 1 Skye Camanachd are the only third tier side through to the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup semi-finals following their 4-1 win over Kilmallie at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Skye had Allan MacKinnon back from suspension but Will Cowie, who was recovering from a hand injury, started on the bench. Kilmallie were missing full back Alan MacDonald and fellow defender Iain Robertson. Two early goals from Jordan Murchison on 2 and 16 minutes got Skye off to a terrific start. Shockie MacLennan added a third after good lead-up play from Danny Morrison and Skye took their 3-0 lead into the break. Kilmallie started the second half strongly and they pulled a goal back after 55 minutes. Martin Munro was credited with the goal but the ball seemed to enter the net off Skye defender Neil MacVicar. Kilmallie’s lack of discipline cost them as both Peter Carmichael and Michael Rodger were sent off by referee Daniel MacRae after Carmichael had pushed-over a Skye supporter. Skye saw out the rest of the tie and a Jordan Murchison strike 6 minutes from time completed his hat-trick and clinched a place in Monday’s semi-final draw. The one down-side for the Island team was a blow to the hand suffered by Kenny Campbell which left him with a broken finger. .
South of Scotland Senior Plate - Final Aberdour 3 Strachur 2 Aberdour came from two goals down to beat Strachur 3-2 on a fine surface at Yoker to win the inaugural South of Scotland Senior Plate competition. The sides drew 2-2 earlier in the season so this was always likely to be a tight affair. Both teams had early chances but Strachur started to get on top and Rhys Campbell gave them the ahead after just 2 minutes and when Duncan MacNicol beat Aberdour keeper Tom Bowerman at his left post to make it 2-0 on 19 minutes, things looked good for Strachur. Indeed they could have increased their advantage when referee John MacGregor awarded them a penalty for a trip inside the D. However they were unable to convert from the spot so that’s the way it stayed until half time, thanks to some good goalkeeping from Aberdour custodian Tom Bowerman. Aberdour regrouped at the interval and they were a different proposition in the second half and they turned the final around in a 9 minute spell. The next goal was going to be important and when Michael Lightbody struck to make it 2-1 on 55 minutes, Aberdour were right back into the game. Angus Thorburn levelled the final as he made it 2-2 just 4 minutes later. The winning goal came on 64 minutes with Michael Lighbody’s second strike of the afternoon. Strachur fought back but the Aberdour defence, well marshalled by Darren Coyle, kept them at bay. Whilst the Aberdour Ladies have enjoyed success in the past; this is a first senior triumph for the Aberdour mens first team.
Strathdearn Cup - Semi Finals Glenurquhart 1 Newtonmore 3 (after extra time) It took extra-time to separate Glenurquhart and Newtonmore in their noon meeting at Blairbeg. Both sides featured a mixture of youth and experience with Drew McNeil turning out for the Glen. After a goalless first half, Cairn Urquhart put Glenurquhart ahead on 67 minutes. However the Glen held the lead for just 4 minutes when Iain Robinson levelled with a fine strike. With no further scoring, referee Calum Girvan took the tie into an extra-time period. Iain Robinson, who was man of the match in the recent RBS MacTavish Juvenile Final, put Newtonmore in front for the first time on 98 minutes. With just 5 minutes remaining, Robinson completed an impressive hat-trick with another fine shot which made it 3-1.
Strathspey Camanachd 3 Skye Camanachd 4 Skye Camanachd set up a Strathdearn Cup Final meeting with Newtonmore when they beat Strathspey Camanachd 4-3 in their 1.30pm throw up at Grantown Grammar School. This was the first meeting between the clubs and Skye had to fight all the way for their victory. Mark MacDonald struck twice for the home side and Edgars Peca got the other. However a John Gillies hat-trick and an Alan Palmer strike gave Skye a place in the final. John Matheson was the match referee.
Strathdearn Plate - Semi Finals Lovat 5 Kingussie 0 Lovat are through to the Strathdearn Plate Final following their 5-0 win over Kingussie in their 11am throw up at Balgate. Thomas Fraser settled the home side into the tie when he netted a rebound after just 2 minutes. Lovat are benefiting from Danny Kelly’s inclusion and the Ross County youth added a second on 14 minutes after good play from Ciaran Melons and Duncan Collings. Kingussie suffered a blow when they lost key defender Chris Hollysong after he was accidently caught under the jaw by the end of a swing. Kevin Thain dropped back to buckshee back in Hollysong’s absence. Danny Kelly got his second to make it 3-0 on 19 minutes when he scored from close range. Danny Kelly completed his hat-trick to make it 4-0 on 57 minutes. Rory Campbell added a fifth just 6 minutes from time. A key contest in this game was the midfield battle between Lovat’s Sandy Tulloch and Ally MacLeod of Kingussie with Tulloch coming out on top. Archie Ritchie was the match referee.
Inverness 0 Beauly 5 The inaugural Strathdearn Plate Final will be a derby meeting between the Beauly and Lovat reserve sides after the Braeview Park men beat Inverness 5-0 in their 1pm throw up at the Bught Park. Allan MacLeod was in goal for Inverness whilst Beauly were without injured pair Dougie Blain and Sandy Elrick. Ryan Tillman put Beauly in front when he finished a move which started from a Kyle MacDonald goal-hit. Robbie Brindle went close for Beauly before Ross Forbes made it 2-0 following another flowing move. Inverness keeper Allan MacLeod stood between Beauly and them increasing their first half advantage. Beauly player / manager Stephen MacLean made it 3-0 early in the second half when he got onto a Craig Rankin pass to leave the Greens in control. Robbie Brindle made it 4-0 and Ross Forbes’ second goal of the game sealed the 5-0 victory. One down-side for Beauly was a hamstring injury to captain Neil Brindle. Evan MacRae was the match referee.
Bullough Cup - Quarter Final SCOTS Camanachd 3 Bute 0 Forces side SCOTS Camanachd reached the last four of the Bullough Cup with a 3-0 win over Bute at Musselburgh. Colin Irving was SCOTS Camanachd’s man of the match with a hat-trick. Irving scored twice in the first half on 12 and 20 minutes and he got his and SCOTS Camanachd’s third just 3 minutes into the second half.
Bullough Cup - Semi Final Kyles Athletic 2 Tayforth 0 Kyles Athletic reached the Bullough Cup Final with a 2-0 win over Tayforth in their 1.30pm throw up at Tighnabruaich. Matthew MacColl notched the only goal of the first half with a 32 minute strike. Roddy MacColl sealed the win when he made it 2-0 with a goal 15 minutes from time.
Bullough Plate - Semi Final Glenorchy 4 Glasgow Mid Argyll 0 Glenorchy beat Glasgow Mid Argyll 4-0 at Mart Park to reach the Bullough Plate Final. Scott MacIntyre put Glenorchy ahead on the half hour mark with what was the only goal of the first half. Ben MacFarlane-Barrow made it 2-0 on 56 minutes. A late double from Sandy Leiper on 74 and 85 minutes rounded off the 4-0 win.
Marine Harvest National Division Oban Camanachd 5 Caberfeidh 0 League leaders Oban Camanachd had a good 5-0 win over Caberfeidh at Mossfield. The Oban side were in impressive form and boasted five different scorers. Caberfeidh’s Iain MacColl was free to play but he will miss Cabers next outing because of a points accumulation. Daniel Cameron put Oban Camanachd into the lead after 10 minutes and Aidan MacIntyre gave them a two goal cushion at half time when he netted 5 minutes later. Scott MacMillan made it 3-0 just 10 minutes after the restart and late goals from Lorne Dickie on 79 minutes and Iain Campbell on the stroke of full time put gloss on the final score. Oban Camanachd stay a point ahead of Beauly who have played three games more. Fort William are likely to be their main challengers. They are five points behind the leaders but they have three games in hand. Beauly and Kilmallie are not out of the mix either.
Bute 0 Beauly 2 Beauly stay in second place after they returned from the Meadows with both points thanks to a 2-0 win over bottom side Bute. Bute had keeper Kevin Queen to thank for the first half ending scoreless as he made some fine saves. David MacLean darted in at the back post to steer the ball through a ruck of players and across the keeper into the net to give Beauly the lead with 58 minutes played. Queen was again in inspired form as he denied the Beauly forwards with a number of great stops. However David MacLean got his and Beauly’s second 4 minutes from time when the visiting forwards linked up to cut open the Islanders’ defence and MacLean scored from the edge of the D.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Inverness 1 Strathglass 4 Strathglass beat Inverness 4-1 in their 3pm throw up at the Bught Park. There were new faces in both dug-outs. Innes Simpson joined Allan MacLeod in charge of the home side and both will co-manage the Capital side’s senior squad for the remainder of the season. Callum Duff stood down from the Strathglass hot-seat the previous week so club stalwart Roy MacKenzie and a couple of senior players looked after the side. Arran MacMaster started a two game ban for Inverness for a points accumulation whilst Strathglass were still without the influential George Phimister. The first half ended goalless despite some inventive play from Strathglass wing forward Jono Price. Inverness took the lead on 57 minutes through Liam Girvan. However they were only able to stay in front for a couple of minutes as Garry Reid levelled for Strathglass. His younger brother Darren Reid put the visitors in front for the first time 20 minutes from time. Robert Geddes made it 3-1 on 76 minutes and Jono Price got the goal his good play deserved just 6 minutes from time. Strathglass are just behind second place Newtonmore on goal difference.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Ballachulish 1 Lochside Rovers 1 Ballachulish dropped only their third point of the season when they drew 1-1 with Lochside Rovers at Jubilee Park. Keeper David MacPhee served the second game of a two match ban for Balla’ so Cameron Sutherland continued in goal. Mark Wilson was eligible to play for Balla’ but unfortunately for him, he will miss next weekend’s Balliemore Cup Final against Skye Camanachd as he serves a one match ban for a points accumulation. Scott Dempster of Lochside Rovers started a two match banfollowing his red card against Strachur last weekend. There were no goals in the opening 45 minutes but the home side went ahead 8 minutes after the restart through John MacDonald who was back in their side. However a Jonathon Will goal on the hour earned the third placed Oban side a point. Ballachulish are now a point behind leaders Kyles Athletic but they have a game in hand.
Oban Celtic 3 Taynuilt 3 Fifth place Oban Celtic and bottom side Taynuilt shared the points following a 3-3 draw in Oban. Oban Celtic had defender Daniel Madej free of suspension. David Graham put Taynuilt ahead on 31 minutes but when referee Robert Baxter awarded the home side a penalty a minute before the break, Lee Askew stepped up to convert from the spot to square the contest at the interval. Taynuilt went 3-1 up thanks to goals from David Campbell on 53 minutes and Willie Gillies a couple of minutes later, but again Oban Celtic fought back. Lee Askew got his second to reduce the deficit on the hour mark and Alan MacKie made it 3-3 on 63 minutes to ensure a share of the points.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Glengarry 2 Boleskine 1 League leaders Glengarry stay out in front with a hard-fought 2-1 win over third place Boleskine at Craigard. This 6pm throw up doubled up as the annual MacBain Cup. Boleskine were without Iain Grant who started a two game ban following his red card against Lochaber last weekend. Keith Nicolson put Boleskine ahead on 6 minutes and that’s the way it stayed until 18 minutes from time. Steven Cameron drew Glengarry level on 72 minutes and the winning goal came from Daniel MacLennan with just 7 minutes remaining.
Fort William 7 Lochcarron 1 Second place Fort William recorded an impressive 7-1 win over Lochcarron at An Aird. Fort William were without Ryan Campbell and Scott Knox who were on first team duty but Chris Bamber was included. Ewan Campbell played for Fort William although he will miss their next outing because of a points accumulation. Gregor Campbell got Fort William off to a great start with a goal in the opening minute. Ewan Campbell made it 2-0 on 17 minutes and there was no further first half scoring. Ewan Campbell got his second a minute after the restart and when Bobby MacMillan made it 4-0 on 56 minutes, things looked bleak for the visitors. However whilst Gregor Cushnie gave Lochcarron hope with a goal on 58 minutes, there was no be no dramatic come-back. Jay MacLeod made it 5-1 on 68 minutes and Gregor Campbell got his second on 74 minutes. Bobby MacMillan did like-wise just 5 minutes later to round off a 7-1 win. The overall result certainly didn't reflect Lochcarron’s performance and Fort William keeper Ricky Fraser had five or six outstanding saves with his caman and hand throughout the course of the game. However Fort William were ruthless in front of goal and they punished any mistakes made by the Lochcarron defence. The Fort trail leaders Glengarry by a point but they do have a couple of games in hand and the sides meet at An Aird this coming Saturday.
Lochaber 6 Kinlochshiel 0 Lochaber go fourth after beating Kinlochshiel 6-0 at Spean Bridge. Ben Delaney lined-up for Lochaber and Ryan Toal was eligible to play but he will miss his side’s next outing because of a points accumulation. Kinlochshiel’s Colin MacDiarmid was free of suspension but he was to be on first team duty. ‘Shiel had benefited from the inclusion of Gordie MacDonald and Paul MacRae in their 3-1 win over Skye Camanachd the previous weekend but they were also on first team duty this week. Lochaber proved too strong for their opponents and they boasted six different scorers - Keith Neville, Stuart Callison, Ben Delaney, Finlay Nicolson, Martin Paterson and Pat Toal.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Col Glen P Inveraray P The meeting between Col Glen and Inveraray at MacRae Park was brought forward to Friday 4 July 2014 with a 7pm throw up. However the game was unable to go ahead because of a blocked road.
Marine Harvest North Division 3 Kilmallie 2 Lochbroom 2 Kilmallie and Lochbroom shared the points following a 2-2 draw at the Canal Parks. Kilmallie’s Jordan MacPhee was suspended for a points accumulation. Ross MacKenzie notched both Kilmallie goals with Paddy Wilson and Stewart MacAllister countering for Lochbroom. The result sets up an exciting final day before the league split meeting between Lewis Camanachd and Lochbroom at Shawbost. The league split sees the top three sides contest the title whilst the bottom three. At present, Caberfeidh are out in front on 15 points. Second place Strathspey Camanachd have 10 points whilst third place Kilmallie are a point behind. Both Strathspey and Kilmallie have played their full pre-split quota 10 matches. Fourth place Lochbroom and fifth place Lewis Camanachd are both on 9 points and their meeting at Shawbost this coming weekend is their final pre-split match. It’s all to play for. |