The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 21 March 2015 | |
22 March 2015 Kyles Athletic are the early Marine Harvest Premiership leaders but Inveraray grabbed the headlines on Saturday 21 March 2015.
Marine Harvest Premiership Inveraray 1 Newtonmore 0 The surprise result of the day came at the Winterton where Inveraray upset the odds to beat reigning champions Newtonmore 1-0. Inveraray’s Euan McMurdo started a two match ban following his red card against Glenurquhart last weekend whilst Chris Crawford was also missing. However David MacPherson returned to the side after running the Barcelona Marathon last weekend and he played the full 90 minutes with no ill-effects. Garry MacPherson was also back at half back and another returning player, 2014 Inveraray Player of the Year John Kennedy, lined up in attack. Newtonmore were still minus Danny MacRae who has a calf injury and they were also without full back Norman Campbell. Rory Kennedy was on the bench which emphasised the strength of their squad. The visitors also lost defender Steven MacDonald through injury early in the match. Inveraray’s Grant Griffin was the toast of the home support as he scored the only goal of the game after 35 minutes. Inveraray’s solid defensive unit soaked up a lot of pressure during the match and hit Newtonmore on the break. Newtonmore had the bulk of the chances but Inveraray scorer Grant Griffin also hit the post. Both goalkeepers – Graham MacPherson for Inveraray and Newtonmore’s Michael Ritchie – made good saves throughout the game with MacPherson the busier. This was Inveraray’s first win over Newtonmore since they beat them in the 2008 Artemis Macaulay Cup Final. Newtonmore go into next weekend’s RBS MacTavish Cup tie with Lovat with injury concerns over Calum Stewart, Scott Campbell, who needed eight stiches to a finger injury, and Fraser MacKintosh, who was only able to play in this match for around 10 minutes before having to come off. However ‘More full back Norman Campbell should be back in his usual position.
Kyles Athletic 6 Lochaber 0 Kyles Athletic went to the top of the table following their 6-0 win over Lochaber at Tighnabruaich. David Zavaroni was free of suspension for Kyles and John Whyte continued to deputise in goal for Kenny MacDonald. Roddy MacDonald put Kyles two goals to the good when he scored on 28 and 30 minutes to the delight of the home support. The Scotland international completed his hat-trick on 41 minutes and when David Zavaroni made it 4-0 a couple of minutes before the break to make it 4-0, there was only going to be one winner. Roddy MacDonald took his count to six goals for the season when he got his fourth 3 minutes after the restart. Lochaber stemmed the tide although Robbie MacLeod did add a sixth goal on 83 minutes. Even at this early stage in the season, Kyles Athletic are the only side in shinty’s top division with a 100% record.
Lovat 2 Fort William 1 Lovat beat Fort William 2-1 at Balgate. Incredibly, this was Lovat’s first league win at since Saturday 28 June 2014 when they beat Lochaber 2-1 at Balgate. It came at the eighth time of asking and the run has seen them draw five and lose twice so Saturday’s win is a real morale-booster for John MacRitchie’s side. Forward Lorne MacKay was free of suspension for Lovat and he started in attack with Jamie Matheson dropping onto the bench. Defender Stevie Stewart was still banned for the visitors who had Niall MacPhee at buckshee back, picking up Lovat danger-man Kevin Bartlett. Lovat almost went in front from the throw-up but Fort keeper Paul MacKay denied Kevin Bartlett with a fantastic save. Lovat continued to pile on the pressure and Greg Matheson and Kevin Bartlett both hit the post. The home side came close again on 12 minutes when Kevin Bartlett slotted the ball past the on-rushing Paul MacKay but Niall MacPhee raced back to clear the ball off the line. Lovat went ahead on 33 minutes. There was a scramble in the Fort William goal area and when the ball rose into the air, Greg Matheson reacted quickest to push it into the net. It was 2-0 just a couple of minutes later. This time Greg Matheson turned provider as he found Kevin Bartlett who took the ball past Niall MacPhee before taking a couple of steps and lashing the ball past Paul MacKay. Both keepers – Stuart MacDonald for Lovat and Fort William’s Paul MacKay – made good saves. Fort William, who had introduced substitutes Graham Campbell and Dean Williamson, came much more into the game in the closing quarter and they pulled a goal back with 8 minutes remaining when the ball ended up in the Lovat net off defender Callum Cruden’s shin past a stranded Stuart MacDonald who had come off his line. There was no further scoring and Lovat go fourth whilst Fort William are the only side in the division still to pick up a point.
Kinlochshiel 1 Glenurquhart 1 Kinlochshiel and Glenurquhart shared the points after a 1-1 draw at Kirkton. Shiel were still without the injured Duncan “Ach” MacRae whilst keeper Scott Kennedy was unavailable so reserve goalie Iain Cameron was between the sticks. Glen’s John Barr was free of suspension but work commitments ruled out Andrew Corrigan. Euan Lloyd failed to recover from the injury sustained in the win over Inveraray the previous weekend. Billy Urquhart and Stuart Reid were also missing. The visitors started brightly and a 10 minute Neale Reid strike when just past Iain Cameron’s right post. Home full back Paul MacRae then did well to deflect a Lewis MacLennan piledriver for a corner. Keith MacRae put Kinlochshiel ahead with a goal after 13 minutes. The goal came from a free-hit on the ‘Shiel left. John MacRae played the ball off to the right and Keith MacRae hammered it into the roof of the net from around 20 yards out. Glen goalie Stuart MacKintosh saved well from John MacRae midway through the first half. The home goal lived a charmed life when Iain Cameron got in the way of a Neale Reid shot and a Fraser Heath effort rose over the bar. Glenurquhart lost forward Fraser Heath through injury just before the break. Stuart MacKintosh kept his side in the game when he twice denied Keith MacRae on 70 minutes. Both sides made changes on 72 minutes as Alasdair Nixon replaced Jordan Fraser for ‘Shiel and Fraser Heath returned to the field for Glenurquhart. And it was Fraser Heath who rescued a point for the Glen with his third goal of the season just 8 minutes from time. Glen were awarded a free-hit when Heath was fouled by Duncan “DA” MacRae. The Scotland U21 international initially looked to take it himself but left it for Ewan Brady. Heath ran wide before cutting in towards the centre of the edge of the D and he latched onto Brady’s ball into the D before tucking it into the net from close range to make it 1-1.
Kingussie 1 Oban Camanachd 2 Oban Camanachd chalked up their first win of the season when they beat Kingussie 2-1 at the Dell. Rory MacGregor continued I goal for Kingussie in place of the injured Craig Dawson who has a back injury. Oban Camanachd’s James MacMillan served the second game of a two match ban for a points accumulation. Andrew MacCuish was unable to convert an early penalty chance for the Oban side when referee Evan MacRae pointed to the spot. However MacCuish redeemed himself on 34 minutes when he put Oban Camanachd ahead. Savio Genini restored parity on 55 minutes when he scored his second goal in successive games. Oban Camanachd substitute Connor Howe scored what proved to be the winner as the youngster made it 2-1 just 15 minutes from time.
Marine Harvest National Division Glasgow Mid Argyll 1 Kilmallie 2 Kilmallie safely negotiated what looked to be a tricky encounter with Glasgow Mid Argyll; running out 2-1 winners at Yoker. John Stewart put Kilmallie ahead on 20 minutes and Michael Rodger made it 2-0 a minute before the interval. GMA pinned Kilmallie back in the second half and they got their reward when Innes MacMillan pulled a goal back with 15 minutes remaining but Kilmallie saw out the rest of the game to win 2-1. The win leaves Kilmallie top of the table on goal difference.
Beauly 4 Ballachulish 0 Beauly made it two wins on the trot but they had to fight all the way to beat an under-strength Ballachulish side 4-0 at Braeview Park. Jamie MacLennan was again at full back for Beauly. Balla’ were still without suspended duo John MacDonald and Cain MacPhee whilst Scott Henderson remained on the injury list. They were also without David Campbell, David Grant and Duncan MacDonald from last year’s squad. Beauly almost went ahead on 12 seconds but Marc MacLachlan shot just wide of the post. Beauly launched wave upon wave of attack but Alan Clark in defence was playing out of his skin for Balla’ and the goalkeeping from young Cameron Sutherland was again exceptional. Sean Stewart received a blow to the face and was taken off and replaced by Jack MacDonald. Stewart needed stiches whilst MacDonald was involved a lot of goal mouth action from the off. Beauly twice had the ball in the net in the first half however both attempts were ruled out for offside by referee John Angus Gillies. Just when it looked as if the first half would end scoreless, Calum Morrison hit a shot from 20 yards which took a fortunate deflection off Alan Clark and flew past the helpless Cameron Sutherland in the Balla’ goal. Beauly made changes at the start of the second half with Marc MacLachlan one of the players withdrawn and Conor Ross and Ryan MacKay coming on. Beauly doubled their advantage on 50 minutes when Jack MacDonald weaved past two Balla’ defenders and rifled a back-hand effort into the keepers left-hand top corner of the net. Beauly kept pressing and former Balla’ player Mark MacLachlan, who had come back on again, scored with a cleanly hit shot on 68 minutes to make it 3-0. Calum Morrison rounded off a good day, scoring his second and Beauly’s fourth goal on 74 minutes. Ballachulish defended well over the 90 minutes but Beauly deserved the victory and they trail leaders Kilmallie only on goal difference.
Skye Camanachd 1 Caberfeidh 1 Skye Camanachd and Caberfeidh had to settle for a point apiece following a 1-1 draw at Pairc nan Laoch. After a goalless first half, Scott MacLean gave Cabers the lead after 63 minutes. Skye goalie Iain MacLeod saved from Ruairidh MacLennan by his left post but MacLean was first to react and he scored from close-range. The goal came against the run of play but Skye fought back to level on 76 minutes. Substitute Iain Murray played a free-hit into the Cabers goal area and Kenny Campbell caused panic in the visiting defence which allowed Danny Morrison to nip and to force the ball over the line to make it 1-1 and that’s the way it ended.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Newtonmore 5 Lochcarron 0 The Newtonmore seconds scored five times for the second successive Saturday as they beat an under-strength Lochcarron side 5-0 at the Eilan. David Bauermeister was still on the Lochcarron injury list whilst Kieran Murray is out with a broken hand. Experienced forward Gregor Cushnie was working. Boss Ross Brown debuts to 14 year old Calum Dean-Morrice, Andrew Ford, Cameron MacKenzie and Gregor Couper. A hamstring problem restricted former Lochcarron player Kenny Ross to a place on the Newtonmore bench. After an even opening, Newtonmore started to build pressure on the Lochcarron goal and Iain Robinson hit the post and visiting goalie Peter MacKenzie made two fine saves before Neil Stewart, who has recovered from a knee injury sustained against Skye last season, put ‘More ahead on 22 minutes following a corner on the right. Craig MacLeod made it 2-0 just 4 minutes later when his shot took a deflection of Lochcarron defender Alan MacKay and this took the ball past a stranded Peter MacKenzie. Neil Stewart was again on target on 37 minutes when his high ball into the goal area went past an unsighted MacKenzie in goal. Full forward Iain Robinson made space before sending the ball low into the corner of the net to make it 4-0 with 55 minutes played. Craig Ritchie completed the scoring on 70 minutes when his low shot from distance spun under the keeper and the 5-0 win leaves Newtonmore at the top of the table. Lochcarron gave their all throughout the game but it was a difficult afternoon against a talented ‘More second string for whom Iain Robinson shone.
Fort William 5 Lovat 1 The Fort William reserves came out on top in their meeting with the Lovat reserves; winning 5-1 at An Aird. Fort William’s Dylan Fraser was free of suspension whilst Lovat included former Cabers’ player James Fraser for the first time. Lovat actually scored first with Rory Campbell on target 5 minutes before the break. However Duncan Rodger netted twice on 48 and 50 minutes to put the home side 2-1 in front. Cal Brown made it 3-1 on 73 minutes but Duncan Rodger took his tally to four goals - scoring on 80 and 83 minutes - to make it 5-1. Fort William have maximum points from their opening two matches whilst Lovat head for Lochcarron next weekend with both sides looking for their first point.
Glenurquhart 0 Kinlochshiel 2 The Glenurquhart and Kinlochshiel second strings met at Blairbeg with the visitors taking the points thanks to a 2-0 win. Glenurquhart boss Iain MacLeod gave a debut to former Inverness player Conor Golabek who started at full forward. James Hurwood went to full back as Paul MacKintosh travelled to Kirkton with the first team. Kinlochshiel manager Willie MacRae had Graham Morrison at full back and Steven Isles played after a spell abroad. There was also a place for Ronan Taylor who has missed the last twelve months through injury. Kenneth Loades has signed from Inverness and former Skye keeper Raymond Gillies was in goal as regular keeper Iain Cameron was with the ‘Shiel first team. Youngster Chris Townsend put ‘Shiel ahead after 37 minutes. Ronan Taylor and Sandy MacDiarmid combined to set up the chance and Townsend applied the finishing touch from close-in. Another youngster, Fergus Dobson made it 2-0 with a well-worked goal just 3 minutes into the second half. Dobson took the ball out of the air before lashing it across Glen keeper David MacFadyen into the net to give Kinlochshiel their second win in two outings.
Strathglass 2 Beauly 0 Strathglass beat the Beauly second team 2-0 at Cannich. There were no goals during the first 45 minutes but Donald Fraser put Strathglass ahead 10 minutes after the restart. Beauly had their fair share of the play but Josh Fraser made it 2-0 when he scored on 72 minutes.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Glenorchy 2 Kyles Athletic 5 Glenorchy opted to drop down from the Marine Harvest National Division to rebuild their squad and they started life in Marine Harvest South Division 1 with a match against the Kyles Athletic second team at Mart Park. John MacNulty was banned for Glenorchy whilst Kyles had Innes MacDonald at full centre. Graeme MacKechnie put Glenorchy ahead on 15 minutes but Sandy MacKenzie levelled on 31 minutes. Two goals in 3 minutes put Kyles in control as Roddy MacColl on 35 minutes and Scott MacDonald on 37 minutes made it 3-1. Sandy MacKenzie got his second on 53 minutes whilst Conor Giudici added a fifth on 67 minutes. Glenorchy’s Alan MacKechnie pulled a goal back on 81 minutes to make it 5-2 but it was only a consolation strike.
Bute 3 Aberdour 0 Bute raced into an early two-goal lead in their match with Aberdour at the Meadows. The Islanders went ahead after 5 minutes when Robert Walker fired goalwards and his shot came off the post before spinning over the line with Ben Clarke forcing the ball into the net to make sure. Bute doubled their advantage 3 minutes later and this time there was no doubt that Robert Walker was the scorer as he cut through the visiting defence before slotting the ball past Tom Bowerman to make it 2-0. Bute sealed the win 15 minutes from time with Ben Clarke definitely on target with his first goal at this level. Bute top the league on goal difference.
Lochside Rovers 5 Kilmory 2 Lochside Rovers maintained their 100% record when they beat Kilmory 5-2 at Mossfield. This was Kilmory’s first match of the season and Ewen Carmichael missed out through suspension as did Mark Robertson. When referee Ewen MacDonald awarded Kilmory a first minute penalty, Alistair MacArthur stepped up to convert from the spot. Brian MacCallum equalised on 7 minutes and the same player put Lochside ahead on 35 minutes. Brian MacCallum completed his hat-trick when he made it 3-1 just 5 minutes into the second half. Daniel MacMillan, who was excellent for Rovers, struck twice on 70 and 78 minutes to make it 5-1. When Kilmory were awarded a second penalty a couple of minutes from time, Alistair MacArthur again made no mistake from the spot as he made it 5-2.
Taynuilt 1 Oban Celtic 4 Oban Celtic’s good start to the season continued when they beat Taynuilt 4-1 at the Playing Field. Kenny Wotherspoon was free to play for Oban Celtic however his booking against Aberdour last weekend means that he will miss his team’s next match because of a points accumulation. Stuart Gillies put Taynuilt ahead on 15 minutes but Daniel Madej grabbed his second goal in successive matches to draw parity following an even first half. However the visitors dominated the second half and Kenny Wotherspoon put them 2-1 ahead on 57 minutes. Lee Askew made it 3-1 on 75 minutes and youngster Rory Bruce confirmed the 4-1 victory just 4 minutes later. Oban Celtic are fourth in the table but only trail Lochside Rovers, Inveraray and Bute on goal difference.
Strachur 1 Inveraray 5 Inveraray were 5-1 winners against Strachur at Strachurmore. There was a minute’s silence ahead of the match in memory of the late Ernie MacPherson who played for both clubs. Strachur’s Ian MacLennan was free of suspension. Fraser Watt gave Inveraray a 15 minute lead and Lewis Montgomery made it 2-0 on 24 minutes. Fraser Watt got his second on 36 minutes to give Inveraray a 3-0 half time cushion. Ross MacDonald gave Strachur hope with a goal 5 minutes into the second half. However Allan Cameron on 61 minutes and Neil Shaw on 82 minutes ensured there would be no fight-back.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Aberdeen University 1 Skye Camanachd 5 Skye Camanachd made it three wins out of three when they came from behind to beat Aberdeen University 5-1 at Balgownie. Both sides went into the match having won their opening two league fixtures and Skye were missing Shaun Hedley. Mark Fraser gave the Students a 1-0 half time lead. John Gillies levelled early in the second half. Skye had moved Chris MacLennan into attack as he had picked up a wrist injury and the moved paid dividends when he scored a quick-fire hat-trick. John Gillies got his second to seal the 5-1 win which leaves Skye as early league leaders.
Glengarry 7 Lewis Camanachd 0 Glengarry and Lewis Camanachd met for the first time ever at Craigard with the home side winning 7-0. Andrew Gilchrist grabbed a first half hat-trick with goals on 9, 15 and 29 minutes. Gilchrist’s third came from the penalty spot after referee Callum Duff penalised Lewis defender Daniel Gallagher after he defender dropped his caman. Stuart Gregory scored twice for ‘Garry last weekend as they beat the Kilmallie reserves 3-1, and he doubled that feat with four goals in this match. His strikes came on 36 and 42 minutes to leave the home side 5-0 ahead at the break and on 46 and 80 minutes to round off the 7-0 win.
Caberfeidh 3 Kilmallie 0 There was a 3-0 home win as the Caberfeidh and Kilmallie second teams clashed at Castle Leod. Colin MacLennan gave Cabers an 8 minute lead. And that’s the way it stayed until Ruairidh McCreadie made it 2-0 on 81 minutes. Colin MacLennan got his second and Caberfeidh’s third a couple of minutes from time in what was a fine performance from the Cabers reserves.
Lochaber 8 Boleskine 1 Lochaber bounced back from last weekend’s defeat to Skye Camanachd to beat Boleskine 8-1 at Spean Bridge. Lochaber were at full strength with Alan Knox back in the side. Boleskine welcomed back Matthew Ross after his two game ban. The impressive Findlay MacDonald scored four times for Lochaber with Alan Knox, Ben Delaney and a Danny Delaney double also counting. Michael Reid netted for Boleskine. The visitors cause wasn’t helped when they had Mathew Ross sent off by referee Andy MacLean so he now faces another couple of games on the sidelines.
Strathspey 3 Inverness 1 Strathspey Camanachd recorded their first win of the season when they beat the Inverness reserves 3-0 in their 1.30pm throw up at the Grantown Grammar School. The home side are missing the services of Andy Hay who has moved abroad but Martin Ross, Peter Tinney and Mark Murray all found the back of the net. Former Fort William player David Duncan got the Inverness goal. The match was refereed by Inverness first team boss and former Scotland Head Coach Drew McNeil.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Col Glen 2 Glasgow Mid Argyll 2 Glasgow Mid Argyll are top of Marine Harvest South Division 2 after they drew 2-2 with the Col Glen seconds at MacRae Park. Steven MacKellar was twice on target for Col Glen with Calum MacLean and Lewis Miller earning GMA a share of the points.
Oban Lorn 5 Bute 0 Oban Lorn go second in the division with a 5-0 victory over the Bute in Oban. Alan Duffy put the Oban side ahead on 16 minutes and David Martin added a second a couple of minutes before the break. Andrew MacMillan added a third on 57 minutes with Sandy MacLeod on 73 minutes and Steven Walker on 84 minutes completing the scoring.
Aberdour 2 Glenorchy 2 The Aberdour and Glenorchy second teams had to settle for a point apiece after their two-goal draw at Silver Sands. Ruaridh Reid scored twice for the home side with Duncan Buchanan and Andy MacLean earning Glenorchy a point.
Tayforth W/O v Ballachulish 0 The Ballachulish reserves were unable to raise a team for their match against Tayforth in Musselburgh. The visitors were given a walk-over and the prescribed 5-0 win. |