The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 23 March 2019 | |
24 March 2019 It was derby day in the Mowi Premiership with three local matches going ahead whilst Fort William’s good start to their Mowi National Division campaign continued following the shinty action on Saturday 23 March 2019.
Mowi Premiership Newtonmore 1 Kingussie 3 Kingussie were 3-1 winners against Newtonmore in the first Badenoch derby of the season which took place at the Eilan. ‘More skipper Evan Menzies recovered sufficiently from injury to play at full forward but Glen MacKintosh was unavailable as he was on holiday. Steven Macdonald was free of a three match suspension and he started in defence. Kingussie’s Lee Bain was manager John Gibson’s main concern and he missed out with a hamstring problem. Kingussie won the corresponding fixture last season and they took the lead after 19 minutes. Savio Genini ran infield to just outside the penalty spot where he got onto a Fraser Munro hit-in from the right. The ball took a bounce and Genini, who was afforded too much space, took a touch before firing the ball low into the net, beating keeper Kenny Ross on his right. ‘More drew level on 25 minutes. Michael Russell played in an initial corner from the left which was cleared by Robert Mabon. Steven Macdonald played a great diagonal ball which went over Fraser Munro and Rory MacKeachan to Russell who remained on the left and he took a touch before lifting the ball over the keeper and into the net to make it 1-1. Kingussie lost Craig Dawson on 35 minutes after the keeper pulled his calf muscle when making a good save from Fraser MacKintosh so Rory MacGregor took over in goal. Kingussie went back in front on 64 minutes. Ruaraidh Anderson won possession in midfield following a ‘More goal hit and he found Savio Genini who quickly switched play to Roddy Young who shoulder-barged Rory Kennedy to the ground before lifting his head and steering a low driven shot between defender Steven Macdonald and keeper Kenny Ross and into the net. ‘More then pushed Steven Macdonald forward but didn’t get enough ball up to him to give them a chance of drawing level. James Falconer sealed Kingussie’s 3-1 win on 72 minutes. Another Fraser Munro hit-in from the right was gathered by Roddy Young who held off Rory Kennedy and crossed low from the right. Andy MacKintosh tried to get the ball away but it went straight to James Falconer who ran in and gleefully thumped the ball home on his back-hand. There wasn’t much between the teams in the first half but the Kings were worthy winners following their second half display and, after draws with Lochaber and Lovat, the win takes them to third in the table.
Caberfeidh 2 Lovat 8 League leaders Lovat finally ran out 8-2 winners against Caberfeidh at Castle Leod. Caberfeidh defender Blair Morrison, who dislocated his shoulder playing football, was declared fit enough to start in attack. Lovat made one change with Martin Mainland starting at wing centre as Lewis Tawse was unavailable. Graeme MacMillan went onto the wing and Fraser Heath was given the buckshee forward role where he was very influential. Cabers started with the wind but Lovat led from the first minute. A ball into the forward line was trapped with his caman by Martin Mainland who had pushed forward, and Mainland’s firm shot hardly rose off the ground on its way into the net. Caberfeidh then went on the ascendancy and Kevin Bartlett played a ball across goal a couple of minutes later but the ball went outside the post. The hosts then hit the post as, with Ally MacLennan dictating, they looked to draw level. However it was Lovat who went two goals in front on 25 minutes. Keeper Ewan Picher came off his line to deal with a ball into the goal area. However Fraser Heath got to the ball first and he found Greg Matheson who tapped the ball into the empty net from close in. The goal came against the run of play and seemed to knock the stuffing out of Cabers. Marc MacLachlan then picked out Lorne MacKay’s surging run forward but MacKay scoped the ball just wide. Lovat did extend their lead on 28 minutes. Fraser Heath was faced with three home defenders but he showed composure and jabbed the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Lorne MacKay added his name to the scoresheet on 34 minutes. Marc MacLachlan ran right to gather the ball and he picked out another MacKay run and this time the Lovat centre stretched to take the ball away from a defender before sending a powerful shot high into the net to make it 4-0. There were then two hotly disputed penalties either side of the interval. First referee Martin Maclean penalised the hosts for a “kick” inside the D on the stoke of half-time and Greg Matheson sent the resultant penalty high into the net. Caberfeidh were then given a spot hit as Lovat keeper Stuart MacDonald looked to leave a free-hit into the D to run wide but was also hauled up for a “kick”; much to his displeasure. It wasn’t Kevin Bartlett’s best penalty but it deceived the keeper, going under his feet, to make it 5-1. Greg Matheson got his second on 65 minutes as he ran out to collect a ball from the left and, with his back to goal, he turned to hit a low shot across the keeper, beating Pilcher on his right side. Marc MacLachlan added a seventh on 75 minutes when he allowed Graeme MacMillan’s ball to drop before lashing it first-time into the net. Chris Johnson’s shot from distance on 75 minutes went in with Pilcher unable to adjust his feet and Lovat now led 8-1 Kevin Bartlett had the final say 5 minutes from time. A long ball eluded the Lovat defence and keeper MacDonald came off his line. However the ball was knocked on and Bartlett stretched out to divert the ball into the net and make the final score 8-2. Martin Mainland and Fraser Heath, who finished the game at full centre, were key for Lovat as was Greg Matheson’s three-goal contribution. Ally MacLennan stood out for Cabers whilst Kevin Bartlett’s stick work was at times a joy to watch and he could have scored more had it not been for Daniel Grieve’s attentions.
Oban Camanachd 1 Kinlochshiel 1 Oban Camanachd and Kinlochshiel drew 1-1 in a tough encounter at Mossfield. Oban Camanachd manager Stephen Sloss had Chrissie MacMillan free of suspension but a knee problem meant he was only able to start on the bench where he was joined by Keith MacMillan and Ross Campbell. Scott MacKillop remained out with a foot injury and Daniel Madej wasn’t risked as he had a hamstring niggle. Kinlochshiel defender David Falconer had a shoulder problem so he also missed out. ‘Shiel started towards golf course end of Mossfield and Andrew MacCuish was denied by a very good Stuart MacRae save as he turned the ball away low to his right. The hosts had a great chance to take the lead on 28 minutes when Daniel MacVicar was hacked down inside the D. Referee Ross Brown awarded a penalty but Andrew MacCuish, who rarely misses from the spot, saw his effort go agonisingly wide of the keeper’s left post. Oban Camanachd got the goal they craved a couple of minutes before the break. Aidan MacIntyre sent the hosts’ first corner of the match firmly into the danger area but neither Daniel MacVicar nor Andrew MacCuish could get on the end of it and the ball was turned away for another corner. This time McIntyre drifted the ball to the near post where a defender turned it away. However Scott MacMillan ran in on the far side and he shied the ball down into the net to give his side the lead. With the match finely balanced, Kinlochshiel drew level on 71 minutes. Jordan Fraser managed to get away from his marker and his shot from the angle on the left beat keeper Cameron Sutherland at his near post. Kinlochshiel produced a storming finish but it finished 1-1.
Lochaber 1 Kilmallie 2 Kilmallie and Lochaber were scheduled to meet at the Canal Parks but the wet weather meant the fixture was reversed to Spean Bridge on Friday. Kilmallie attackers Calum MacDougall and Bryan MacKay were added to the squad which beat Newtonmore on the opening day of the season with the latter starting on the bench. Martin Stewart also returned and he played at wing back. However key defenders Steven Stewart and Stephen McAlister were unavailable so Craig MacIsaac was pulled in at half back with Robbie McFadyen going to into full back and both were outstanding. Lochaber have Calum MacDonald is back in goals after missing most of last season through injury but they were without Martin Johnstone. This was a very close match and Calum MacDonald made some very good saves in the first half Kilmallie’s Liam MacDonald broke the deadlock on 57 minutes after a period of sustained pressure. However Lochaber came right back into it with a Ben Delaney goal just a couple of minutes later. Calum MacDougall had a reasonably quiet afternoon by his standards. However he proved to be the match-winner, finishing high into the top corner of the net on his back hand, with just 14 minutes to go.
Kyles Athletic 3 Inveraray 1 Kyles Athletic and Inveraray both finally got their seasons underway but a match originally scheduled for Tighnabruaich was switched to Strachurmore because of an unplayable field. John Whyte returned in goals for Kyles so Innes MacDonald played outfield. There was also a place in the squad for former Newtonmore player Paul MacArthur. Grant Irvine played his final match for Kyles ahead of a move to Jersey. Kyles got off to a great start with Scott MacDonald scoring after just 2 minutes. However Lewis MacNicol made it 1-1 on 19 minutes and that’s the way it stayed until the break. Scott MacDonald got his second on 59 minutes to put Kyles back in front and Ross MacRae made sure of the win, adding a third on 73 minutes to give new boss Dunky Kerr a winning start.
Mowi National Division Fort William 3 Skye Camanachd 2 Three goals in the final 8 minutes gave Mowi National Division leaders Fort William a 3-2 win over title rivals Skye Camanachd at An Aird. Skye started with the wind and they looked dangerous up front so it was no surprise when they took a 10 minute lead through Will Cowie. The pitch started to dig up in front of the Fort William penalty area so shooting and controlling the ball became difficult in the crucial areas outside the box and Skye’s best shooters were getting frustrated at not even being able to test keeper Paul MacKay. However Skye kept plugging away with some great build up play but the second goal never came and the Islanders only had a one-goal lead to show for their first half efforts. Skye struggled to get into their rhythm in the second half, playing into the wind, and their hitting becoming poorer as the game went on. As a result, Skye’s supply to their forwards dried up and the side spent large parts of the second half defending for their lives before the inevitable goal came through Alexander MacMillan on 82 minutes. Fort William were lifted by the goal however when Skye substitute Iain MacLellan found Will Cowie with a nicely weighted pass, Cowie struck a brilliant shot from distance which gave the keeper with no chance and Skye led 2-1 with just 5 minutes remaining. Skye might have thought they’d done enough to win the game but Fort William had other ideas. Fort William won the ball in the middle of the park and when they played it forward, Lachie Shaw levelled with a nice finish inside the D and it was now 2-2 with 3 minutes remaining. At that point a draw seemed a fair result but, with a minute remaining, Skye keeper Ryan Morrison pulled off a really good save but the rebound fell to Padraig McNeil and he made no mistake with a tap-in to win the game. The victory means Fort William stay top of the league with three wins from three matches and the sides meet again this coming Saturday in the first round of the cottage.com MacTavish Cup; this time in Portree.
Glenurquhart 9 Oban Celtic 0 Glenurquhart were too strong for Oban Celtic, winning 9-0 in their 3pm throw up at Blairbeg. Glenurquhart, who played Premiership shinty last season, are looking a good prospect for a quick return under new co-managers Stuart MacKintosh and Eddie Tembo. It was an apprehensive Oban Celtic squad which travelled north as their absentees included the suspended Ross MacMillan and injured Neil Carmichael as well as Ally McKerracher, Andy MacDonald, Lee Askew and keeper David Martin. Jack Hill took over in goal, where he made some fine saves, whilst boss Dougie MacIntyre and his assistant Les Kinvig were the only substitutes. The visitors included three 16 year olds as well as 14 year old John Douglas who again played well at half forward and later on the wing. Oban Celtic tried hard throughout the game but the Glen forward line played some sharp, cutting shinty and Neale Reid on 3 minutes and James MacPherson on 14 minutes gave them some early comfort. When referee Bryan MacKay awarded the hosts a penalty on 21 minutes, James MacPherson stepped up to get his second. A second from Neale Reid on 29 minutes and Connor Golabek a couple of minutes later made it 5-0 at the break. The pattern of play continued towards the Oban Celtic goal and Connor Golabek got his second on 61 minutes. Ewan Brady chipped in with a brace on 69 and 75 minutes and all four Glen forwards had now found the net. James MacPherson completed his hat-trick a couple of minutes from time to round off the 9-0 win and the Glen have scored twelve goals without reply in their opening two league matches.
Bute 0 Glasgow Mid Argyll 0 Bute and Glasgow Mid Argyll met at The Meadows in what was both teams’ first competitive match of the season. GMA dominated the game but some terrific saves from Bute keeper Kevin Queen, some resolute defending and some wayward finishing ensured a share of the points. Queen’s best stop kept out a rising Calum McLay strike which was heading for the roof of the net.
Strathglass P Beauly P It’s been a difficult week for all those involved at Strathglass following the sudden passing of their player Lawrence Jones. Lawrence Jones was an extremely popular figure at the club and he was well regarded within the game. After battling back from a serious leg injury, he became a key player in the team and was a former club player of the year. It was therefore understandable that the match between Strathglass and Beauly at Cannich will be rescheduled. Strathglass and wider shinty community were also saddened to hear of the passing of former player and respected referee John Gordon, of Struy after a period of illness.
Mowi North Division 1 Lovat 2 Glengarry 2 The Lovat second team came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Glengarry at Balgate. Glengarry made a strong start and they took the lead after 7 minutes following a free-hit just outside the D after one of the visiting forwards had been fouled. The ball was played into the D and Nick Dalgety popped up amidst the swinging camans to poke the ball over the line. The visitors almost doubled their lead when, following some good passing movement in the forward line, Andrew Gilchrist found Nick Dalgety who shrugged off his marker before shooting wide of the post. Both keepers – Ronan MacMillan for Lovat and ‘Garry’s Gordon MacDonald – made good saves and Glengarry took their 1-0 lead into the break. Glengarry went 2-0 ahead just 4 minutes into the second half when Steven Cameron and Nick Dalgety combined and Dalgety whipped a 20 yard shot into the bottom corner of the net. League leaders Lovat had been relatively quiet in the match but they started stringing passes together with Ryan Ferguson taking a grip of the midfield. When referee John Angus Gillies awarded the hosts a free-hit outside the D on 57 minutes, Raymond Rennie hovered around the ball before flicking it over the ‘Garry defence, finding Cammy MacMillan, who drilled the ball past the keeper at his left post. ‘Garry created a couple of chances to restore their two-goal advantage and Nick Dalgety was denied a hat-trick by Lovat keeper Ronan MacMillan. Lovat rescued a point with just 7 minutes remaining when Finlay Ogilvie scored his third goal in two games. A long Ryan Ferguson free-hit from the middle of the park found Raymond Rennie 15 yards from goal. Rennie turned his marker but his low, hard shot was saved by Gordon MacDonald. However the ball rebounded out to the on-rushing Finlay Ogilvie who slotted the ball past the keeper and his third goal in two games made it 2-2. Both teams played well in stages and a draw was probably a fair result. Lovat’s Ryan Ferguson played well in midfield against Steven Cameron whilst Bailey MacKay had a strong second half battle with Nick Dalgety. Skipper Rhuairaidh MacDonald and Nick Dalgety were the pick of the ‘Garry players along with veteran Steven Cameron.
Kingussie 0 Caberfeidh 2 The Caberfeidh colts, who were promoted after finishing second in North 2 at the end of last season, continued their impressive start to this year’s campaign with a third successive league win, beating the Kingussie colts 3-0 at the Dell. The winning goals came late in the game the match with James MacLeod making the difference as he netted on 76 and 81 minutes.
Inverness 6 Kinlochshiel 0 A Friday pitch inspection meant the game between the Kinlochshiel reserves and Inverness was reversed, taking place on the Bught Park outside pitch. Inverness created a couple of early chances but were denied by both Sandy MacDiarmid in the Kinlochshiel goal and the offside rule. ‘Shiel also had chances before Charlie MacDonald opened the scoring on 8 minutes with some good simple passing to gain space from Keith MacRae’s close marking and MacDonald rocketed a 30 yard shot into the roof of the net. Inverness kept the pressure on and their midfield returned a goal-hit low and direct to Davie Campbell who rounded the full back before sliding the ball past the on rushing keeper on the 15 minute mark. Inverness now had their tails up and, making full advantage of the strong wind, a long clearance from defence just 4 minutes later landed at Davie Campbell’s feet and he smashed a shot past the keeper from the penalty area to make it 3-0. The Inverness defence looked comfortable, aided by the returning Adam MacMaster and Arran MacMaster, and any shots were comfortably dealt with by James Cameron in the home goal. With half an hour played, a ball from Ruairidh MacKay down the left was returned inside onto the path of Michael Price who made no mistake, sending the ball into the postage stamp corner with his first-time shot. Just 10 minutes later, the energetic Charlie MacDonald played a one-two with Rory Maclennan and bounded goalwards, holding off several challenges before dispatching the ball knee-high past the keeper from 20 yards range. Kinlochshiel rallied during the last 10 minutes of the first half and they tested the Inverness defence where veteran Ewan Neilson was resolute. Neilson went on to pass the ball up the left to the industrious Matthew Clark who sent the ball deep into the forward line where David Campbell took a touch before sending a back-hand shoulder high shot past the keeper to make it 6-0 at half-time. Inverness introduced Iain Hunter to the forward line for his first team debut whilst ‘Shiel were forced to reshuffle after losing Zander MacRae through injury. ‘Shiel, now with the strong win at their backs, enjoyed more ball up front with a steady supply coming from Keith MacRae’s clean hitting at half back, However the experienced Inverness defence stood strong with Daniel Palombo keeping it steady at the back. The Inverness midfield was well marshaled by Craig Nicolson who displayed some clever passing and good support play throughout the game. Finlay Calder, who scored for the Inverness reserves earlier in the day, showed his intent soon after coming on at full forward with some classy play. A much improved Kinlochshiel defence prevented any further scoring in the second half and Inverness secured their first points of the season to bring their total to minus six points following their decision to drop down a league.
Skye Camanachd P Fort William P The meeting between the Skye Camanachd and Fort William seconds was called off on Saturday morning as Pairc nan Laoch was unplayable.
Mowi South Division 1 Col Glen 2 Lochside Rovers 0 Lochside Rovers suffered their first defeat of the season, going down 2-0 against Col Glen at Glendaruel. This was a tough game played on difficult surface which didn't suit the Oban side. Col Glen took the lead on 10 minutes with Willie MacVicar scoring. Lochside looked for offside but referee Graham Fisher waved away their claims. Scott Buchanan played in goals for Lochside which allowed boss Brian MacCallum to join 13 year old Innes Jackson on the bench. Early injuries to Lewis Buchanan and Jordan Kerr meant both had to come on sooner than expected. Lochside had chances in the opening period but they fell further behind a couple of minutes before the break when Iain Wilson scored from the edge off the box, sending the ball through a ruck of bodies and into the bottom corner of Scott Buchanan's goal. The second half was end-to-end with plenty tough tackling all over the park. Lochside were awarded a penalty with around 15 minutes to go and although Brian MacCallum struck the ball well enough, Col Glen keeper Ewen Harrison produced a fine save.
Tayforth 3 Ballachulish 3 Tayforth and Ballachulish shared the points following a 3-3 draw at Peffermill. After several seasons searching for a new home in Edinburgh, this was Tayforth’s first match at the home of Edinburgh University sport. The team previously played at Levenhall Links, Musselburgh despite most of their players residing in Edinburgh. As well as providing a great new surface for the cub to train and play on, it is hoped that this move will give the wider shinty community in Edinburgh somewhere that they can call “home”. The first half ended scoreless but David Arnott put the hosts ahead just 3 minutes after the restart. Finlay Stark added a second on 51 minutes but Balla’ never gave up and Dougie Rankin on 75 minutes and Connor MacKenzie on 82 minutes drew them level. Sean Taylor put Tayforth back in front on 82 minutes but a second from Dougie Rankin on the stroke of full-time gave Balla’ a hard earned point.
Taynuilt 1 Aberdour 3 Aberdour came from a goal down to beat Taynuilt 3-1 at the Taynuilt Sports Field. Aberdour travelled with a strong squad despite being without Craig Grant who served the second match of a two-game ban. This was a game of two halves with Taynuilt making a strong start to the match. It was no surprise when Taynuilt took a 14 minute lead through David Campbell. Indeed the hosts could have been further ahead at the break had it not been for a terrific penalty save from visiting keeper Craig Callaghan. Aberdour looked a different prospect after the restart and when a loose ball broke to Alec Mitchell on 52 minutes, he levelled with a fine strike. The goal lifted Aberdour but Taynuilt never gave up. Aberdour caught Taynuilt on the counter attack with 20 minutes remaining. David MacKenzie and David McDougal were instrumental before the ball was slipped to Alec Mitchell who gave the keeper no chance. Aberdour grabbed a crucial third goal on 76 minutes as Ruaraidh Reid held the ball up well before taking the chance to score. Taynuilt kept pressing but Aberdour, with John Martin Phillips catching the eye, took both points.
Glasgow Mid Argyll P Inveraray P The Inveraray second team were unable to raise a team for their match against the Glasgow Mid Argyll seconds at Yoker. Inveraray were deducted two points and the fixture will be rescheduled.
Mowi North Division 2 Boleskine 3 Kilmallie 1 All the goals came in the second half as Boleskine beat the Kilmallie colts 3-1 at Smith Park. Kilmallie took the lead on 56 minutes through Kyle Michie. However Duncan MacPherson equalised on the hour and Neil Hope on 75 minutes and Ross Anderson 5 minutes from time gave Boleskine their first win of the season.
Inverness 1 Lewis Camanachd 6 A dominant first half performance helped Lewis Camanachd to a 6-1 victory over the Inverness seconds in their 1pm throw up at the Bught Park outside pitch. Lewis, who gave a debut to former Caberfeidh player Ryan Symonds, took control early on with Donald Lamont scoring on 17 and 19 minutes. Ally Lamont made it 3-0 on 21 minutes and Scott MacLeod added a fourth from a hit-in on 26 minutes. Donald Lamont completed his hat-trick on 34 minutes and he now needs just one more goal to reach the 40-goal mark which would take him ahead of Will Church as the club’s top-ever scorer. Ally Lamont got his second 4 minutes after the restart but the young Inverness side rallied and Finlay Calder pulled a goal back on 54 minutes. The 6-1 win was a record league score for Lewis Camanachd.
Beauly P Strathglass P The match between the Beauly and Strathglass second teams at Braeview Park will be rescheduled.
Lochcarron P Strathspey Camanachd P Lochcarron’s clash with Strathspey Camanachd was postponed as the wet weather in the west left Battery Park unplayable.
Mowi South Division 2 Oban Celtic 4 Ardnamurchan 3 A late, late show gave the Oban Celtic second team their first win of the season as they overcame Ardnamurchan 4-3 at Ganavan. Freddie Patterson on 28 minutes and Simon Patterson on 32 minutes had Ard’ 2-0 ahead. Scott Burnett pulled a goal back on 38 minutes but the visitors took a 3-1 advantage into the break when Sean MacLellan found the net with a couple of first half minutes remaining. The Oban side were left to reflect on what might have been as they hit the post and missed a penalty during the opening 45 minutes. Scott Burnett got his second to make it 3-2 on 51 minutes and that’s the way it stayed until a couple of minutes from time. William MacEwan drew the home side level on 89 minutes and, not content with that, Scott Burnett completed his hat-trick 60 seconds later to make it 4-3 for Oban Celtic and leave Ardnamurchan shell-shocked.
Aberdour 3 Bute 0 The Aberdour reserves scored three times in the last 13 minutes to beat the Bute reserves 3-0 at Silversands. An understrength Bute side played with the wind in a first half of few chances. Aberdour player / manager Roddy MacColl came off the bench to break the deadlock on 77 minutes and Chris Bowerman got the second on 83 minutes. Roddy MacColl got his second and Aberdour’s third with just 3 minutes remaining.
Kilmory P Glenorchy P The 2pm throw up between Kilmory and Glenorchy at MacRae Park had to be rescheduled because of the weather.
(All throw ups were at 2.30pm unless the match reports states differently)
WCA Round Up The spotlight fell on the Women’s Camanachd Association top flight this weekend.
Mowi National Division Aberdour 0 Badenoch 1 Badenoch made it two wins out of two with a narrow 1-0 win over Aberdour at Silversands. Rhona McIntyre got the only goal of the game.
Glenurquhart 0 Skye Camanachd 13 The Skye Camanachd Ladies recorded their first win of the season, defeating newly promoted Glenurquhart 13-0 in their Mowi National Division match at Blairbeg. Lorna MacRae and Sarah Corrigall grabbed four goals each whilst Jenna Beaton and Abby MacLean bagged doubles. Ilana Paterson got the other. |