The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 14 March 2015 - UPDATED! | |
15 March 2015 The second weekend of the new shinty season an almost complete programme beat the weather, with several clubs making their first competitive appearance on Saturday 14 March 2015.
Marine Harvest Premiership Lochaber 1 Newtonmore 7 Champions Newtonmore got their quest for six consecutive league titles off to a winning start when they beat Lochaber 7-1 at Spean Bridge. Lochaber duo Brian MacDonald and Lachlan Campbell were free of suspension. Injury ruled out Newtonmore marksmen Danny MacRae and Fraser MacKintosh but Rory Kennedy’s return from injury has been a real boost for manager Paul John MacKintosh. The shinty fixture list has given returning Lochaber boss Ally Ferguson a tough start to the league campaign. They opened with a creditable 3-3 draw against last year’s league runners-up Lovat and they took the lead in this match through Stuart Callison after just 5 minutes. It only took Newtonmore 4 minutes to draw level through Paul MacArthur. Calum Stewart on 13 minutes and Glen MacKintosh on 34 minutes saw ‘More 3-1 to the good at the break. Glen MacKintosh got his second 10 minutes into the second half to make it 4-1. Evan Menzies then took centre stage, adding a fifth on 59 minutes. When referee Evan MacRae awarded Newtonmore a penalty with 10 minutes remaining, Evan Menzies stepped up to notch his second goal of the game to make it 6-1. Evan Menzies completed his hat-trick a couple of minutes from time to complete the 7-1 win. Despite the absence of two of the games’ top forwards, Newtonmore were clinical in front of goal and the final scoreline was a bit harsh on Lochaber. Referee Evan MacRae deserves a mention for officiating despite being knocked off his motorbike by a car on his way to the match.
Kinlochshiel 2 Lovat 0 Kinlochshiel gained a valuable two points when they beat Lovat 2-0 at Kirkton. Lovat’s Lorne MacKay missed out because of his three match suspension whilst Martin Bell was free of his two match ban. ‘Shiel’s Finlay MacRae was given a marking job on Lovat’s Kevin Bartlett. The first 25 minutes of the match was quite scrappy with neither team threating either goal. The home side came within a whisker of taking the lead on 13 minutes when Jordan Fraser found Gordie MacDonald on the left but his shot rebounded off the base of the post. Home goalie Scott Kennedy pulled a fantastic save from a Greg Matheson drive on the half hour mark. The Lovat forward appealed for a penalty but his protests were waved away by referee John Angus Gillies. Greg Matheson also rattled the bar and home goalie Kennedy denied Kevin Bartlett on 29 minutes, saving with his feet. Kinlochshiel took the lead after 34 minutes. As ‘Shiel broke forward, Lovat keeper Stuart MacDonald did well to get his caman to a Jordan Fraser piledriver but the ball dropped agonisingly over the line to give ‘Shiel a 1-0 lead. The goal sparked the game into life with chances at both ends as the match flowed from one goal to another. The first half was evenly balanced but ‘Shiel just deserved to be 1-0 up at half time. Lovat made a strong start to the second half and they created two chances within 5 minutes of the restart. The opportunities fell to Kevin Bartlett and Greg Matheson but Scott Kennedy was equal to their efforts, keeping his side ahead. ‘Shiel doubled their advantage on 51 minutes. A slick move between Keith MacRae and Jordan Fraser following a Donald Nixon shy ended when MacRae sent an absolute bullet of a shot from 20 yards into the net, leaving Stuart MacDonald with no chance of saving it. ‘Shiel piled on the pressure and Stuart MacDonald saved from Jordan Fraser, Donald Nixon and Gordie MacDonald. Scott Kennedy was twice called into action around the hour mark. First saving from Kevin Bartlett and then producing a brilliant stop from Jamie Matheson. Euan Ferguson came on for Martin Mainland for Lovat and Alasdair Nixon replaced Gordie MacDonald for Kinlochshiel. Keith MacRae got past his marker on 72 minutes and found his brother John MacRae but his shot went wide. The game swung from end to end and Kennedy saved from Greg Matheson before MacDonald thwarted Alasdair Nixon. This was a good game which Kinlochshiel deserved to win. They looked hungry, well-organised and disciplined with good individual performances from Oliver MacRae on the wing and Donald Nixon whilst Callum Cruden and Kevin Bartlett shone for Lovat. However the man of the match was 'Shiel forward Jordan Fraser.
Inveraray 0 Glenurquhart 2 Glenurquhart picked up two good points with a 2-0 win over Inveraray at the Winterton. Inveraray’s David MacPherson didn’t feature as he was due to run the Barcelona Marathon in aid of the Beatson Charity the following day. Garry MacPherson and Inveraray’s 2014 Player of the Year John Kennedy were also missing. Glenurquhart’s John Barr served a one match ban for a points accumulation carried forward from the end of last season. Glenurquhart went ahead 4 minutes before the break when Lewis MacLennan saw his dipping 20 yard shot from the right of goal stopped by Inveraray keeper Graham MacPherson. However the ball got caught up underneath the goalie and Fraser Heath ran in to knock the ball over the line from only a yard out. Glen sealed the win 15 minutes from time when Fraser Heath got his second after some superb passing and movement involving the whole visiting forward line. Fraser Heath pushed the ball to James MacPherson on the left, around 25 yards from goal. MacPherson slipped the ball back to the forward-running Heath and he flicked the ball over his marker, who slipped, and this allowed the Scotland U21 international time to volley the ball into the net to make it 2-0. Inveraray’s Euan McMurdo was given a straight red carded by referee Billy Wotherspoon so he will miss his side’s next two matches. A concern for Glen will be a hamstring problem picked up by Euan Lloyd.
Oban Camanachd 1 Kyles Athletic 3 Kyles Athletic made a winning start to the season, beating Oban Camanachd 3-1 at Mossfield. Oban Camanachd’s James MacMillan was banned. John Whyte was between the sticks for the Tighnabruaich side to deputise for injured goalie Kenny MacDonald. Kyles were minus David Zavaroni who was suspended for a points accumulation but Thomas Whyte was free of injury. Roddy MacDonald put Kyles ahead after 9 minutes and he added a second 5 minutes before half time. Dunkie Kerr added a third on 53 minutes and although Andrew MacCuish pulled a goal back on 62 minutes, there was to be no comeback.
Kingussie 2 Fort William 1 Kingussie got their season off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over Fort William at the Dell. Keeper Craig Dawson was missing for Kingussie so Rory MacGregor stood-in between the sticks. Fort William defender Stevie Stewart was suspended as was attacker Bryan Simpson. Ewan Campbell gave Fort William the lead after 14 minutes when he lifted the ball over keeper MacGregor’s left shoulder from left of goal. However a Barrie Dallas effort on 33 minutes ensured the sides went into the break all-square. It looked like it was going to take something different to win both points and that came a minute from time when Kingussie were awarded a comer. Lee Bain made an outrageous run from buckshee back which seemed to cause havoc in the Fort William defence. Bain got a touch on the corner and Savio Genini was on hand to strike the ball into the roof of the net to give Kingussie a 2-1 win.
Marine Harvest National Division Kilmallie 8 Ballachulish 0 Kilmallie were too strong for a youthful Ballachulish side, running out 8-0 winners at the Canal Parks. Kilmallie’s Peter Carmichael made a quicker than expected return from a hamstring problem but injury ruled out Mark Graham and Martin Graham. Seb MacMillan and Bryan MacKay were also missing. Suspension denied Balla’ the services of Scottish international John MacDonald and promising defender Cian MacPhee whilst Scott Henderson was injured. Indeed nine players from their fifteen man squad were aged eighteen or under. Peter Carmichael opened the scoring for Kilmallie, John Stewart grabbed a hat-trick, Liam MacDonald also scored, Michael Rodger was on target twice – once from the penalty spot – and Ryan Stewart completed the scoring. The winning margin could have been greater but for a fine display of goalkeeping from 15 year old Balla’ goalie Cameron Sutherland.
Beauly 3 Caberfeidh 0 Beauly recorded a 3-0 win over Caberfeidh at Braeview Park. Beauly were minus 2014 Player of the Year David Neilson through work commitments so Jamie MacLennan started at full back. New Caberfeidh boss Lee Nicol saw his make a good start to the game without being able to create any clear-cut chances in front of Josh Grant’s goal and this is something they would rue as the game went on. At the other end, Ewen Pilcher made some good saves in the Caberfeidh goal but he could do little to prevent his side falling behind after 30 minutes with Marc MacLachlan on target. Sean Stewart made it 2-0 on 40 minutes to give the home side some breathing space at the break. Beauly took a grip of the game in the second half and Cabers again had keeper Pilcher to thank before Beauly’s Barrie MacDonald sealed the 3-0 win with a goal on 73 minutes.
Inverness 0 Glasgow Mid Argyll 2 Inverness started life in the Marine Harvest National Division with a 2-0 defeat to Glasgow Mid Argyll at the Bught Park outside pitch. New Inverness boss Drew McNeill had a full squad to pick from with the exception of forward Connor Golabek. GMA had the better of the first half and could have had more than an 18 minute Jamie MacFadyen goal to show for their efforts. Inverness had chances to equalise in the second half before Euan Forsyth struck 5 minutes from time to confirm the 2-0 win. This was a good, hard fought encounter, played in a sporting manner.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Newtonmore 5 Strathglass 2 The Newtonmore second team started the season amongst the Marine Harvest North Division title favourites and they recorded a 5-2 win over fellow contenders Strathglass at the Eilan. Martin Hall put Newtonmore ahead on 10 minutes and an own goal doubled their lead just 4 minutes later. Iain Robinson made it 3-0 on 20 minutes and he added a fourth just 8 minutes later. Although Josh Fraser pulled a goal back for Strathglass 3 minutes before the break, the home side always looked in control. There was no further scoring until the closing minutes of this contest. Josh Fraser got his second on 85 minutes after he converted a penalty awarded by referee Calum Girvan. However Martin Hall both started and finished the match scoring when he netted a minute from time to make it 5-2.
Lochcarron 0 Glenurquhart 1 Lochcarron and the Glenurquhart reserves were separated by just a single goal at Battery Park. There was no David Bauermeister for Lochcarron but their squad was boosted by the inclusion of three players from Lochbroom who have not entered the league this season. Andrew Young returned to the fold for Glenurquhart after a period of absence. Glenurquhart were first to threaten and Calum MacKay had to be alert to clear a long ball into the goal area. Both Gregor Cushnie and Nick Dalgety testing visiting goalie David MacFadyen but he was up to both challenges. MacFadyen then showed tremendous agility to turn away a net-bound Cushnie thunderbolt. The vital strike came on 69 minutes when Duncan Fraser scored a fortuitous goal for the Glen. A long ball into the goal area from Cairn Urquhart didn’t seem to pose any danger but Fraser stuck out his caman and diverted the ball into the net, past a stranded Peter MacKenzie. Calum Finlayson, Michael MacMillan and Gregor Cushnie all tried to get an equalising goal for Lochcarron but the Glen defence, well-led by full back Paul MacKintosh, were up to the task and Fraser’s goal was enough to give his team a winning start to the season.
Fort William 2 Kingussie 1 Fort William came out on top with a 2-1 win over Kingussie in their reserve meeting at An Aird. Fort William’s Dylan Fraser missed out as he was banned because of a points accumulation. Duncan Rodger gave Fort William a 21 minute lead with the only goal of the first half. Jay MacLeod made it 2-0 on 65 minutes. Kevin Thain notched a consolation strike for Kingussie in the final minute.
Lovat 0 Kinlochshiel 1 Kinlochshiel were 1-0 winners in their second team contest against Lovat at Balgate. Keeper Iain Cameron was missing for ‘Shiel so former Skye keeper Raymond Gillies played in goal. There was also a return for Allan MacDiarmid after a year with the Newtonmore second team. Youngster Douglas Campbell got the winner with a rare goal after just 7 minutes.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Strachur 0 Bute 3 Bute turned down the chance to remain in the Marine Harvest National Division after finishing bottom of the table last season. They opened their league campaign against Strachur at Strachurmore and returned to the Meadows with both points following a 3-0 victory. Strachur were without the services of the suspended Ian MacLennan. The first half was scoreless with both keepers called into action to make good saves. Robert Walker, who has returned to the shinty field after an absence of over a year, put the Islanders ahead on the hour mark. Stuart Stirling added a second 10 minutes later and James Dunn made it 3-0 on 81 minutes.
Kyles Athletic 2 Inveraray 3 The reserve derby between the Kyles Athletic and Inveraray second teams at Ormidale produced five goals with the visitors taking the points thanks to a 3-2 triumph. Brandon Wilson and Rupert Williamson were on target for Kyles but Neil Shaw was the Inveraray hero with a hat-trick.
Aberdour 1 Oban Celtic 2 Oban Celtic beat Aberdour 2-1 in their 1pm throw up at Silver Sands. The home side had an early chance when referee Alan Harrison awarded them a penalty after Darren Coyle was brought down inside the D. John Martin Philips took responsibility but Oban Celtic keeper Stephen Davidson saved his spot hit. It was a costly miss as although Aberdour had the early pressure, Daniel Madej, who usually plays in defence, got the opener for Oban Celtic on 22 minutes after the ball come off a home defender and left the keeper stranded. Oban Celtic took their 1-0 lead into the break. And that’s the way it stayed until 77 minutes when a great strike from Lee Askew gave Oban Celtic a 2-0 cushion. Aberdour’s Kevin Latimer pounced on a loose ball to pull a goal back 3 minutes from time but Oban Celtic saw out the closing stages for a deserved win.
Taynuilt 2 Lochside Rovers 3 Lochside Rovers beat Taynuilt 3-2 at the Taynuilt Playing Field. Liam Higgins gave the Oban side an 18 minute lead but Steven Parr equalised just 2 minutes later. Taynuilt’s Willie Neilson, who had recovered from a knee injury, put the home side ahead a minute before the break. Daniel MacMillan made it 2-2 on 55 minutes and Brian MacCallum scored what proved to be the winner on the hour mark. Defender Ryan Gillies was excellent for Taynuilt with full centre Keith Burnett excellent for Rovers. A concern for Taynuilt will be that strikers Willie Neilson and David Graham both limped off the pitch. The contest was also for the JC Memorial Trophy which heads for Oban. The match was refereed by former Scotland international Fraser Inglis.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Skye Camanachd 5 Lochaber 2 Skye Camanachd were 5-2 victors in their second team clash with Lochaber at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Skye got off to the perfect start when Iain MacLellan put them ahead with less than a minute played. MacLellan added a second on 10 minutes before completing his hat-trick on 33 minutes. Skye were awarded a penalty a couple of minutes later. Bryn Whittaker made a brilliant save from Jordan Murchison’s spot-hit but John Angus MacInnes was able to slot the ball into the corner of the net following the ensuing goalmouth scramble. John Gillies made it 5-0 with his fourth goal in two games. Lochaber gave Skye a late fright with goals from Shane Latto on 79 minutes and Ben Delaney 5 minutes from time but Skye took the points.
Aberdeen University 4 Lewis Camanachd 0 Aberdeen University made it two wins out of two when they beat Lewis Camanachd 4-0 at Balgownie. This was the equivalent of a home match for Lewis Camanachd’s Scott Murray who is based in Aberdeen. The Islanders saw their pre-season programme wrecked by the inclement weather so this was their first outing of the year. However goals from Kenny Cushnie, a Mark Fraser double and a Greg Tillman effort gave the Students the 4-0 win.
Strathspey Camanachd 1 Boleskine 2 Boleskine beat Strathspey Camanachd 2-1 in their 1.30pm throw up at Grantown Grammar School. Boleskine’s Matthew Ross remained on the suspension list. Graham Shand scored for the home side but two goals from former Inverness player Scott Watson gave Boleskine their first win of the season. The match marked a return to refereeing for former Strathglass boss and ex Camanachd Association Director Callum Duff.
Glengarry 3 Kilmallie 1 Glengarry beat the Kilmallie second team 3-1 at Craigard. Arran Sandison gave Kilmallie a 5 minute lead. However Glengarry’s 2014 Player of the Year Steven Cameron delighted the home support with an equaliser just a couple of minutes before the half time whistle. Two goals from Stuart Gregory on 70 and 73 gave ‘Garry a 3-1 win.
Caberfeidh 8 Inverness 0 The Caberfeidh seconds were too strong for their Inverness counter-parts, winning 8-0 at Castle Leod. Gavin McLaughlan gave Cabers an early advantage with goals after 1 and 9 minutes. Veteran Graham MacGregor on 18 minutes and youngster Ben MacDonald 10 minutes later gave the home side lead 4-0 at the break. Ruairidh McCreadie on the hour, Andrew MacMaster on 65 minutes and Ben MacDonald’s second on 68 minutes made it 7-0. There was still time for Gavin McLaughlan to complete his hat-trick with a goal a couple of minutes from time to complete a fine 8-0 win.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Glasgow Mid Argyll 9 Glenorchy 2 The Glasgow Mid Argyll seconds beat the Glenorchy seconds 9-2 at Yoker. Ewan MacFadyen and Calum McLay notched hat-tricks whilst Calum Forsyth, Angus MacIntosh and Gregor Hendry got the others for GMA who were the day’s top scorers. On the week he passed his driving test, Glenorchy’s Martin MacKillop twice found the route to goal.
Ballachulish v Col Glen W/O The Ballachulish reserves were unable to raise a team for their match against Col Glen at Jubilee Park. The visitors were given a walk-over and the prescribed 5-0 win.
Oban Lorn W/O v Tayforth Oban Lorne had hoped to commence their return to shinty at Ganavan against Tayforth. However the visitors were unable to raise a team so Oban Lorn were given a walk-over and the customary 5-0 win.
Bute P Aberdour P The game between the Bute and Aberdour second strings was postponed on Friday as the Meadows was ruled unplayable. |