The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 21 September 2019 | |
22 September 2019 Newtonmore raised shinty’s greatest prize, the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup, following the shinty action on Saturday 21 September 2019.
Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final Newtonmore 5 Oban Camanachd 1 Newtonmore raised the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup for the fourth successive season, a feat they also managed in 1910, after beating Oban Camanachd 5-1 in the final at An Aird. This was a rescheduled final with last week’s event abandoned early in the second half because of atrocious weather conditions. The Fort William ground staff’s efforts were rewarded when a midweek pitch inspection confirmed An Aird was playable and the back-up plan of a switch to Inverness was not required. There was free entry for the crowd following the previous week’s difficulties. Both teams worked hard to reach the final. Newtonmore got by Lovat, after a replay, Skye Camanachd and Caberfeidh on their way to the final with Iain Robinson scoring in all three rounds. Oban Camanachd accounted for Glenurquhart, Kinlochshiel and Kyles Athletic with Andrew MacCuish netting in every round. Both squads and officials were led onto the field by the Lochaber Pipe Band before being introduced to Duncan Henderson from Taynuilt who was attending his 64th Camanachd Cup Final. Camanachd Association President Keith Loades also present as was Shinty Ambassador Gary Innes. Newtonmore manager Paul John MacKintosh was left counting the cost of last week’s game. Forward Iain Robinson was seen receiving treatment to a first half thumb injury which was later confirmed to be a break so he was sidelined and his season could be over. Glen MacKintosh, who scored the only goal of the game between the sides in the 2016 final, came off the bench to replace Robinson in attack, playing with strapping on his left knee. Duncan Gorman was added to the bench. Andy MacKintosh and Fraser MacKintosh aggravated back problems 7 days earlier but were both passed fit to play. Oban Camanachd boss Stephen Sloss fielded the same starting twelve as a week earlier but made some positional changes. Captain Daniel Cameron went to full centre, Lorne Dickie joined the attack and Malcolm Clark dropped back into defence. Scott MacMillan remained on the suspension list whilst injury continued to rule out Willie Neilson. Newtonmore won the toss and started playing towards the town end with a slight wind in their favour. The early period was stop-start with neither side able to establish any real fluency. However it was Newtonmore who edged in front on 10 minutes. Michael Russell’s hit-in from the right was taken down by Glen MacKintosh at the right of the D and when his shot was blocked, the ball broke to Drew MacDonald who needed no second invitation as he fired a glorious drive on his back-hand, across the keeper into the far corner of the net, to make it 1-0. Oban Camanachd responded and Daniel Cameron shot wide after Lorne Dickie’s initial effort was deflected into his path. ‘More began to pin Oban Camanachd back and it took good work from Daniel Sloss and a solid Cameron Sutherland stop with his body to prevent Evan Menzies adding a second ‘More goal. Referee Robert Baxter showed Oban Camanachd’s Keith MacMillan the first yellow card of the game just short of the half-hour for catching Craig Ritchie with a careless swing. Andrew MacCuish shot wide of goal before both sides made changes. Keith MacMillan was replaced by David Lafferty at wing centre for the Oban side whilst ‘More’s Jamie Robinson took over from Craig Ritchie, who looked uncomfortable after needing treatment to the back of his leg earlier in the game. Fraser MacKintosh was fortunate to escape a booking for a late swing on Lorne Dickie, which looked similar to Keith MacMillan’s earlier offence, as the first half moved into the latter stages. Oban Camanachd finished the half with a flourish and ‘More keeper Kenny Ross did well to sweep away a Lorne Dickie ball into the D, just ahead of the on-rushing Daniel Cameron whilst a stoppage-time Oban corner was well-defended. Oban Camanachd introduced Daniel MacVicar from the start of the second half with Gary McKerracher withdrawn. The next goal was always going to be important and there seemed little danger on 49 minutes when Jamie Robinson got way from David Lafferty but Robinson drifted the ball into the D where it came off Malcolm Clark’s stick and deflected past a helpless Cameron Sutherland to make it 2-0. Oban Camanachd enjoyed a period of pressure with a good effort from Daniel MacCuish dropping just wide of target, Andrew MacCuish just failed to get to a deflected Daniel Cameron shot and then Kenny Ross saved with his feet from Daniel Cameron. However the goal wouldn’t come and ‘More went back on the attack and Glen MacKintosh seemed to put the final out of Oban Camanachd’s reach on 58 minutes. MacKintosh, who hadn’t played since the league draw with Lovat on Saturday 13 July 2019, took a ball from Evan Menzies on the left before working it across goal, exchanging passes with Drew MacDonald and tucking the ball low past Cameron Sutherland’s out-stretched right foot to make it 3-0. MacKintosh celebrated by turning his caman upside-down, using it a walking stick, to suggest any talk of his demise is premature. Ewen Fraser passed up a chance to add a fourth seconds later before David Lafferty pulled a goal back on the hour. Lafferty broke down the right before steadying himself and blasting the ball past the keeper from a tight angle. There was a flashpoint for referee Robert Baxter to deal with on 63 minutes when Daniel Cameron went thundering into Steven Macdonald with little attempt to play the ball and Cameron was booked. Macdonald was able to continue after treatment. Daniel Sloss needed treatment after a collision with Jamie Robinson and Oban Camanachd’s Gary McKerracher, who was off the field at the time, was ordered to from the touchline by the referee as the final reached boiling point. Steven Macdonald clearly remained in some discomfort and he went down immediately after playing the ball up-field and was replaced by David MacLean. The next goal continued to be crucial in this game and Daniel MacCuish, from the front of the D, just couldn’t get onto a low Andrew MacCuish ball from the left. Newtonmore then went back up the park and Michael Russell’s lofted ball forward dropped for Glen MacKintosh and his superbly weighted touch teed the ball up perfectly for strike partner Evan Menzies who blasted the ball low between the keeper’s legs to make it 4-1. David Lafferty and Keith MacMillan again swapped roles before the restart whilst Owen Fraser took over from Fraser MacKintosh soon after. Cameron Sutherland saved well with his legs from Ewen Fraser before Glen MacKintosh got his second on 83 minutes. This time Evan Menzies broke clear of his marker before slipping the ball to Glen MacKintosh who took a touch and stroked the ball into the net to make it 5-1. An Andrew MacCuish drive flew wide at the death before Robert Baxter brought matters to an end. Paul John MacKintosh’s knack of utilising his available resources to the best effect didn’t desert him and the victory marked a record 34th Scottish success for Newtonmore. The famous trophy and silver mounted caman were presented to Newtonmore captain Evan Menzies by Duncan Henderson. All that was left was the award of the coveted Albert Smith Medal for man of the match, presented by Victor Smith from the family, which the panel awarded to Newtonmore full back Rory Kennedy for a flawless performance in defence. The sides meet again this coming Saturday; in the Mowi Premiership with a noon start at the Eilan. Newtonmore from: Kenny Ross: Rory Kennedy, Iain Richardson, Craig Ritchie, Andy MacKintosh: Michael Russell, Steven Macdonald, Fraser MacKintosh: Ewen Fraser, Drew MacDonald, Evan Menzies (captain), Glen MacKintosh: subs Conor Jones, Jamie Robinson, David MacLean, Duncan Gorman, Owen Fraser Oban Camanachd from: Cameron Sutherland: Daniel Madej, Daniel Sloss, Malcolm Clark, Garry Lord: Keith MacMillan, Daniel Cameron (captain), Aidan MacIntyre: Lorne Dickie, Daniel MacCuish, Andrew MacCuish, Gary McKerracher: subs Daniel MacVicar, David Lafferty, Blair MacFarlane, Craig Easton, Ross Campbell Match Referee – Robert Baxter Fourth Official – John Angus Gillies Goal Judges – Iain Kennedy & John Wood Lines – Tina Marshall, Andy MacLean, Des McNulty & Steven MacLachlan
Mowi Premiership Lovat 5 Caberfeidh 3 Lovat came from 3-0 down to beat Caberfeidh 5-3 in a thoroughly entertaining encounter at Balgate. Lovat were without Martin Mainland, Lorne MacKay and Calum MacAulay whilst Caberfeidh missed Ewan Pilcher, Ben MacDonald, Kenneth MacKenzie and Colin MacLennan. Iain McCall continued to deputise in goal and Robbie Brindle returned to take a place on the bench. Much of the pre-match discussion surrounded whether Caberfeidh’s Craig Morrison could score for the 20th successive match and he did so in style, bagging a hat-trick within the first 25 minutes. With Ally MacLennan dominating the midfield, Cabers were in control during the early exchanges and they took the lead on 9 minutes when the hard working Craig Morrison sent a waist-high shot past Lovat keeper Stuart MacDonald and into the net. It was Craig Morrison again on 14 minutes, this time with a powerful shot from close range to make it 2-0 and he completed his hat-trick on 25 minutes with a terrific goal. Morrison took a ball with his back to goal, tapped it over marker Danny Kelly, before running in on goal, placing the ball past the keeper to make it 3-0. Lovat boss Fraser Gallacher made a switch at the back with Daniel Grieve taking over marking duties on Craig Morrison and Danny Kelly going to wing back. Lovat immediately fought back and, on 26 minutes, Greg Matheson got ahead of Blair Morrison on the Lovat right and he fired home, across the keeper, into the side of the net. The hosts got a second when Lewis Tawse juggled the ball forward from the right of midfield before taking it across the ground and squeezing a shot between the keeper and his left post to make it 3-2 on 32 minutes. Just 3 minutes later, Greg Matheson was first onto a rebound after Iain McCall had made a save and he netted from inside the box and this fantastic game was now all-square at 3-3. Fraser Heath dropped deep to get the ball on 54 minutes and he ran in on goal with Connor MacGregor in chase. Heath resisted the temptation have a big swing as he pushed the ball across the keeper and into the net off the far post and Lovat led for the first time in the match. Lovat replaced Thomas Fraser with Lewis Bryson on the hour. There was a flashpoint for referee Andy MacLean to deal with on 73 minutes when Caberfeidh defender Scott Mclauchlan, who had been booked just a couple of minutes earlier for taking down Fraser Heath, was shown a straight red card for a double-swing on Lewis Bryson. With players squaring up, Lovat’s Marc MacLachlan was also sent off for his involvement in the aftermath. Lewis Bryson completed the 5-3 victory when he leathered a ball across into the net on 84 minutes, finding space between the penalty spot and the D. There was still time for a moment of comedy gold as, with the match in full flow, Lovat’s Callum Cruden went running from the field, jumping a perimeter fence, and disappearing into the distance. The ever-alert Lovat man had spotted the arrival of a tractor and trailer which he correctly assumed was for his blackening ahead of his impending wedding. However Cruden was later captured, following some tough negotiations involving his wife-to-be, and the Highland pre-wedding ritual went ahead almost as planned. And it wasn’t pretty. Caberfeidh’s Ally MacLennan was the sponsor’s man of the match whilst Craig Morrison also made a massive contribution with his hat-trick. Daniel Grieve was best for Lovat, keeping Craig Morrison in his sights for the final hour of the game. Lovat, who are currently advertising for a new manager, complete their season at home to Oban Camanachd on Saturday 12 October 2019. Caberfeidh have already beaten last season’s points total with final matches still to come at home to Kingussie this Saturday and at Kyles Athletic in mid-October.
Kingussie 4 Inveraray 1 Kingussie haven’t lost in the league since April after defeating Inveraray 4-1 at the Dell. In fact the Kings have now only dropped one point over the last seven league matches as they bid to win shinty’s top flight for the first time since 2009. Inveraray, without the suspended Lewis Montgomery, shocked their hosts by taking a 26 minute lead through John Kennedy who pushed home a rebound from close range after Kingussie keeper Rory MacGregor had saved a low, long distance shot from the left. However two goals in three minutes had the Kings in front with Roddy Young sending the ball high to the keeper’s left from around the penalty spot on 32 minutes and Ruaridh Anderson beating Inveraray keeper Scott MacLachlan from a tight angle on the left following a free-hit on the edge of the on 34 minutes. James Falconer ensured there would be no Kingussie slip-up with a double on 62 and 81 minutes. First Falconer beat the keeper low to his left with a back-hand effort following a great Roddy Young run in-field. He then found space at the front of the D to control and turn home a low cross from the right. Kingussie only trail league leaders Lovat on goal difference but they have played three games fewer. Newtonmore and Oban Camanachd are still very much in contention in the title race. This defeat all but relegates Inveraray. Even if they were to win their final match at home to Oban Camanachd in early October, their goal difference is such that they are unlikely to finish ahead of Kilmallie.
Kyles Athletic P Kilmallie P The match between Kyles Athletic and Kilmallie at Tighnabruaich will be rescheduled.
Mowi National Division Skye Camanachd 5 Glenurquhart 3 Skye Camanachd remain in the promotion race after beating Glenurquhart 5-3 in their 3pm throw up at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. The sides also contested the 2018 Thomas Ferguson Memorial Cup which wasn’t played last year because of the wet weather. Skye’s Jordan Murchison remained on the injury list whilst Stewart Grant was also missing. Iain Nicolson was a late call-off through work commitments. Suspension ruled out Glen duo Connor Golabeck and Andrew Corrigan whilst Ewan Brady was unavailable and Neale Reid was a late call-off. Michael Fraser punished hesitancy in the Skye defence when he thumped home a James MacPherson pass to give the Glen a 9 minute lead. Skye drew level on 16 minutes when James Pringle found Iain MacLellan on the right. MacLellan’s effort was going wide but Ross Gordon, running forward towards the front of the D, stretched forward to turn the ball home with his club. The Islanders took the lead a minute later when John Barr tried to usher a ball into the D out of play but Iain MacLellan nipped in behind him to run the ball home from a tight angle on the right. James MacPherson made it 2-2 on 19 minutes with a trademark 25 yard drive which flew into the top corner of the net to the keeper’s left. Chris Mack put the Glen back in front on 27 minutes. Michael Fraser played a free-hit into the goal area and Skye defender William MacKinnon went to push it out for a corner but the ball went into the net off Chris Mack’s club. The goals continued to flow and a clever move down the Skye left culminated with James Pringle scrambling the ball over the line on 29 minutes to make it 3-3. James Pringle was a constant threat and he again weaved in for the left late in the half with Fergus Robertson just managing to get the ball out for a corner. Pringle suffered a blow to the hand and, after 4 minutes treatment from Skye medics Dr Wilson Banks and Helen Gilpin; he left the field with a heavily bandaged hand which required an operation the following morning. The Glen made a strong start to the second half but it was Skye who went back in front with their first attack of the second period. It was another terrific passing move started by the impressive Will Cowie at full centre and with Iain MacLellan and Ross Gordon also involved; Ross MacKinnon fired a great shot into the net from right of centre to make it 4-3 with 49 minutes played. Ross Gordon scored the goal of the game on 64 minutes as he took a touch before volleying an unstoppable shot past Stuart MacKintosh in the Glen goal from a central position and this was the first time in the match either side had led by more than one goal. It was such a warm day so it was little surprise that the pace of the match dropped during the final half hour. Glenurquhart pressed hard at the end and the closest they came was a James MacPherson shot which produced a flying Ryan Morrison save to his right and another effort from MacPherson which was palmed away by the Skye keeper. The result effectively ends Glenurquhart’s promotion chances whilst Skye will likely need to beat GMA in Portree and hope the Glasgow side slip up elsewhere. Afterwards, the Thomas Ferguson Memorial Cup was presented to Skye Camanachd captain Will Cowie by Thomas Ferguson’s sister Margaret.
Oban Celtic 3 Strathglass 0 Oban Celtic scored three times in the first half-hour to defeat Strathglass 3-0 in their 1pm throw up at Mossfield. The Oban side were minus Ally McKerracher and Scott Turnbull as well as suspended trio Lewis Mcphee, Craig MacMillan and Jack Hill. However Andy MacDonald, Michael MacKinnon and Peter Currie all returned. Josh Fraser was free of suspension and Strathglass welcomed him back into their side. After a four-week lay-off, Oban Celtic started with the wind in their favour and Ross MacMillan put them ahead on 9 minutes. A long ball out of defence from Michael MacKinnon found Daniel MacMillan who played the ball first-time to Ross MacMillan who rounded his man to score. Oban Celtic’s second came from a set-piece after Daniel MacMillan was taken down. Neil Carmichael played the free-hit to Lennon Campbell who shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-0 with 18 minutes on the clock. Daniel MacMillan added a third on 29 minutes. Jamie Anderson played the ball from the wing to Andy MacDonald who scuffed his shot but the ball came to Daniel MacMillan 20 yards out and he sent it low and hard into the net. Oban Celtic had the ball in the net again early in the second half when Ross MacMillan turned his marker and took a touch before rifling a shot into the roof of the net. Referee Lachie Wood seemed to initially allow the goal before penalising MacMillan for a push after speaking to the goal judge. Oban Celtic keeper Iain MacFarlane played his part, making three really good saves towards the end of the match. William MacEwan was introduced on the win around the hour mark for Oban Celtic and he did well. George MacMillan had a great game less familiar role at half back. The one down-side for the hosts came when Neil Carmichael got the ball in the eye from close range which led to swelling and manager Dougie MacIntyre will be keen to have his full centre available for the final match of the season against Glenurquhart, who are only two points ahead in the table, in Oban this coming Saturday.
Beauly 1 Bute 1 Beauly and Bute drew 1-1 in their 1pm throw up at Braeview Park This was Beauly’s final match of the season whilst Bute’s Iain McDonald was suspended. Craig Fisher gave a battling Bute side the lead on the stroke of half-time. However the second half was only a couple of minutes old when Sean Stewart earned the home side a draw.
Mowi North Division 1 Inverness 1 Lovat 1 The Inverness first team and the Lovat second team drew 1-1 in their noon throw up at the Bught Park. The goals came early in the game with wing centre Daniel Palombo giving Inverness a 2 minute lead with a shot from the right. However Cameron MacMillan equalised for Lovat on 17 minutes. Inverness defender Arran MacMaster wiped out Lovat top scorer Raymond Rennie as he went through on goal. Rennie played the free-hit from the edge of the D back to Cameron MacMillan who was around the penalty spot and he fired a powerful shot into the net to make it 1-1. Both keepers – Drew McNeil for Inverness and Lovat’s Jamie Matheson – used their bodies and hands to make good saves. Arran MacMaster was best for Inverness, handling the prolific Raymond Rennie, whilst Cameron MacMillan was Lovat’s top performer before he limped off to feature for the first team later in the afternoon. Laura Gallacher was also very effective, joining up with the side direct from Scotland training.
Skye Camanachd 2 Kingussie 3 Chris Holleysong’s hat-trick helped the Kingussie colts beat the Skye Camanachd colts 3-2 in their noon throw up at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Skye were missing Gilleasbuig MacVicar whilst suspension ruled out Kingussie’s Lee Riddoch and player / manager Iain Borthwick was their only substitute. Skye made a bright start and it took a terrific save from Kingussie keeper George Taylor-Ramsey to keep out Archie MacDonald’s effort as the Skye youngster broke forward from the right. The keeper turned the ball over with his club as it was heading for the top corner of the net to his left. It was mostly Skye in the baking sunshine with Taylor Matheson then going close with a shot from the left. However it was Kingussie who took the lead on 15 minutes as Chris Holleysong made space for himself on the right before firing a powerful shot which beat the keeper on his left side. Chris Holleysong then rattled the junction between post and bar, to the keeper’s right, before he got his and Kingussie’s second on 34 minutes. A hit-in from the left was played across and Holleysong found space in a central position, between the penalty spot and the D, and he wasn’t going to miss from there, sending the ball high into the net. Chris Holleysong completed his hat-trick on 48 minutes when a took a pass from Calum MacIntosh and his low shot from left of centre went across the keeper and into the far corner of the net. Skye introduced veteran Keith MacKenzie at the break and he went close before pulling a goal back on 55 minutes when he controlled a pass from Archie MacDonald and his shot from the left went across the keeper and into the net. Kingussie Jordan Reid burst forward with 15 minutes remaining, getting himself into a shooting position, but his effort swerved wide of goal to the keeper’s right. Keith MacKenzie got his second when he fired high into the net from the left on 86 minutes to claim his second goal, making it 3-2 and setting up a grandstand finish. Skye almost grabbed an equaliser with the final chance of the game. There was a huge goalmouth scramble which Kingussie defended for their lives, and the hosts couldn’t force the ball home and it was Kingussie who took the points. There were many young players on show in the respective starting line-ups with the match resembling a juvenile encounter at times.
Caberfeidh 4 Glenurquhart 1 The Caberfeidh seconds overcame the Glenurquhart seconds 4-1 at Castle Leod. Cabers led 3-0 at the break through goals from Ruaraidh MacKenzie on 15 minutes, Ruaraidh MacLeman on 26 minutes and Brian Mackain on 32 minutes. Ruaraidh McCreadie made it 4-0 on 77 minutes although David MacLennan grabbed some consolation for the Glen with a goal at the death.
Newtonmore P Glengarry P The clash between the Newtonmore second team and Glengarry at the Eilan will be rescheduled, allowing the Newtonmore players to watch their senior side in the 2019 Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final.
Kinlochshiel P Caberfeidh P The game between the Kinlochshiel reserves and the Caberfeidh reserves at Reraig will be rescheduled because of Kinlochshiel’s participation in the MacMaster Cup Final.
Mowi South Division 1 Ballachulish 3 Aberdour 4 Champions Aberdour saw off a Ballachulish fight-back to win 4-3 in their 1pm throw up at the Jubilee Park. This was trophy day for Aberdour, who were minus the suspended Cammy McCue, and they took an early grip of the match with Jack Mitchell on 6 minutes and Alec Mitchell on 19 minutes giving them a 2-0 lead. Lorne Brown pulled a goal back on 25 minutes but ‘Dour made a tactical switch, bringing David MacKenzie back to buckshee back where he was very effective, and they got their reward when Tom Bowerman’s effort on 37 minutes restored Aberdour’s two-goal advantage at the break. The game got physical at times with Aberdour having a penalty appeal turned down referee David Mitchell. Dougie Rankin made it 3-2 on 51 minutes and a goal from Dan MacLean drew Balla’ level following a free-hit on 77 minutes. However David MacDougall showed great determination to score just 3 minutes later to ensure title winners Aberdour would finish the season on a winning note. Aberdour brought a large travelling support and after the match, with Camanachd Association Director Wendy Chamberlain in attendance, they were presented with the Mowi South Division 1 trophy and medals. Aberdour will now wait to see if they face a play-off to secure a place in the Mowi National Division, depending on the outcome from North 1, or whether they will make the step-up automatically.
Inveraray 2 Glasgow Mid Argyll 8 Seb MacMillan scored four times as the Glasgow Mid Argyll second team secured their Mowi South Division 1 status with an 8-2 victory in their relegation four-pointer against the Inveraray second team at the Winterton. Inveraray suffered a blow ahead of throw up when striker Campbell Watt was ruled out through illness. With full back Scott Anderson unavailable, Nathan Whear took his place for GMA. Jamie MacLeod won possession and then put for GMA on their way with his first goal for the club on 5 minutes but Russell MacKinlay levelled a minute later, getting free of his marker to score. Seb MacMillan, returning to the GMA side, put the visitors back in front on 12 minutes, firing high into the net at the back post following a corner. Iain Luke added a third 60 seconds later, taking control of a Seb MacMillan pass from the right before finishing from the edge of the D. The hosts netted for a second time when player / manager Andrew McMurdo went through one-on-one with the keeper on 19 minutes. A second from Seb MacMillan made it 4-2 on 25 minutes but the Glasgow side had to then rely on keeper Jonathon Oates to make good saves from Coll MacKay and John MacKenzie. Iain Luke ran onto Ali Haworth’s clearance who dribbled past his marker before dribbling in to score his second on 40 minutes and when Seb MacMillan completed his hat-trick on 43 minutes, GMA led 6-2 at the break. Inveraray made a good start to the second half but, at the other end, Jamie MacLeod played in Seb MacMillan to get his goal on 62 minutes. Calum McLay’s 82 minute effort completed the scoring. Neil Robertson’s deflected shot looked to be going wide but Calum McLay darted in to turn home the bouncing ball from a tight angle. The result relegates Inveraray.
Kyles Athletic 2 Taynuilt 0 The Kyles Athletic seconds scored twice in the final third of the match to beat Taynuilt 2-0 in their 2pm throw up at Tighnabruaich. Ross Macrae got the opener on 67 minutes with youngster Jack Whyte confirming the win 10 minutes from time.
Lochside Rovers P Col Glen P The meeting between Lochside Rovers and Col Glen will be rescheduled which allowed the Lochside players to watch their senior side in the 2019 Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final.
Mowi North Division 2 Lochcarron 7 Strathspey Camanachd 5 Lochcarron are Mowi North Division champions after defeating second placed Strathspey Camanachd 7-5 at in a thrilling match at Battery Park. Lochcarron manager Murdo John Fraser had nineteen players available for the game whilst Strathspey’s Stewart Sloss was suspended. The west coast side only needed a draw to clinch the title and Gregor Cushnie gave them the lead when the ball was deflected into his path to the left of the D before Chris Sellar made it 1-1. The home defence failed to clear a hit-in on the left and when the ball came to Sellar on the left, he sent a 20 yard shot over the keeper’s left shoulder. An exchange of goals saw Crisdean Finlayson turn home an Angus Urquhart ball from the right from around the penalty spot but Martin Hall did well to retain possession and score straight from the restart. Another from Chris Sellar, who turned his marker as he ran to the left of the D to score from a tight angle, meant Strathspey lead 3-2. The visitors could have gone further ahead when referee Ronnie Campbell awarded them a penalty. Chris Sellar had the chance to complete his hat-trick but Lochcarron goalie Iain Cameron saved well. Mark MacDonald made it 4-2, sending a shot low to the keeper’s left from the right of the penalty spot before Lochcarron’s Crisdean Finlayson capitalised on a defensive mix-up when Gregor Cushnie pressured the Strathspey back line to tap home his second from close range to make it 4-3 at the interval. Liam Arnott drew Lochcarron level at 4-4, turning home a rebound from a couple of yards out, before Crisdean Finlayson completed his hat-trick, turning the ball home from the left following a free-hit from midfield to give the hosts the lead once more. It was Crisdean Finlayson again, tapping home his fourth from to make it 6-4 from another rebound after Gregor Cushnie had done will to win possession and shot following a hit-in on the right. Struan Ross blasted home to reduce the deficit to a single goal but Lochcarron were not to be denied and Gregor Cushnie, who opened the scoring, had the final say as he beat his marker on the right before running into the D where he slotted the ball past the keeper to claim his 24th goal of the season and make it 7-5. Referee Ronnie Campbell’s final whistle signalled the Lochcarron celebrations and Camanachd Association Director John Finlayson was on hand to present the Mowi North Division 2 trophy to Lochcarron Crisdean Finlayson.
Kilmallie 3 Beauly 3 The Kilmallie colts led three times before drawing 3-3 with the Beauly colts in their noon throw up at the Canal Parks. Ross MacKenzie gave Kilmallie a 32 minute lead but Fraser Anderson made it 1-1. Khai Barr put Kilmallie back in front but Fraser Anderson levelled for a second time. Kilmallie went in front for a third time through Michael Rodger but Finlay MacLennan’s effort ensured a share of the points.
WCA Round Up A play-off to decide the Mowi National Division championship moved another step closer after Badenoch and Skye won their latest matches following the weekend’s Women’s Camanachd Association shinty action.
Mowi National Division Badenoch 15 Glenurquhart 0 League leaders Badenoch defeated Glenurquhart 15-0 in their 2pm throw up at the Dell. Kirsty Deans scored eight times and Rhona McIntyre grabbed a hat-trick. Zoe Reid scored twice and Ruth Forbes and Rona Stewart got the others.
Lochaber 1 Skye Camanachd 7 Champions Skye Camanachd remain second, two points adrift with a game in hand, after beating Lochaber 7-1 in their 1pm throw up at Spean Bridge. Lorna MacRae scored four times, Jenna Beaton netted twice and Caitlin MacLean got the other. Natalie MacDonald was on target for the hosts.
Glasgow Mid Argyll 0 Aberdour 3 Aberdour won 3-0 against Glasgow Mid Argyll in their 1.30pm throw up at Yoker. Lisa McColl, against her former side, and Niamh Donnelly and Katie Booth got the goals.
Ardnamurchan W/O v Strathspey The division’s newly promoted sides, Ardnamurchan and Strathspey, were due to meet in a 2pm throw up at Strontian. However Strathspey were unable to raise a team so Ardnamurchan were awarded the points.
Mowi North Division 2 Lochaber 2 Lovat 9 League leaders Lovat are within a point of sealing the Mowi North Division 2 title after they beat the Lochaber second team 9-2 in their 3pm throw up at Spean Bridge. Samia Simmonds and Caitlin MacDonald scored for the hosts but four-goal Laura Gallacher, Fiona Urquhart’s hat-trick and strikes from Ellie MacKinnon and Ruby Fraser gave Lovat victory.
Glengarry 4 Inverness 1 Glengarry overcame Inverness 4-1 in their 1pm throw up at Craigard. Elaine Cameron grabbed a hat-trick and Katie Walker got the other for ‘Garry. Katie McMillan countered for Inverness.
Kinlochshiel 3 Strathglass 0 Kinlochshiel beat Strathglass 3-0 in their 1pm throw up at Reraig. Beth Murphy scored twice and Isabelle MacKenzie got the other.
Skye Camanachd W/O v Fort William The Fort William second team were unable to raise a team for their trip to Pairc nan Laoch, Portree to play the Skye Camanachd second team so the Islanders were awarded the points.
Mowi South Division 2 Cowal & Bute v Tayforth W/O Cowal & Bute were unable to raise a team for their game against Tayforth so the visitors were awarded the points.
Youth Shinty MacMaster Cup Final Kinlochshiel U14 7 Oban Camanachd U14 1 Kinlochshiel U14 won the MacMaster Cup with a 7-1 victory over Oban Camanachd U14 in their noon throw up at An Aird on Saturday 21 September 2019. Archie MacRae turned a low cross from the right past the keeper to give ‘Shiel the lead. A long-range effort from Archie MacRae made it 2-0 before George Murphy added a third, tucking the ball inside the keeper’s right post after Oban Camanachd failed to clear their lines. Innes Jackson’s terrific shot from the middle of the park gave Oban Camanachd hope before Archie MacRae cut in from the right to complete his hat-trick and make it 4-1 at the break. When referee John Wood spotted a “kick” inside the Oban D, Archie MacRae made no mistake from the spot Arron Jack ran through the Oban Camanachd defence to make it 6-1 after keeper Kai MacKechnie had saved his initial shot. It was man of the match Archie MacRae who rounded off the scoring with another long-range effort. Kinlochshiel captain Aaron Jack was presented with the trophy by David MacMaster.
(All throw ups were are 2.30pm unless the match report states differently) |