Kilmallie lifted the Balliemore Cup, Lochaber and Kinlochshiel are through to the Camanachd Cup semi-finals whilst Skye Camanachd reached the last four of the Strathdearn Cup and Kilmory will feature in the Bullough Cup Final following the shinty action on Saturday 16 July 2016.
Balliemore Cup Final
Kilmallie 6 Caberfeidh 0
Kilmallie lifted the 2016 Balliemore Cup with a 6-0 win over Caberfeidh in the final at Blairbeg.
The Balliemore Cup was first played for as an Intermediate Championship in 1985 and Kilmallie had won it on two previous occasions – 1992 and 1993. Kilmallie’s last appearance in the final came in 2008 when they lost 3-1 to Skye Camanachd at Braeview Park. Mark MacPherson’s side had only previously lost twice this season; both times against Marine Harvest Premier Division sides – Skye Camanachd and Oban Camanachd – and both times by the odd goal in seven. They were also in great goal scoring form going into the final; netting 26 goals in their last six matches.
Caberfeidh boss Lee Nicol knew that victory would make his side record Balliemore Cup winners; they were currently level with Bute at five victories apiece. The Caberfeidh triumphs came in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2000. However it had been sixteen years since their last success although they were last in the final in 2011 when they lost 2-1 to Bute at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Cabers only trailed Kilmallie by a point in the Marine Harvest National Division.
Kilmallie and Caberfeidh had met twice before in the Balliemore Cup Final – in 1995 and 1997 – and Cabers won on both occasions but this was to be Kilmallie’s day. Both teams took supporters’ buses to this year’s final.
Kilmallie’s Innes Blackhall was free to play but he will miss his team’s next match against Bute in the league as his booking against Oban Camanachd a week earlier takes him through the disciplinary points threshold. Bryan MacKay, who played his part in the run to the cup final, missed out as he was abroad.
Caberfeidh were along usual lines although they had to do without Ally MacLennan and Paddy Wilson.
Cabers made a bright start to the final and a Craig Morrison drive rose just the wrong side of Shane Gillies’ post early in the match.
However it was Kilmallie who took the lead after 5 minutes when Cabers' keeper Ewan Pilcher saved a Duncan Rodger shot and Mark Graham held off his marker to force the ball home from inside the D.
Two goals late in the first half put Kilmallie in control. Michael Rodger made it 2-0 on 42 minutes with a rocket-shot from 25 yards out which flew into the top corner of the net. Then, a minute before the break, Mark Graham lofted the ball goalwards from the middle of the park and it evaded the keeper and ended up in the net to make it 3-0 at the break.
Kilmallie went on to dominate after the restart and a 10 minute Liam MacDonald hat-trick early in the second half put them out of sight. First, the Scotland forward crashed the ball high into the net from just past the penalty to make it 4-0 on 50 minutes. Then, a minute later, MacDonald netted from just outside the D before sending the ball home from close-in on the hour mark to make it 6-0.
Caberfeidh never gave up but they did have to thank goalie Ewan Pilcher for a number of good saves during the game.
Kilmallie emerged deserved winners and their captain Martin Stewart was presented with the Balliemore Cup, in front of a delighted Kilmallie support, by Camanachd Association Chieftain Jock Turner with President Jim Barr also in attendance.
Martin MacLean was the match referee.
Camanachd Cup – Quarter Final (Replays)
Beauly 1 Kinlochshiel 2
Kinlochshiel eventually saw off the challenge from Beauly with a narrow 2-1 win in their Camanachd Cup quarter final replay at Braeview Park.
Beauly had Scotland U17 player Sandy Elrick back in their side after he’d recovered from a hand injury.
Kinlochshiel were without defender Calum MacLean and forward Oliver MacRae but Mark MacDonald returned at the back.
The teams drew 1-1 at Kirkton a week earlier and this one was to prove equally close.
Beauly had a strong wind in their favour in the first half but it was Gordie MacDonald who gave Kinlochshiel the lead with a goal after 19 minutes. Home goalie Josh Grant saved a shot on goal and the ball broke out to the ‘Shiel left where MacDonald turned and shot into the bottom corner of the net.
John MacRae made it 2-0 just 4 minutes later. A ‘Shiel shy was stopped in the air by Beauly defender David MacLean but the ball fell nicely for MacRae who found the back of the net on the half-volley.
Kinlochshiel continued to have most of the play but, just like a week earlier, they were unable to turn their pressure into more goals.
Beauly forward Marc MacLachlan set up an exciting finish when he beat ‘Shiel goalie Scott Kennedy with a 20 yard strike with just 15 minutes remaining.
However it was ‘Shiel who had the better chances in the closing stages and they stayed in front and will now play Newtonmore in the Camanachd Cup semi-finals.
Lochaber 2 Kyles Athletic 1
Lochaber reached the Camanachd Cup semi-finals with a hard fought 2-1 win over Kyles Athletic at Spean Bridge
Lochaber were without Zandz Ferguson, Kevin Ferguson and Jack Dignan but Brennan MacDonald able to take a place in the squad after suffering an elbow injury when the sides met at Tighnabruaich the previous weekend. Kyles twice came from behind in that game to draw 2-2.
Kyles Athletic had Donald Irvine back after a spell abroad but Cammy Keith was missing. Scott MacDonald was on the bench after recovering from injury.
Kyles had a strong wind in their favour in the first half and both teams enjoyed periods of pressure in the first half without having a serious attempt on goal.
Kyles’ full centre Grant Irvine took a knock to the hand on 35 minutes which sidelined him for the rest of the match.
The Tighnabruaich side went in front within a minute of the restart. They won possession from the throw up and played the ball up the left wing. Kyles Substitute Scott MacDonald fought his way past Lachlan Campbell and although he was pushed in the back, referee John Angus Gillies played advantage and young MacDonald slotted the ball past a helpless Callum MacDonald in the Lochaber goal to make it 1-0.
The tie came alive with shots from both teams producing good saves from Callum MacDonald and John Whyte in their respective goals.
Lochaber equalised on 72 minutes when Pat Toal caught out the Kyles back line with a 30 yard shot which took a wicked bounce and then swerved to beat John Whyte at his right hand post to make it 1-1.
Lochaber now seemed to be the stronger team and they pressured the Kyles defence. They went in front for the first time on 77 minutes when Ben Delaney turned his marker and his 20 yard shot was going straight at the keeper before the ball took a bounce and beat Whyte on his left hand side to make it 2 1.
Kyles pushed Roddy MacDonald forward for the closing stages but it was to be Lochaber’s day and they now play Oban Camanachd in the Camanachd Cup semi-finals. Coincidently, the sides meet on league duty at Mossfield this coming Saturday.
Lochaber deserved the win and they were stronger over the final 30 minutes of the tie. Captain Brian MacDonald was outstanding in defence whilst Pat Toal worked tirelessly in midfield. The experience of Neil MacDonald in the forward line was a great help to the Spean Bridge side’s cause.
Kyles played well in spells and Robbie MacLeod was the pick of their players.
It was a keenly fought match but there were no bookings.
Strathdearn Cup – Quarter Final
Skye Camanachd 1 Kinlochshiel 0
The Skye Camanachd second team reached the Strathdearn Cup semi-finals after they edged out the Kinlochshiel second team 1-0 in their noon throw up at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree.
Skye Camanachd second team manager Davie Pringle made four changes to the squad which beat the Beauly second team in the league a week earlier. DJ Gilpin, Calum Gibb, Martin Pringle and Sam MacPhee weren’t included. Captain David Grant returned at full back whilst there were also starting places for Ally “Cleodi” MacLeod, James Pringle and Neil John Campbell.
Kinlochshiel second team manager Willie MacRae continued with veteran Graham Kennedy in goal whilst Scotland U17 player Jonnie MacAskill stared in midfield alongside Fraser MacVicar and Ronan Taylor.
Ruairidh MacLeod and Iain MacLellan went close for Skye in the first half with Scott MacLean twice shooting wide of target for ‘Shiel.
Ruairidh MacLeod had to come off injured for Skye in the first period but he returned midway through the second half and he made the difference on 73 minutes when he cut in from the Skye right and smashed a great strike over the shoulder of ‘Shiel keeper Graham Kennedy to make it 1-0.
‘Shiel pressed for a leveller but the Skye defence were strong, with Allan MacLeod superb at buckshee back.
Skye finished the match on the attack and they can now look forward to a semi-final tie against the winners of this coming weekend’s quarter-final meeting between the Kilmallie second team and Lochcarron.
Kinlochshiel defender Duncan Campbell was sent off by referee John Wood for two yellow cards.
Bullough Cup – Semi Finals
Aberdour 0 Kilmory 18
Kilmory cruised into the Bullough Cup Final with an 18-0 victory over the Aberdour seconds at Silver Sands.
The teams are separated by the whole of Marine Harvest South Division 2 with Kilmory topping the table and Aberdour in bottom spot. Therefore Kilmory were always going to be favourites with Aberdour, who fielded a very young side, doing well to reach the last four of this area competition.
Hal Jones was Kilmory’s top scored with four goals, Alex Cunningham and Rhys Williams both grabbed hat-tricks, John Strachan, Ally Cunningham and Craig Taylor all bagged doubles with David MacAllister and Duncan MacBrayne getting the others.
Alan Harrison was the match referee.
Glasgow Mid Argyll P Tayforth P
The tie between the Glasgow Mid Argyll second team and Tayforth at Yoker was postponed because of a bereavement. The tie will be rescheduled and the winners will face Kilmory in the Bullough Cup Final.
Marine Harvest Premiership
Skye Camanachd 0 Newtonmore 5
A powerful first half performance helped Newtonmore to a 5-0 win over Skye Camanachd in their 3pm throw up at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree.
Skye Camanachd first team John MacLeod made two changes to the squad which lost 4-2 to Newtonmore in their Camanachd Cup quarter-final tie at the Eilan a week earlier. Iain Murray was on holiday whilst Steven Morrison was a late call-off through injury. However Gilleasbuig MacDonald and David MacInnes returned after missing the previous weekend’s match whilst Chris MacLennan was back from injury. Allan MacKinnon and Shockie MacLennan remained on the injury list.
Newtonmore manager Paul John MacKintosh’s main concern was Fraser MacKintosh who has now missed his team’s last three outings through injury. Michael Ritchie took over from Owen Fraser in goal whilst Andy MacKintosh, Jamie Robinson, Drew MacDonald and Craig Ritchie were also unavailable. Iain Richardson started in defence whilst Norman Campbell took over at full centre and there was a place on the bench for Ackie MacRae after a spell in Australia.
The visitors attacked from the start and Glen MacKintosh tucked the ball into the net from a tight angle on the left following a Paul MacArthur shy from the left on 10 minutes.
Evan Menzies played in Glen MacKintosh who flicked the ball into the net to make 2-0 on 16 minutes.
The ‘More forwards reversed roles on 31 minutes when a Glen MacKintosh cross from the left picked out Evan Menzies and he slotted the ball home.
Evan Menzies scored the goal of the match on 34 minutes when he crashed a David Fraser corner form the right into the roof of the net to make it 4-0 at the break.
Glen MacKintosh completed his hat-trick just 4 minutes after the restart when he struck the ball low into the net following a David Fraser shy from the right.
Skye came more into the game after that but they had to defend well towards the end of the match to prevent ‘More adding to their tally.
Newtonmore, now half-way through their league programme, are currently two points ahead of second placed Kinlochshiel and they also have three games in hand.
Next up for Skye is a crucial league meeting with Glenurquhart in Portree whilst Newtonmore travel to An Aird to play Fort William.
Kingussie 1 Oban Camanachd 0
Kingussie upset Oban Camanachd’s title bid when a late Roddy Young goal gave them a 1-0 win in their 3.30pm throw up at the Dell.
Kingussie had a number of absentees as Robert Mabon, Darren Hanlon, Ryan MacWilliam, Jake MacPherson, Savio Genini and Rory MacGregor were all on holiday. Ryan Borthwick and Fraser Munro, now free of suspension, were both injured. However they were able to call on Louis Munro as the PE teacher was home for the school holidays and he proved to be a class act at buckshee back.
Oban Camanachd were without youngsters Daniel MacVicar and Ross MacMillan.
The Dell was in terrific condition which helped the players serve a really entertaining match for the supporters.
Oban Camanachd, with Lorne Dickie excellent at full centre, played some good shinty and they had the better chances overall. Daniel Cameron missed the target on a couple of occasions and home goalie Craig Dawson had to twice sprint from his line to clear the ball following dangerous attacks whilst Calum Grant and Rory MacKeachan did well in the wing back positions.
The story of the day was the Kingussie 15 year olds as Alexander Michie played the whole game at wing centre and turned in a fine performance. Then, with their fathers, Kingussie stalwarts Davie Anderson and Dallas Young, watching from the touchline, Kingussie threw on two more 15 year olds in Ruaridh Anderson and Roddy Young.
And the young guns made some history of their own when they combined to conjure up the winning goal just a minute from time. Roddy Young had already twice gone close and he caused the visiting defence problems with his strong running. With the clock ticking down, Ruaridh Anderson threaded the ball forward and Roddy Young broke through the Oban Camanachd defence to get to the ball just ahead of the advancing Oban keeper Gavin Stobbart and the youngster steered the ball into the net for his first senior goal. There was an acknowledgement from the proud fathers who knew just a thing or two about notching winning goals over the years.
The win means Kingussie climb to fourth in the league. They only trail third placed Oban Camanachd on goal difference although they have played three games more.
Kingussie are not back in action until Friday 5 August 2016 when they play Newtonmore in the league at the Dell in a match which will be shown live on BBC Alba. Next up for Oban Camanachd is a league meeting with Lochaber at Mossfield this coming Saturday.
Fort William 1 Lovat 2
Lovat go fifth in the league after they beat Fort William 2-1 at An Aird.
Fort William were without Mark Grant who served a one match ban for exceeding the disciplinary points threshold. Bryan Simpson and Stevie Stewart were absent but Graham Campbell returned.
Lovat were without Daniel Grieve, Martin Mainland, Lorne MacKay and Ryan Ferguson.
Fort William started with the wind at their backs and they were the better team during a largely uneventful first half. However they did have to overcome a couple of early injuries set-backs.
Despite all Fort William’s early pressure, they weren’t able to seriously test Stuart MacDonald in the Lovat goal.
It took 20 minutes for Lovat to threaten the home goal. Lewis Tawse and Calum MacAulay exchanged passes before MacAulay slipped the ball to Kevin Bartlett but his shot went wide of target.
Indeed when Lovat took the lead on 42 minutes, it was against the run of play. Greg Matheson won the ball and cut in from the right, across the penalty spot. Matheson looked to have hit the ball just too far ahead of him but Callum Cruden allowed the ball to run and Matheson hit a strike across the keeper, high into the net, to give the Balgate side a 1-0 lead at the break.
Referee Evan MacRae awarded Lovat a penalty on 59 minutes. Lewis Tawse went on a long run with the ball down the Lovat left. Tawse cut across the D and was chopped down just inside the area. Greg Matheson sent a superbly struck spot-hit to the keeper’s left to make it 2-0.
Lovat were now playing some nice shinty, using the full width of the pitch. They came close to increasing their lead on 66 minutes when Kevin Bartlett picked up a Calum MacAulay corner and he beat his man before flicking the ball past an advancing Paul MacKay in the Fort goal however the ball went just past the post.
Kevin Bartlett went neatly round his marker on 70 minutes and he sent a fierce, low shot past the keeper’s left post.
Bartlett again got past his opponent again on 73 minutes and he played a great ball to Greg Matheson whose sweetly stuck shot produced a super save from keeper Paul MacKay. The rebound fell for Bailey MacKay, who had come on for Graeme MacMillan just 4 minutes earlier, but again the Fort William custodian was on hand to complete a really good double-stop.
Fort William reduced the deficit on 84 minutes when it was their turn to score against the run of play. An Alexander MacMillan shot from distance was saved with his feet by Stuart MacDonald but Graham Campbell was smartly in to tuck home the rebound with the Lovat defenders claiming for offside.
Lovat had to defend at the end with Mark Kelly, always clam under pressure, outstanding throughout at the back whilst goalie Paul MacKay was best for Fort William.
Marine Harvest National Division
There were no Marine Harvest National Division fixtures scheduled.
Marine Harvest North Division 1
Newtonmore P Fort William P
The match between the Newtonmore and Fort William second teams at the Eilan was postponed on Friday afternoon as the Fort were unable to raise a team. Fort William have been deducted two points and the match will be rescheduled for a later date.
Marine Harvest South Division 1
Kyles Athletic 1 Aberdour 0
The Kyles Athletic second team put a dent in Aberdour’s title chances when they emerged 1-0 victors in their meeting at Tighnabruaich.
The Kyles seconds benefited from having senior players returning to their first team squad whilst Aberdour were understrength. Finlay Williamson served the second match to a two game suspension whilst Angus Thorburn, John Martin Philips, Craig Grant and Adam Leask were also out
The only goal of the game came on 43 minutes when Finlay Williamson scored with the visitors claiming the ball hadn’t crossed the line.
It was a below par performance from Aberdour although they did have a goal ruled out for offside by referee Calum Girvan.
The win means Kyles Athletic go fourth in the league and they only trail Oban Celtic by a couple of points with both teams having played eight matches. Aberdour stay in second spot, two points ahead of Oban Celtic who have a game in hand, and a point behind leaders Lochside Rovers who have played two games more.
Inveraray 4 Glenorchy 0
Bottom side Inveraray seconds notched just their second league win of the season when they beat Glenorchy 4-0 at the Winterton.
With no first team match, the home side included youngster Fraser Watt whilst Duncan Smith was still banned for the visitors.
All the goals came in the first half. Allan Cameron was credited with the Inveraray opener after 20 minutes. Lewis Montgomery played a free-hit to Fraser Watt and his shot was saved by the keeper and the ball went into the air. However the keeper, under pressure, ended up turning the ball into the roof of his own net while trying to clear the danger.
Fraser Watt added a second just 5 minutes later. The ball was squared back to Watt who was around the penalty spot and the Scotland U17 player took a touch and shot goalwards. Although the keeper got a slight touch on the ball, he couldn’t prevent it from going into the net.
Lewis Montgomery scored twice on 28 and 45 minutes to make it 4-0 at the break. First, Montgomery turned in-between the penalty spot and the D and he fired the ball home with a well struck shot. He then took advantage when the Glenorchy defence missed a couple of chances to clear a ball crossed into the danger area and Montgomery was on hand to send a neat finish into the corner of the net.
There was no further scoring and Inveraray remain bottom of the league although they have now narrowed the gap on second bottom Glenorchy to just two points and both teams have just four games to go.
The sides meet again this coming weekend; this time at Mart Park.
Marine Harvest North Division 2
Strathspey Camanachd P Glengarry P
The match between Strathspey Camanachd and Glengarry was postponed as the pitch at Kincraig was deemed unplayable. The game has been rescheduled for this coming weekend.
Marine Harvest South Division 2
There were no Marine Harvest South Division 2 fixtures scheduled.
Lewis Camanachd Retain 2016 Hebridean Celtic Festival Inter-Island Cup
Lewis Camanachd lifted the 2016 Hebridean Celtic Festival Inter-Island Cup win a 6-0 win over Uist Camanachd in their 2pm throw up at the Smith Avenue astro pitch.
There was a change of venue for this tenth Hebridean Celtic Festival Inter-Island Cup clash match when Bayhead, Stornoway was ruled unplayable earlier in the week.
Lewis got off to a super start when Donald Lamont put them in front after just 3 minutes.
Scott MacLeod made it 2-0 on 13 minutes and Donald Lamont got his second on 26 minutes.
Scott MacLeod got his second on 45 minutes so Lewis took a 4-0 lead into the break.
Lewis continued to dominate after the beak and Donald Lamont took his tally to four goals with strikes on 57 and 71 minutes.
The win gives Lewis a fourth successive triumph with Uist last winning the trophy in 2012.
Fort William player Sean Cameron was the match referee.
(All throw ups were at 2.30pm unless the match report says differently. The match reports will be updated as more information becomes available)
(The picture of a concerned Kinlochshiel manager Colin Fraser, late in the game against Beauly, comes courtesy of Donald Cameron)