The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 9 March 2013 | |
11 March 2013 The second round of fixtures of the new shinty season took place on Saturday 9 March 2013.
Orion Group Premiership Lovat 2 Newtonmore 2 Lovat welcomed champions Newtonmore to Balgate. Lovat finished third in shinty’s top division last season and beat Newtonmore home and away in the process. They proved tough opponents once against this weekend and it took a Danny MacRae goal 18 minutes from time to earn Newtonmore a 2-2 draw and a share of the points. Jamie Matheson was missing for Lovat after picking up a freak knee injury early in the draw with Lochaber last weekend which is likely to keep him out for a large part of the season. This is a blow to Allan MacRae’s plans and to the player himself who had won back a place in attack alongside his brother Greg Matheson. Calum Macaulay started in his place. Defender Daniel Grieve was another absentee with Martin Mainland starting in his place. Duncan Davidson also failed to make this 1.30pm throw up. Newtonmore manager Paul John MacKintosh was without Drew MacDonald who has a hand injury whilst forward Glen MacKintosh was also be missing. Lovat played with a strong wind at their backs in the first half. However it was Fraser MacKintosh who put the visitors ahead after just 8 minutes when he stroked the ball into the net from just outside the D. However Calum Macaulay levelled after 12 minutes when he ran onto a pass and hit a good strike from around the penalty spot. Lovat manager Alan MacRae brought the speedy Graham MacMillan on at wing centre after 35 minutes and he helped the home side control the middle of the park for the remainder of the half. Owen Ferguson twice went close for Lovat and they finally went in front when a Greg Matheson shot deceived visiting keeper Michael Ritchie on the stroke of half time gave Lovat the lead at the break. Newtonmore dominated the centre line in the second half but their forwards seemed too bunched at times to really threaten Stuart MacDonald’s goal. Newtonmore lost defender Rory Kennedy when a close-range clearance from team-mate Norman Campbell caught him in the mouth and left him with at least one broken tooth. However Danny MacRae’s 72 minute intervention ensured the game finished all square as he got in amongst a ruck of players to fire home and make it 2-2. Fraser MacKintosh had the ball in the net in the closing minutes of the game but his effort was ruled out for offside by goal judge Brian Davis. Steven MacDonald was excellent for Newtonmore at buckshee back and he stood out in what was a dour game.
Glenurquhart 0 Kyles Athletic 1 Glenurquhart could hardly have been given a tougher start to the league season. They lost by the odd goal in five against champions Newtonmore at the Eilan on the opening day of the shinty season and this week they suffered a single goal defeat to Kyles Athletic, the team who finished in second place last term, at Blairbeg. Defender Ally MacKintosh returned for the Glen after missing last week’s defeat to ‘More through illness. Kyles’ defender, and 2012 captain, Andrew King continued his progress after injury and he started on the bench. Kyles had the best of the opening period and 2012 Marine Harvest National Player of the Year Roddy MacDonald scored what proved to be the only goal of the game after 28 minutes. Glenurquhart suffered a blow before the break when they lost defender Fraser Heath with a head wound. It was Kyles who were forced into a defensive change in the second half when Sandy MacVicar, who had not long returned from injury, had to be replaced by youngster Cammy Keith. Glen worked hard to try and draw level but Kyles saw out the remainder of the game to clinch their second league win in a row.
Kingussie 2 Lochaber 0 Two late goals from Thomas Borthwick gave Kingussie two valuable points against Lochaber at the Dell. The King’s, with Craig Dawson in goal, won at Kinlochshiel last Saturday. They had Louis Munro available ahead of a one match ban for a points accumulation next weekend. Gary Munro was an injury double for the Kings but co-managers Russell Jones and Davie Anderson gave him a place on the bench. Lochaber made a solid start to life back in shinty’s top division last weekend with a goalless draw against Lovat. Defender Neil MacDonald was outstanding for Michael Delaney’s side. However they were without Lachlan Campbell and captain Hugh Innes. Donald MacRae was available after missing out last week through work commitments and he started on the bench. Both goalkeepers, Kingussie’s Craig Dawson and Calum MacDonald for the visitors, put on an excellent show and traded top drawer saves when called upon to keep the score sheet blank. Dawson was the first keeper in action, stopping a long range drive from Scott Paterson above his head before clearing the danger. Young Kingussie forward Savio Genini then tested Calum MacDonald who was equal to the task as he tipped his fierce effort over the bar. Defences were dominant for the remainder of the first half with Lochaber probably just edging the midfield battle. Scotland team mates Louis Munro and Shaun Nicholson were first to test the goalkeepers in the second half with similar long range efforts but again could find no way past MacDonald and Dawson respectively. Lochaber had kept an impressive clean sheet against Lovat last week and the Kings forward line found them hard to break down with Scotland buckshee back Neil MacDonald always influential. At the other end, the home defence of James Hutchison, Ally Dallas, Jake MacPherson and Ryan Borthwick carried on where they left off last week, playing as a solid unit with Ryan Borthwick producing back to back man of the match performances at centre half. As the match entered the final 20 minutes Kingussie began to look slightly stronger than their opponents with the introduction of Gary Munro in midfield paying dividends. However when Paul Gow hit the post and MacDonald produced a double save from a Lee Bain screamer and Thomas Borthwick’s follow up, the smart money was on a goalless draw. However Thomas Borthwick had other ideas and with just 5 minutes remaining, a well worked move involving Paul Gow and Lee Bain saw the ball centred to Borthwick in space on the penalty spot and he made no mistake to fire home his first goal since returning from Australia. With just 2 minutes remaining, Borthwick sealed the points from an almost identical spot as he sent a forehand rocket into the net for his and Kingussie’s second goal of the game. Kingussie now lead the Orion Group Premiership on goal difference and the only blot on their day was a wrist injury suffered by Paul Gow. However the Kingussie camp is hopeful that the injury might not be as bad as first feared.
Fort William 2 Kinlochshiel 2 Fort William and Kinlochshiel each picked up their first point of the season with a 2-2 draw at An Aird. Both sides lost their opening league fixture last weekend so were desperate to take something from this one. Fort William manager Victor Smith was pleased to have Stevie Stewart back after he missed last week’s game at Inveraray through suspension. The Fort included Calum Shepherd and the 15 year old is the nephew of boss Victor Smith and he captained the North U14 side in their win over the South U14 last year. This was Kinlochshiel’s first visit to An Aird on Orion Group Premiership action, having faced the Fort at their temporary Black Park home last season. Scott Kennedy continued to deputise for his brother Graham Kennedy in the ‘Shiel goal in this 1.30pm throw up. Finlay MacRae put Kinlochshiel ahead with a 25 minute goal but Ryan Campbell levelled just 2 minutes later. The same player put the Fort 2-1 in front with another strike just 60 seconds after. However ‘Shiel were not to be denied and they earned a point with Finlay MacRae’s second goal of the afternoon just 9 minutes from time.
Oban Camanachd 2 Inveraray 4 Oban Camanachd met Inveraray at Mossfield. Oban Camanachd had David MacInnes back after he missed last week’s defeat against Kyles Athletic at Tighnabruaich. Inveraray’s interim co-managers Garry MacPherson and Graham MacPherson made a winning start against Fort William last weekend and it was popular opinion that the wide-open spaces afforded by the Mossfield pitch would suit their style of play. Inveraray raced into a 3-0 lead within the first 10 minutes of their game. Garry MacPherson and Euan McMurdo put them two up with strikes in the first and second minutes. When Lewis MacNicol made it 3-0 on 10 minutes, the points seem destined for the Winterton. However a goal in each half from Gavin Stobbart on 34 minutes and Iain MacMillan on 65 minutes cut Inveraray’s advantage to a single goal. However Euan McMurdo got his second goal of the afternoon just 9 minutes sealed a 4-2 win.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Caberfeidh 1 Kilmallie 4 Caberfeidh and Kilmallie clashed at Castle Leod. Liam MacDonald started on the bench for Kilmallie following a spell out with a hand injury. However John Stewart was still missing with a foot injury. A much changed Caberfeidh side showed their mettle by beating Strathglass at Cannich last weekend. Kilmallie got off to a great start when Mark Graham and Seb MacMillan put them two up with goals in the first and third minutes. Blair Morrison pulled a goal back for Cabers after 14 minutes but strikes from Mark MacPherson on 43 minutes and Grant MacKenzie on 76 minutes gave Kilmallie a 4-1 win which leaves them two points clear at the top of the league.
Beauly 8 Inverness 1 Beauly were too strong for an under-strength Inverness, running out 8-1 winners at Braeview Park. Beauly went down to Kilmallie last week but there could have been a different outcome had they taken their first half chances. The Capital side had James Cameron back after he missed last weekend’s defeat to Skye through work commitments. Marc MacLachlan was Beauly’s top scorer with four goals, David MacLean got two and Conor Ross and Ross Forbes got the others. James Cameron got a consolation goal for Inverness.
Strathglass 1 Skye Camanachd 1 Click on the following link to read the match report in full Strathglass 1 Skye Camanachd 1
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Glasgow Mid Argyll 8 Lochside Rovers 0 Glasgow Mid Argyll struggled to break down Taynuilt last weekend but they had no such difficulties against Lochside Rovers at Yoker. Former Taynuilt player Ewan MacCorquodale missed out for the visitors following his red card last weekend. Craig Anderson grabbed a hat-trick, Mark Bain bagged a brace and Andy Mathie and Fulton Ross were also on target. So was last year’s keeper Paul Creighton, who, with Alan Brunton now between the sticks, came on as an outfield substitute.
Bute 2 Glenorchy 2 With nine teams in Marine Harvest South Division 1, Bute were left idle last week so they made their first competitive appearance of the season against Glenorchy at the Meadows. This was a much anticipated meeting between two of the contenders for a top three spot and promotion to the new national second tier in 2014. Bute are now managed by Graham Fisher who has taken over from Barry Martin. Club stalwart Hector Whitelaw has retired from first team shinty and forward Roberto Zavaroni has joined Kyles Athletic. Fisher placed greater emphasis on attack during Bute’s pre-season programme with Scotland international Iain MacDonald featuring in the Islanders’ forward line. James Dunn was also available for this one. Glenorchy were early league leaders after doubles from James Livingstone and John Sartain helped them to a 5-1 win over Aberdour on the opening day of the season. Glenorchy looked to stay top as they led 2-0 at the break thanks to goals from Grant MacPherson on the half hour mark and Kieron McKay just 2 minutes later. However a second half double from Iain MacDonald on 69 and 79 minutes gave Bute a 2-2 draw.
Taynuilt 4 Oban Celtic 3 Taynuilt edged out Oban Celtic by the odd goal in seven. A youthful Taynuilt side did well to earn a battling draw against Glasgow Mid Argyll last weekend. Taynuilt and Oban Celtic drew 1-1 at Taynuilt last season although Oban Celtic won their league meeting in Oban by the odd goal in seven. David Campbell gave the home side a 10 minute lead in this encounter but David Hill made it 1-1 on 20 minutes. Player / Manager Willie Neilson and Stuart Scott put Taynuilt 3-1 with strikes on 25 and 31 minutes up but Rory Bruce narrowed the deficit 5 minutes before the break. David Hill got his second 10 minutes into the second half to make it 3-3 but a second from Taynuilt’s Stuart Scott on 58 minutes proved to be the winner.
Kilmory 0 Aberdour 0 Aberdour were on the road again this week as they travelled west to play Kilmory. Both sides suffered opening day defeats and this encounter got them both off the mark following a 0-0 draw. Kilmory were still without Bruce Johnston is serving a three match ban. Kilmory spurned the best of the chances and Aberdour will certainly be happier with the point given they had five call offs through illness and injury and travelled with just 12 players, including three reserve players. Indeed coach Lisa Norman had to give up her usual touchline role to play the full 90 minutes. The Aberdour defence was faultless although both teams were lacking in the finishing department. To add to Kilmory’s woes, their captain Duncan MacBrayne will be out for at least six weeks through injury.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Newtonmore 7 Lovat 0 Both the Newtonmore and Lovat reserve sides recorded impressive opening day victories last weekend and they met at the Eilan. It was Newtonmore who took the plaudits with a stunning 7-0 win. Both the Newtonmore and Lovat reserve sides recorded impressive opening day victories last weekend and they meet at the Eilan. Conor Jones is free of suspension for reigning champions ‘More after serving a one match ban in the 5-0 win over Glenurquhart last weekend. Lovat’s new manager Graeme MacMillan will take his side into the game with confidence following a 6-0 win over Skye although he will be bracing himself to see who first team manager Allan MacRae calls up to replace the injured Jamie Matheson. Throw up is at 1.30pm. Conor Jones returned from suspension to nab a hat-trick, young forward Sam Richardson got his second double on consecutive Saturdays whilst Craig MacLeod and Callum Binnie got the others.
Skye Camanachd 3 Kingussie 1 Click on the following link to read the match report in full Skye Camanachd 3 Kingussie 1
Aberdeen University 2 Beauly 0 Aberdeen beat Beauly 2-0 in the Granite City. Beauly won Marine Harvest North Division 3 and the Strathdearn Cup last season and they made a fine start to life in the higher league, beating Fort William 2-1 last week. The Students on the other hand lost at Glengarry but they are a stronger side on their own patch. Late goals from Willie Hunter on 77 minutes and Noel Kenneally on 82 minutes gave Aberdeen University a 2-0 win.
Glengarry 1 Glenurquhart 2 Fixtures between Glengarry and Glenurquhart are usually entertaining and this weekend should be no different as the side meet at Craigard. Glengarry were 3-0 winners in the corresponding league fixture last season but Glenurquhart won 4-0 when the sides met at Blairbeg later in the year. Glenurquhart’s Calum Millar scored the only goal of the first half against Glengarry at Craigard. ‘Garry’s Arran Clark drew his side level on 58 minutes but the Blairbeg side’s player / manager Iain Macleod got the winner 20 minutes from time.
Kinlochshiel 0 Fort William 0 Kinlochshiel and Fort William served up an entertaining game but no goals at Kirkton. There is a Kirkton meeting between Kinlochshiel and Fort William. ‘Shiel gave a starting slot to 15 year old Nathan Wear last week as they continue to introduce their younger players to the senior game. Fort William have had to contend with several players, including Jack Fraser, stepping up to the first team this season. Throw up is at 1.30pm.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Ballachulish 7 Col Glen 1 Ballachulish look to be the side to beat in Marine Harvest North Division 2 and they ran out convincing 7-1 winners against Col Glen at Jubilee Park. Ballachulish look to be the side to beat in Marine Harvest North Division 2 and they take on Col Glen at Jubilee Park. Former Fort William player Michael Slezas has joined Craig Munro’s Ballachulish squad and he will feature in the game. However David Campbell, who rejoined the club after a spell with Ballachulish, is still on the injury list. Stuart MacKellar actually put Col Glen ahead on 35 minutes but Duncan MacDonald brought Balla’ square just 3 minutes later. However a second half scoring blitz saw Lorne Brown and Scott Henderson net doubles with David Grant and Cian MacPhee getting the others
Aberdour 5 Glasgow Mid Argyll 1 The Aberdour reserves rounded off a good day for the club with a 5-1 win over Glasgow Mid Argyll in Fife. The home side were without three regulars who were called up to cover first team absentees but they had John MacLennan within their ranks and he scored four times with Finlay MacNee getting the other. Euan Forsyth got the GMA goal. Aberdour and Glasgow Mid Argyll meet in Fife. These sides finished in the bottom two places of the league last season with Aberdour four points better off. They each won their home league encounter when they met last term.
Kyles Athletic W/O v Inveraray The derby clash between Kyles Athletic and Inveraray at Tighnabruaich was postponed as the visitors were unable to raise a team. The points have been awarded to Kyles Athletic.
Tayforth W/O v Bute Bute were unable to raise a team for their trip to Tayforth so the points went to the home side.
Marine Harvest North Division 3 Lochaber 4 Boleskine 3 Lochaber are one of three sides on maximum points following their narrow 4-3 win over Boleskine at Spean Bridge. Martin Paterson, a Kevin Ferguson brace and one from Keith Neville counted for the home side with Matthew Ross, Donnie Forbes and Neil Hope replying for Boleskine. Lochaber and Boleskine do battle at Spean Bridge. Pat Toal scored twice for Lochaber as they won at Strathspey last week. The visitors have full back Donald Black free from suspension.
Lochbroom 3 Strathspey 0 Lochbroom have also taken maximum points from their opening games following their 3-0 win over Strathspey in Ullapool. Johno Morrison in the first half and Lorn Hughes and Neil Fraser after the interval got their goals. Lochbroom will look to follow up their impressive win over Lochcarron last weekend when they play Strathspey in Ullapool. Neil Fraser and Jamie MacFadyen seem to be forming a good partnership in the Lochbroom attack. Lochbroom Camanachd played host to Strathspey on Saturday 9th March for the second game of the season. Encouraged by our win against Lochcarron last week, spirits were high despite the icy wind blowing across the pitch. The game began with Strathspey taking control of the ball and Lochbroom giving chase. The teams were evenly matched but Strathspey proved to be very fit and fast with their centre line players picking up every ball before it could get further down the field. Despite Strathspey’s best efforts, Lochbroom player Jono Morrison put home the first goal in the first 27 minutes, from outside the box. Undeterred, Strathspey continued to fight hard and Lochbroom were pushed to dig deep to regain control of the ball. The first half continued with evenly matched play and no further goals. The second half started with Lochbroom playing much better shinty and having the wind at their backs, kept control of the ball in the Strathspey half. In the 59th minute, Lorn Hughes struck a fine goal to give us a 2 - 0 advantage. Play continued at a frantic pace with the visiting team desperately trying to even the score line but to no avail. Lochbroom’s form is going from strength to strength and with a final goal from Neil Fraser we finished the game with a 3 - 0 win. This now places us in the top of North Division 3 and makes us a team to watch.
Kilmallie 6 Lochcarron 4 Kilmallie also made it two wins out of two with a 6-4 win over Lochcarron at the Canal Parks. Peter McIntyre grabbed a hat-trick for Kilmallie with Brian MacKay getting two and Ross MacKenzie the other. Calum Finlayson, an Allan MacKenzie double and an Iain Cameron effort were not enough for Lochcarron. There will be an interesting clash at the Canal Parks between Kilmallie and Lochcarron. Frankie Innes will be an injury absentee for the home side whilst Lochcarron look to bounce back from the opening day defeat to Lochbroom. Lochcarron will field a team of youngsters this season but they are able to call on the more experienced Ian MacKenzie, Andrew Slaughter and Peter MacKenzie.
Inverness 0 Caberfeidh 3 Inverness went down 3-0 to Caberfeidh at the Bught Park. All the goals came in the first half from Colin MacLellan, John Ritchie and Callum MacCulloch. Inverness play Caberfeidh at the Bught Park. Inverness recorded an 8-0 win over Strathglass last weekend but they had the benefit of five-goal James Cameron who was unable to travel to Skye with the first team because of work commitments. They are unlikely to have that luxury this weekend.
Strathglass 3 Lewis Camanachd 3 Lewis Camanachd overcame ferry difficulties to play Strathglass at Cannich. The match was originally scheduled to start at 12.30pm but eventually got underway around 1.10pm. In the end, the points were shared following a 3-3 draw. Brian MacKay, Lawrence Jones and Robert Geddes counted for Strathglass with a Will Church brace and a Duncan MacIntyre penalty giving Lewis a point. Travel difficulties meant that the match between Strathglass and Lewis Camanachd at Cannich didn’t throw up until 1.30pm. The match finished goalless when the sides met at Cannich early last season and this could be another close affair. With ferry problems in the Western Isles, Lewis have concerns about getting all their players to the game on time. |