Oban Camanachd and Kyles Athletic will contest the Gregor Cameron Glasgow Celtic Society Cup Final and Newtonmore will play either Kinlochshiel or Kilmallie in the MacTavish Cup Final following the shinty action on Saturday 13 May 2017.
Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup - First Round
Fort William 3 Oban Celtic 3
Fort William and Oban Celtic will have to do it all over again this coming Saturday after they drew 3-3 in their Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup first round tie at An Aird.
Fort William’s Bryan Simpson was free of suspension for this 3pm throw up but didn’t play. Alexander MacMillan was also missing.
Oban Celtic suffered a number of late withdrawals. Top scorer Neil Carmichael had a foot injury whilst Ally McKerracher was unavailable as were Lee Askew, Rory Bruce, David MacInnes and Scott Burnett. Iain Mackechnie and Michael MacKinnon were carrying knocks. However goalkeeper Stephen Davidson and full back John Hill both returned to the starting line-up.
Oban Celtic started well and they were 2-0 ahead inside 12 minutes. Daniel Madej got the opener in the first minute and he doubled the Oban side’s lead on 12 minutes.
Fort William’s response was immediate as their impressive full centre Arran MacPhee pulled a goal back just a minute later.
A bit of confusion in the Oban Celtic defence lead to the Fort’s equaliser. Celtic keeper Stephen Davidson thought he heard a call to allow a low ball to run out of play but it crept just inside the post, much to the disappointment of everyone in a green and white jersey.
Fort William shifted up a gear but the Celtic defence held tight and they regained the lead on 26 minutes when make-shift full forward Andy MacDonald, who had an excellent game throughout, brought the ball down and he held off his marker before slipping a pass to Allan Mackie who riffled the ball home from 25 yards out.
Fort William started the second half in search of an equaliser and it came on 51 minutes when substitute JD MacMaster was allowed time and space to bring the ball under control from a corner and he netted to make it 3-3.
Fort William were reduced to eleven men shortly after when referee Ross Brown sent off Lewis Clark following an incident with Andy Hunt.
Oban Celtic were unable to make the extra man count and they too fell a man short when full back John Hill picked up his second booking of the game.
Oban Celtic should have a number of players back for the replay which takes place at Mossfield this coming Saturday with a 2.30pm start. A second round tie at home to Newtonmore is at stake.
Strathglass 4 Ballachulish 0
Strathglass will host Kilmory in the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup second round after they beat Ballachulish 4-0 in their 3pm throw up at Cannich.
Two goals late in the first half put the home side in control.
Scott Douglas got the opener on 41 minutes with Darren Reid adding a second just 60 seconds later.
Steven Hyslop made it 3-0 on 64 minutes and Josh Fraser rounded off the 4-0 win just 4 minutes from time.
MacTavish Cup - Semi Final
Newtonmore 3 Glenurquhart 1
Three goals in the final 30 minutes gave Newtonmore a 3-1 win over Glenurquhart in their 3pm throw up at The Eilan.
Newtonmore manager Paul John MacKintosh made changes to his side after the previous week’s 4-1 league defeat to Kinlochshiel.
Rory Kennedy went to full back with Steven MacDonald switching to buckshee forward. Jamie Robinson was injured so veteran Kenny Ross was called up from the second team to start at full centre. Craig Ritchie slotted in at wing back in place of Andy MacKintosh who hurt his groin in training during the week.
Glenurquhart boss Iain MacLeod welcomed John Barr and Andrew Corrigan back into his defence. Connor Golabeck and Euan Lloyd also returned with the latter starting on the bench. Neale Reid, who has been missing in recent weeks with a hamstring problem, was listed as a substitute whilst David MacLennan was suspended.
The first half lacked entertainment and the closest to a goal was a Steven MacDonald effort which came back off the post whilst, at the other end, a James MacPherson effort was well-saved by Norman Campbell.
Glen full back John Barr was marking Glen MacKintosh but ‘More moved MacKintosh to buckshee forward with 10 first half minutes and he stayed there for the rest of the game.
Glen MacKintosh was finding more space in his new role and he broke the deadlock on the hour mark as he hit a grounder from a tight angle on the ‘More left, with the ball taking the slightest deflection off John Barr to beat Garry MacKintosh in the Glen goal.
Newtonmore started to utilise full forward Drew MacDonald in wide positions on either wing with John Barr left to decide whether to follow him or stay on the D.
Glenurquhart made their first change on 57 minutes when Euan Lloyd replaced Eddie Tembo.
‘More introduced Iain Robinson for Fraser MacKintosh for the final third of the game and Drew MacDonald scored from inside the D to make it 2-0 on 70 minutes. The Glen claimed for an earlier infringement on Andrew Corrigan but referee Deek Cameron waved away their pleas.
Clever play from Glen MacKintosh made it 3-0 with 5 minutes remaining. MacKintosh was composed under pressure as he lifted the ball past the keeper to score.
Neale Reid’s introduction gave Glenurquhart more of a cutting edge in attack and he bagged a cracking goal in the final minute, taking a Daniel MacKintosh free-hit in the air to score.
Rory Kennedy was very impressive for Newtonmore whilst Kenny Ross put in a power of work before he was taken off.
Newtonmore now await the winners of this Saturday’s semi-final between Kinlochshiel and Kilmallie whilst Glenurquhart will be concerned about a late hand injury, suffered in a challenge with Glen MacKintosh, which is likely to keep John Barr sidelined for a number of weeks.
Gregor Cameron Glasgow Celtic Society Cup - Semi Finals
Kyles Athletic 3 Glasgow Mid Argyll 0
Holders Kyles Athletic reached the Gregor Cameron Glasgow Celtic Society Cup Final thanks to a 3-0 win over Glasgow Mid Argyll in their 3pm throw up at Tighnabruaich.
Kyles did the damage in the first half and Scott MacDonald gave them the lead on 23 minutes.
Thomas Whyte made it 2-0 just 5 minutes later. Innes MacDonald and Scott MacDonald played a one-two out wide and Thomas Whyte stopped the ball across the D and his short swing sent the ball into roof of net.
A second Scott MacDonald goal 3 minutes before the break gave Kyles a comfortable 3-0 lead. MacDonald went past two defenders just inside the D by dragging the ball through his legs and, with one hand; he slipped the ball past the keeper to score.
GMA played well in the game, as well as they have done against Kyles for a number of years. However they couldn’t take their chances.
Euan Forsyth hit the post in the second half from a well worked corner and he had another good chance late on.
Kyles were clinical and they took their chances so well, maintaining their 100% record this season.
GMA’s Ryan Harrison did what no other defender has managed this season; he prevented Kyles forward Roddy MacDonald from scoring. Innes MacMillan took over the marking duties when Harrison was moved to half forward late in the second half. MacDonald did have the ball in the net in the second half but his effort was ruled out for offside; a decision which Kyles disputed.
Inveraray 0 Oban Camanachd 1
Oban Camanachd will play Kyles Athletic in the Gregor Cameron Glasgow Celtic Society Cup Final after they overcame Inveraray 1-0 at The Winterton
Inveraray manager Ruaraidh Graham made a change with Nicholas Crawford returning to his half back role so Hamish MacLennan started on the wing; rewarding the youngster for his recent form and his fantastic attitude towards training.
Oban Camanachd boss Iain Hay had to do without defender Scott McKillop who went over his ankle in training. Garry Lord made his first senior team appearance of the season after suffering a broken leg in a pre-season friendly with Strathglass.
Both defences looked solid from the throw up, playing very well and demonstrating both a high level of fitness and composure on the ball.
Oban Camanachd made the break-through on 35 minutes. There was a melee inside the D following a corner. Inveraray keeper Scott MacLachlan made a save but Daniel Cameron managed to tap the rebound home from close range to make it 1-0.
A mixture of good goalkeeping from Scott MacLachlan and some wasteful finishing prevented the Oban side from scoring more first half goals.
Inveraray tried to get a goal back and they had a period of pressure before half time but the Camanachd defence, in which Gary McKerracher was outstanding at full back against Inveraray danger man Allan MacDonald, stood strong.
The second half started in much the same fashion with both teams looking very dangerous on the counter attack but unable to convert the pressure into a goal.
As the tie moved into the final third, Inveraray replaced Douglas Dando, who was suffering from a strained achilles, with Ally McDonald. Hamish MacLennan also came off with young Ruaraidh Graham taking over on the wing.
Oban Camanachd had a lot of possession in the second half without creating too many chances and Inveraray were always dangerous on the break.
With time running out, Inveraray finished strongly with their centre line closing down their opponents at ever opportunity.
However Inveraray were unable to conjure up an equaliser and with 3 minutes injury time played, referee Graham Cameron blew for time.
Inveraray will be happy with their standard of play considering they are going through a transitional phase and they want to install a winning mentality within the squad.
Oban Camanachd will now play Kyles Athletic in the 2017 Gregor Cameron Glasgow Celtic Society Cup Final and the sides meet at Tighnabruaich in the league this coming Saturday with a noon start.
Strathdearn Cup – Second Round
Lochcarron 1 Kingussie 3
The Kingussie seconds came from a goal down to defeat Lochcarron 3-1 at Battery Park
Lochcarron’s Sean MacCuish was ruled out with a broken thumb.
Kingussie fielded Rory Fraser at full back and Kevin Thain at full forward in what was otherwise a very young squad.
The match started off at a good pace and Lochcarron threatened the Kingussie goal after 3 minutes when Peter MacKenzie shot wide of the post.
Lochcarron were awarded a free-hit on 10 minutes, just in their own half, and Crisdean Finlayson found Lance MacCuish who unleashed a powerful 25 yard shot which flew into the roof of the Kingussie net.
Kingussie pressed for an equaliser and home full back Douglas MacKenzie was playing well against Kevin Thain; stopping the hit-man from creating shooting opportunities.
Lochcarron had a very good chance to double their lead when good forward play ended with a sublime Liam Arnott pass to Peter Mackenzie who was left unmarked on the edge of the D but he shot high over the crossbar.
Kingussie equalised on the 40 minutes when Dylan Borthwick turned his marker and sent a low shot past keeper Iain Cameron’s left-hand post.
Kingussie took the lead for the first time on the stroke of half time. A good shy from the right sent the ball into the D where it fell kindly at the back post for an unmarked Kevin Thain and he made no mistake, slamming the ball into the back of the net.
Lochcarron made a strong start to the second half and Liam Arnott’s running was causing problems in the Kingussie defence and he set up a couple of chances for Peter MacKenzie.
However it was Kingussie who extended their lead on 62 minutes when a corner was flicked on to Kevin Thain who juggled the ball before turning and squeezing the ball between the keeper and the post.
Lochcarron claimed the ball went into the side netting but the goal judge signalled a goal and referee John Angus Gillies pointed to the centre.
Lochcarron were good in defence with Douglas MacKenzie playing a man of the match role.
David MacCuish and David Bauermeister played really well in midfield whilst forwards Liam Arnott and Lance MacCuish worked tirelessly to try and break down the Kingussie defence.
Father and son duo Rory Fraser and Sorley Fraser starred for the Kings whilst Kevin Thain and Dylan Borthwick were very sharp around the goal area.
This was a good cup tie, played in good spirit, with no bookings.
Fort William 3 Kinlochshiel 1
The Fort William seconds and the Kinlochshiel seconds met for the third time this season at An Aird.
It was one win apiece ahead of this noon throw up so this was always going to be a close contest.
Bobby MacMillan gave Fort William the lead after 18 minutes but Morgan Fraser levelled on 25 minutes.
A blistering Cameron Grant strike on 43 minutes made it 2-1 at the break.
And that’s the way it stayed until the final minute when a sweet Cal Brown finish confirmed the Fort’s place in the next round.
Glengarry 4 Glenurquhart 3
Glengarry held off a late comeback to beat the Glenurquhart second team 4-3 at Craigard.
A Nick Dalgety goal in the opening minute got ‘Garry off to a great start.
However when referee Brian MacKay pointed to the penalty spot on 23 minutes, Calum Miller took the chance to equalise.
Nick Dalgety got his second 7 minutes after the restart and Daniel MacLennan made it 3-1 from the penalty spot on 61 minutes.
When MacLennan scored again 5 minutes later, Glengarry looked home and dry.
However another Calum Miller strike on 75 minutes reduced the deficit and when Finlay Ralston found the back of the net on 83 minutes, the scene was set for a grandstand finish.
‘Garry stayed in front though and they now host Fort William in the last-eight of the competition.
Boleskine 0 Skye Camanachd 9
The Skye Camanachd colts were too strong for Boleskine; winning 9-0 in their 1.30pm throw up at Smith Park.
Skye youngster Ross Gordon scored on 8 and 15 minutes to give the Islanders a two advantage,
Another U17 player, Connor Gilpin, netted on 26, 32 and 35 minutes to grab a nine-minute hat-trick.
Skye Camanachd player / manager Kenny MacLeod added his name to the score-sheet on 41 minutes to make it 6-0 at the interval.
Three goals in the final 20 minutes took Skye’s tally to nine goals.
Ross Gordon completed his hat-trick on 70 minutes whilst John Angus MacInnes, 10 minutes later, and youngster Martin Pringle, 5 minutes from time, rounded off the win.
Kilmallie 2 Caberfeidh 1
The Kilmallie reserves edged out the Caberfeidh reserves 2-1 in their noon throw up at The Canal Parks.
Stuart Sloss got both Kilmallie goals with Ruaridh MacLeman countering for Cabers.
Kilmallie’s reward is a trip to The Dell to play Kingussie in the next round.
Lochaber 9 Lewis Camanachd 0
A clinical second half performance earned the Lochaber second team a 9-0 win over Lewis Camanachd in their 2pm throw up at Spean Bridge.
Keith Neville gave Lochaber the lead after 7 minutes but that was to be the only goal of the first half.
Neville got his second to make it 2-0 a minute after the restart and a goal-glut followed.
James MacRae on 58 minutes and an Iain Fyfe double on 62 and 64 minutes made it 5-0.
Lachlan Campbell added a sixth on 74 minutes and Keith Neville completed his hat-trick just a minute later.
Harvey Allison on 78 minutes and a second from Lachlan Campbell a couple of minutes from time rounded off the 9-0 win.
Strathglass 1 Inverness 0 (After extra time)
The Strathglass seconds beat the Inverness seconds 1-0 after extra-time in their noon throw up at Cannich.
Some good goal-keeping from Inverness custodian Kenneth Loades, including an extra-time penalty save, kept the home side at bay but youngster Penri Jones got the winner with just 5 minutes of the extra-time period remaining.
The Strathglass seconds will now host the Skye Camanachd seconds in the Strathdearn Cup quarter-finals.
Newtonmore W/O v Lovat
Holders Newtonmore reserves were given a walk-over through to the quarter-finals when the Lovat reserves were unable to raise a team for their noon throw up at The Eilan.
Newtonmore travel to play the Lochaber seconds in the quarter-finals.
Marine Harvest Premiership
Kilmallie 0 Kingussie 2
An early Ryan Borthwick double gave Kingussie a 2-0 victory over Kilmallie in their 3pm throw up at The Canal Parks.
Kilmallie’s Liam Cameron was free of suspension but Aaron Sandison and Martin Stewart were banned. Former Fort William player Steven Stewart played very well in defence on his Kilmallie debut. His brother Daniel Stewart was on holiday so didn’t play.
Kingussie had Lee Bain back and he started on the bench. The Kings were still without long-term injury absentees James Falconer and Martin Dallas.
Ryan Borthwick scored after just 2 minutes to give Kingussie the lead. Ryan Macwilliam played a ball forward towards Ruaridh Anderson and Savio Genini and when the ball broke to Ryan Borthwick, he drilled a waist-high shot from around 16 yards out past keeper Shane Gillies to make it 1-0.
Ryan Borthwick got his and Kingussie’s second on 12 minutes. Kingussie worked the ball down the left side where Chris Holleysong did well and he found Borthwick outside the D and he let the ball run across his body before tucking it into the bottom corner of the net.
This was a good, solid Kingussie performance which takes them level on points with leaders Kyles and two points ahead of third placed Kinlochshiel. However Kingussie have played more games than their rivals.
Kilmallie remain in the relegation zone as they turn their attentions to this Saturday’s MacTavish Cup semi-final against Kinlochshiel at Kirkton.
Lovat 1 Lochaber 0
Lovat climb to fifth spot in the division after a Martin Bell goal gave them a 1-0 win over Lochaber at Balgate.
Lovat were without suspended trio Drew Howie, Callum Cruden and Lorne MacKay.
Martin Bell started at full forward and his inclusion paid dividends after just 10 minutes. A Scott MacKenzie shy fell for Greg Matheson who played the ball back to MacKenzie and he fed a low ball to Martin Bell’s feet. Bell turned and hit a low, powerful shot past Callum MacDonald in the Lochaber goal.
This game never really hit the heights but Lovat will be delighted to take the points which lift them into the top half of the table.
Marine Harvest National Division
Skye Camanachd 4 Beauly 0
Skye Camanachd stay out in front in the Marine Harvest National Division after they beat Beauly 4-0 at Pairc nan Laoch.
Skye got off to a great start when Iain MacLellan, in the team for the injured James Pringle, swept the ball home with just 40 seconds played.
Two clean strikes from Jordan Murchison on 18 and 25 minutes made it 3-0 at the break.
Danny Morrison ghosted in at the back post to add a fourth from a Jordan Murchison free-hit on 69 minutes to round off the 4-0 win.
Skye are a point ahead of second placed Caberfeidh with both sides having played five matches.
Inverness 0 Caberfeidh 7
Caberfeidh continued their good run, beating Inverness 7-0 at The Bught Park.
Craig Morrison put Cabers in front on 15 minutes and Kevin Bartlett made it 2-0 on 33 minutes with Liam Symonds adding a third 4 minutes before the interval.
The same three players scored again in the second half. Kevin Bartlett got his second goal of the match on 55 minutes and Liam Symonds did like-wise just 4 minutes later.
Caberfeidh used the open spaces on the Bught Park to their advantage and their speedy forwards caused the Inverness defence problems all afternoon.
A second Craig Morrison goal on 63 minutes made it 6-0 and there was still time for Kevin Bartlett to complete his hat-trick on 81 minutes.
Caberfeidh are now a point ahead of third placed Fort William although they have played a game more.
The sides meet again this coming Saturday in the Balliemore Cup quarter-finals with Cabers having home advantage this time.
Marine Harvest South Division 1
Col Glen 0 Lochside Rovers 5
Lochside Rovers remain in top spot in Marine Harvest South Division 1 after they scored five times without replay at Col Glen.
Lewis Buchanan grabbed a hat-trick with Craig MacMillan and Daniel Sloss getting the others.
Kyles Athletic 1 Bute 4
Bute continue to claw back their eight point penalty for dropping a division as they beat the Kyles Athletic second team 4-1 in their noon throw up at Tighnabruaich.
The Islanders showed they meant business with two goals in the opening 4 minutes.
John MacCallum put them ahead on 2 minutes with Robert Walker doubling their lead a couple of minutes later.
Kyle Mcmartin gave Kyles hope with a goal after 10 minutes but a second from John MacCallum on 51 minutes and a 62 minute James Craig effort gave Bute both points.
Bute remain bottom of the table but their points differential has been cut to minus three points.
Taynuilt 0 Aberdour 3
Aberdour stay second after they beat Taynuilt 3-0 at the Taynuilt Sports Field.
The visitors travelled without Cammy McCue who has a broken toe.
Taynuilt had most of the first half pressure but were unable to turn their dominance into goals.
However Aberdour came much more into the game in the second half and they took the lead with just 15 minutes remaining when Roddy MacColl beat his marker to score.
McColl added his and Aberdour’s second just a couple of minutes later after he was set up by David MacKenzie.
Taynuilt were never out of the game but it was Aberdour who scored for the third time in what was a prolific 8 minute spell when David MacKenzie forced home a rebound off the keeper to make it 3-0 with 83 minutes played.
Glenorchy 1 Tayforth 4
Third placed Tayforth beat Glenorchy 4-1 at Mart Park.
Finlay Stark scored on 10 and 18 minutes to give the visitors and early advantage but a 25 minute Kieran MacKay goal made it 2-1 at the break.
James Roy restored Tayforth’s two goal advantage on 75 minutes and Finlay Stark completed his hat-trick 5 minutes from time.
Glenorchy’s Kieron Gallagher was sent off by referee Robert Baxter.
Marine Harvest South Division 2
Oban Lorn 2 Bute 0
Second placed Oban Lorn scored a goal in each half to beat the Bute second team 2-0 at Ganavan.
Young David Martin put the home side ahead on 31 minutes and Ewan MacCorquodale made it 2-0 on 68 minutes.
Oban Lorn’s Shaun MacIver was sent off by referee Neil MacDonald.
Glasgow Mid Argyll 1 Strachur 4
Strachur go third in the division after they beat the Glasgow Mid Argyll second team 4-1 at Yoker. Stuart Robertson, Iain Wilson, Ian MacLennan and Duncan Smart netted for the visitors with Nick Lavin scoring for GMA.
Dunoon 0 Aberdour 2
The Aberdour seconds recorded their first league win of the season, beating Dunoon 2-0 at The Dunoon Stadium.
Andrew Fraser scored both goals on 65 and 86 minutes.
(All throw ups were 2.30pm unless the match reports states differently)
WCA Round Up
The ladies action turned to the regional division with most matches played on Sunday 14 May 2017.
Marine Harvest North Division 2
Glenurquhart 4 Glengarry 0
Glenurquhart recorded an impressive 4-0 win over Glengarry at Blairbeg on Saturday 13 May 2017.
Two goals from Hazel Hunter and one each from Ishbel Barr and Claire Hannon confirmed the win.
Strathglass 0 Strathspey Camanachd 4
Strathspey turned in their best performance of the season to defeat Strathglass 4-0 in their 3pm throw up at Cannich.
The excellent Jade Longworth notched a hat-trick whilst Katy Minard also scored.
Marine Harvest South Division 2
Glasgow Mid Argyll 2 Oban Lorn 0
The Glasgow Mid Argyll second team beat Oban Lorn 2-0 at Yoker.
Katie Mullen and Evie Coultas got the goals.
Ardnamurchan W/O v Lorne Ladies
Ardnamurchan were given a walk-over in their match against Lorne Ladies.
(The "who's holding who" photo from the Strathdearn Cup second round tie between the Strathglass and Inverness second teams comes courtesy of Donald Cameron)