The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 26 August 2017 | |
27 August 2017 Newtonmore will play Lovat in the 2017 Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final, Kyles Athletic returned to the top of the Marine Harvest Premiership and Lochside Rovers increased their lead at the top of Marine Harvest South Division 1 following the shinty action on Saturday 26 August 2017.
Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup - Semi Final Skye Camanachd 1 Newtonmore 4 Newtonmore will play Lovat in the 2017 Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final after they beat Skye Camanachd 4-1 in their semi-final tie at The Bught Park, Inverness. This 4pm throw up was broadcast live on BBC Alba and a good crown gathered in the Highland Capital for the game. Skye went into the tie on top the Marine Harvest National Division and, whilst a return to shinty’s top flight has been their priority this season, the squad were well aware that they were just 90 minutes away from a place at shinty’s biggest day of the year. Skye’s last Camanachd Cup semi-final was in 2014 when they lost out to Glenurquhart. Skye manager Willie Cowie missed the previous weekend’s league win over Fort William as he was abroad at a family wedding but he was back in the dug-out for this one as was forward Will Cowie who started on the bench. Marine Harvest Premiership side Newtonmore are Camanachd Cup holders having beaten Oban Camanachd in last year’s final. Manager Paul John MacKintosh has been without the injured Drew MacDonald and Chris Sellar in recent weeks. Rory Kennedy’s ankle ligament injury also kept him on the sidelines whilst a one-match ban for passing through the disciplinary points threshold deprived Evan Menzies of a place in the side. Neil Stewart was given a start in attack after he made his return for the reserves the previous week following a serious knee injury. David Fraser was selected at wing centre in preference to Iain Richardson who dropped onto the bench. The players and officials were piped into the field before they were introduced to George Fraser from sponsors Tulloch Homes; himself no stranger to the Camanachd Cup during his playing days with Newtonmore. Despite heavy rain overnight, the pitch was in good condition and Newtonmore won the toss; opting to play with a slight wind in their favour. Skye made a bright start and they forced an early free-hit following a Stewart Grant shy on the left, but the Newtonmore defence, with something to prove after losing seven goals in their Artemis Macaulay Cup Final defeat to Kyles Athletic a week earlier, cleared their lines. Newtonmore had a let-off when on 7 minutes when good play down the Skye left saw Iain Nicolson play in Iain MacLellan who beat Steven MacDonald before setting up a chance for James Pringle but he steered the ball just the wrong side of the post. Newtonmore made their first attack count a minute later. David MacLean sent a free-hit from the right of midfield to the far side where Glen MacKintosh made enough space to turn and rifle a shot across the keeper and into the net to make it 1-0. The goal was against the run of play and a lesson in clinical finishing from the Scotland international. Newtonmore came more into the game but it took a late Craig Ritchie intervention to stop Iain MacLellan getting a shot on goal on 17 minutes and Skye had to settle for a corner. The Newtonmore defence had to work hard to survive a scramble around the D on 26 minutes; blocking shots and protecting keeper Norman Campbell as Skye looked to draw level. Skye keeper Iain MacLeod did well on 29 minutes when a cross was deflected on target off a Skye defender following some skilful play from Glen MacKintosh on the Newtonmore left. Skye made the first change of the match on 31 minutes as Will Cowie took over in attack from Iain MacLellan. James Pringle went to full forward with Cowie at wing forward. Glen MacKintosh was the main focus of the Newtonmore attack and he almost bustled his way through the middle of the Skye defence on 35 minutes but Neil MacVicar got the ball away with keeper Iain MacLeod tripped by the Newtonmore marksman as he went send the ball up-field. Moments later, Iain MacLeod was quickly off his line to get the ball away for a corner with Fraser MacKintosh looking to capitalise on any slip. Skye, roared on by an enthusiastic travelling support, continued to press without working Norman Campbell and Will Cowie shot wide of the keeper’s left post following a Jordan Murchison free-hit with just a couple of first half minutes remaining. Glen MacKintosh was yellow carded for bad language by referee Innes Wood in the final minute of the first half. Iain Nicolson drove wide after being played in by Jordan Murchison with what was the last chance of the opening 45 minutes. If Skye started the first half well then they made an explosive opening to the second period and they were level just 27 seconds after the restart. Skye attacked from the throw-up and when Newtonmore failed to clear their lines, Jordan Murchison found James Pringle around 22 yards from goal. Pringle took the ball down and his firm shot from a central position went low into the corner of the net, bating the keeper on his right side to make it 1-1. Kenny Campbell sent Skye forward from the restart and James Pringle slipped the ball to Jordan Murchison on the Skye left. Referee Innes Wood played advantage as Murchison was impeded as he cut in but he was unable to get a shot on goal. Danny Morrison then won possession and set a shot wide of the keeper’s left post as Skye continued to pin Newtonmore back. ‘More made their first change on 49 minutes when defender Craig Ritchie was withdrawn. Michael Russell dropped back to wing centre with Iain Richardson coming off the bench to slot into the midfield. Glen MacKintosh gathered a Fraser MacKintosh pass but his strike for goal was deflected for a corner. Iain MacLeod then got his feet behind a David Fraser shot from the left as ‘More looked to get themselves back in front. Norman Campbell made a good save with his feet to deny James Pringle before batting the dropping ball away for a corner. Jordan Murchison won the ball from Michael Russell wide on the Skye right and he floated a speculative effort on goal which had Campbell back-peddling but the ball fell just wide of target. Newtonmore made a second change as Paul MacArthur came on in a straight swap for wing centre David MacLean. Iain MacLeod saved low from Fraser MacKintosh with close to an hour played. Skye almost created another chance when James Pringle scooped the ball into the danger-area and Andy MacKintosh blocked Jordan Murchison’s run, earning Skye a free-hit. James Pringle found Will Cowie from the set-piece but his effort bounced wide of Norman Campbell’s left post. Will Cowie needed treatment after taking a blow to the hand in a challenge with Michael Russell but he was able to continue after treatment. Michael Russell threw his body in the way to stop what looked like net-bound Will Cowie shot from the edge of the D after James Pringle and Jordan Murchison combined to set up the chance. With 20 minutes remaining, Skye looked the better side. However, as play switched to the other end, the Glen MacKintosh effect swung the tie in Newtonmore’s favour. Paul MacArthur’s high ball from the right dropped for Glen MacKintosh on the left and his fierce drive gave the keeper no chance at the holders led 2-1 with 70 minutes played. Jamie Robinson took over from Fraser MacKintosh just before the restart. Craig Ritchie came back on for ‘More; this time in attack, with Neil Stewart withdrawn whilst Jordan Murchison’s hamstring went after making a run into the D so Iain MacLellan returned to the Skye attack. Iain MacLeod used his feet to turn a Paul MacArthur strike away for a corner on 77 minutes. It was an energy-sapping contest and Skye’s Gibbs MacDonald replaced Stewart Grant, who seemed to be suffering from cramp, whilst Newtonmore’s David MacLean returned in favour of Iain Robinson as both teams freshened up. Newtonmore forced a couple of corners and Craig Ritchie played a one-two with Jamie Robinson before finishing well and Newtonmore led 3-1 with 10 minutes remaining. The game was now out of Skye’s reach and a turn and shot from Jamie Robinson made it 4-1 on 84 minutes Skye’s Allan MacLeod replaced for Ally “Cleodi” MacLeod for the closing stages. The final scoreline was harsh on Skye who will rue some missed chances. John Gillies and James Pringle were particularly good in what was a fine team performance. The Islanders now know that a point at home to Caberfeidh in their next match will clinch the Marine Harvest National Division title and a return to shinty’s top flight where the team Michael Russell had a good game for Newtonmore and Glen MacKintosh, who scored three times last week but still ended up on the losing side, made the difference and his two goals earned him the man of the match accolade, selected by BBC Alba pundit Garry Reid. The 2017 Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final between Newtonmore and Lovat takes place at The Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday 30 September 2017.
Marine Harvest Premiership Kingussie 3 Kyles Athletic 6 Kyles Athletic returned to the top of the Marine Harvest Premiership but they had to come from two goals down before eventually defeating Kingussie 6-3 at The Dell. This was Kingussie’s first match for three weeks and defender Robert Mabon missed out through suspension whilst Savio Genini and Lee Bain were working Kyles Athletic full back Callum Miller remained out with a broken foot whilst Donald Irvine was also missing. Kingussie’s Chris Holleysong missed from the penalty spot after 10 minutes but the hosts built a 2-0 lead courtesy of two well-taken Ryan Borthwick goals on 20 and 40 minutes. However, perhaps crucially, Dunkie Kerr, who had come off the bench to replace Scott MacDonald, pulled a goal back a minute later and Sandy MacKenzie scored on the stroke of halftime to make it 2-2 at the break. Kyles Athletic talisman Roddy MacDonald started at wing back but he later moved to full back where he stayed for the remainder of the game. The Tighnabruaich men were excellent during the second 45 minutes and Grant Irvine put them ahead for the first time in the match on the hour mark and Sandy MacKenzie got his second just 4 minutes later. Colin MacDonald made it 5-2 on 71 minutes and Grant Irvine got his second with 9 minutes remaining. Rory MacGregor pulled a goal back to make it 6-3 on 86 minutes but the points went south. Grant Irvine was Kyles’ star man and Innes MacDonald made his return from injury with 20 minutes remaining. James Perlich’s side now lead Kinlochshiel on goal difference at the top of the table with both sides having four games to go. Next up for Kyles is a trip to Balgate to play Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup finalists Lovat.
Oban Camanachd 4 Kilmallie 1 Oban Camanachd increased Kilmallie’s relegation fears, winning 4-1 at Mossfield. Oban Camanachd’s Garry Lord was banned whilst Matt Rippon and Scott MacKillop remained on the injury list. However Aidan MacIntyre returned to the side. Stephen McAllister was still missing for Kilmallie although he did make his return from injury with the Kilmallie seconds. Oban Camanachd took the lead within seconds of the throw up. Lorne Dickie won the centre and found Andrew MacCuish on the left. MacCuish’s cross was met by Daniel Cameron who hit the ball on the run into the bottom corner of the net from 18 yards out. Andrew MacCuish made it 2-0 on 20 minutes when he moved onto a Malcolm Clark pass and he sent the ball into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the D. Andrew MacCuish got his second and Oban Camanachd’s third goal on 35 minutes. Aidan MacIntyre shyed down an Oban Camanachd free-hit into MacCuish’s path and he again sent the ball low into the corner of the net. Oban Camanachd also had two goals disallowed during the first period. Evan MacLellan netted but was adjudged to have kicked the ball whilst Daniel Cameron had an effort ruled out for offside. Oban Camanachd had scored within seconds in the first half and Kilmallie did like-wise immediately after referee Lachie Wood got the second half under-way with a carbon-copy goal which was finished off by Martin Stewart. Kilmallie were awarded a penalty around the hour mark but Michael Rodger’s spot-hit was saved with his feet by Gavin Stobbart. Oban Camanachd’s Daniel MacVicar made his return from injury midway through the second half. Oban Camanachd introduced Lewis Buchanan for the final 15 minutes and he had an early shot well saved by Kilmallie keeper Shane Gillies. However Lewis Buchanan went on to make it 4-1 after 78 minutes. Andrew MacCuish found Buchanan in space 12 yards from goal and the youngster crashed the ball high into the net. Oban Camanachd also had a goal ruled out in the second half with Andrew MacCuish having his effort chalked off for offside. Oban Camanachd finished strongly but Shane Gillies made some great saves so it remained 4-1. Oban Camanachd keeper Gavin Stobbart picked up a yellow card meaning he will miss the team’s next outing when Kingussie visit Mossfield in league action on Saturday 9 September 2017.
Lochaber 2 Lovat 5 Lochaber let a two-goal advantage slip, losing 5-2 to Lovat at Spean Bridge. Lochaber boss Ally Ferguson was without Shaun Nicolson who got married the previous day whilst Martin Johnstone and Donald MacRae were also absent. Neil MacDonald started at full forward with Zandz Ferguson also in attack. Lovat manager Fraser Gallacher was still without Lorne MacKay, who served the second match of a two-game ban, and the injured Scott MacKenzie. Marc MacLachlan made his second start in attack. The recent heavy rain left the pitch very wet but playable. Lovat made a nervous start to the match and Stuart Matheson, who had only come off the bench a few minutes earlier in place of Stuart Callison, gave the home side a 24 minute lead. Matheson took a deft touch to take the ball by his marker and he turned and leathered the ball over keeper Stuart MacDonald’s shoulder and into the net. Stuart Matheson got his and Lochaber’s second on 32 minutes. The players battled for possession between the penalty spot and the D and when a bouncing ball broke to Matheson, he sent a low, powerful shot past an unsighted Stuart MacDonald to make it 2-0. Lochaber could have added to their tally and the first half belonged to them. However Greg Matheson threw Lovat a lifeline when he halved the deficit on 37 minutes. Matheson ran onto a Marc MacLachlan knock-down and he beat keeper Callum MacDonald to make it 2-1 at the break. This was a classic game of two halves as Lovat would go on to have the better of the second period. Marc MacLachlan drew the visitors level when he netted after 48 minutes. MacLachlan showed just what he can offer this Lovat side when a great touch took him past Brennan MacDonald and he ran in on goal. Keeper MacDonald came off his line but, with a flick of the wrist, MacLachlan guided the ball into the net to make it 2-2. Marc MacLachlan then turned the game on its head, putting Lovat ahead for the first time on 53 minutes. The goal came from a corner and when the ball fell for MacLachlan at a slight angle, he turned and rattled the ball high into the net to make it 3-2. Lochaber took Neil MacDonald back into defence as they looked to stem the tide. Lovat withdrew Marc MacLachlan for a period but he was back on the field when the visitors scored twice more late in the game. Ryan Ferguson did the hard work to set up Lovat’s fourth. Ferguson showed great persistence as he battled forward from his midfield berth and, as he reached the goal area, he teed the ball up for Lewis Tawse who took the opportunity to make it 4-2 with only 4 minutes remaining. Greg Matheson made it 5-2 on 88 minutes when his blistering shot gave the keeper no chance. Lovat’s priorities for the remainder of the season are clear as a place in the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final against Newtonmore looms large on the horizon. Everything before then will be geared towards that game and they will be tested when Kyles Athletic visit Balgate a week on Saturday.
Marine Harvest National Division Fort William 3 Caberfeidh 2 Fort William kept their promotion hopes alive, dealing Caberfeidh’s title chances a blow into the bargain, as they ran out 3-2 winners at An Aird. Fort William’s Lewis Clark and Caberfeidh’s Martin MacDonald were both suspended. James Tangney was free to play for the Fort but he will miss his team’s next outing, away to Inverness a week on Saturday, as his booking against Skye took him through the disciplinary points threshold. Craig Morrison gave Caberfeidh an 8 minute lead but Sean Cameron on 20 minutes and Graham Campbell on 30 minutes gave Fort William a 2-1 half time lead. Sean Cameron got his second on 55 minutes and although Jamie Matheson made it 3-2 on 65 minutes, Fort William took the points.
Beauly 3 Inveraray 2 Inveraray’s promotion hopes are hanging by a thread after they lost 3-2 to Beauly at Braeview Park. Daniel Lamont put Beauly ahead on 22 minutes and Sean Stewart made it 2-0 on 36 minutes. Inveraray came storming back though and Fraser Watt netted twice – on the stroke of half time and again on 48 minutes – to make it 2-2. Jack MacDonald grabbed what proved to be the winner when he made it 3-2 on 53 minutes. Beauly, who celebrated their 125th anniversary after the match, go fourth in the division and Inveraray drop to fifth with their promotion chances now looking remote.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Newtonmore 6 Fort William 0 The Newtonmore seconds go a point clear at the top of the table after they beat the Fort William seconds 6-0 at The Eilan. Newtonmore’s Cameron McNiven was free of suspension. Fort William defender Cameron Grant started a two game ban whilst David Wright was also suspended. All the goals in this encounter came in the final half hour. Cameron McNiven broke the deadlock on 63 minutes and David Cheyne added a second just 5 minutes later. Cameron McNiven got his second with 15 minutes remaining whilst Sorley Thompson added a fourth just 5 minutes later. A second from David Cheyne on 84 minutes and a second from Sorley Thompson a minute later rounded off the 6-0 win. The Newtonmore seconds lead Aberdeen University by a point with both teams having three matches remaining, including a meeting at The Eilan.
Kingussie 1 Kinlochshiel 3 The Kingussie colts, third in the division, lost 3-1 to sixth placed Kinlochshiel colts at The Dell. Kingussie were without Ruaridh Anderson, Roddy Young, Alexander Michie and Kieran MacPherson who were all with the first team. Keeper Robert Shiells was also missing so 12 year old George Ramsay started between the sticks. Kinlochshiel fielded Alasdair Nixon at wing back and Scott MacLean at buckshee forward. Scott MacLean, who played really well throughout, and Duncan Matheson gave ‘Shiel a 2-0 interval lead. Graham Kennedy added a third after the break. Kingussie’s Owen Reid pulled a goal back but Kinlochshiel took the points.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Lochside Rovers 4 Tayforth 2 Lochside Rovers twice came from behind to stretch their advantage at the top of Marine Harvest South Division 1 to three points after beating Tayforth 4-2 at Ganavan. Throw up was brought forward to noon. Lochside’s Daniel Sloss served a one match ban for passing through the disciplinary points threshold. Magnus Bjorland gave Tayforth the lead after 17 minutes when he took advantage of some slack defending, being first onto a rebound off the keeper following a long ball in on goal. Lewis Buchanan equalised on 32 minutes when he got onto a cross from the corner to score from the edge of the box. Buchanan sent the ball into the bottom corner of the net at the second attempt. However Tayforth regained the lead when Magnus Bjorland got his second on 33 minutes, disposing keeper Cameron Sutherland as he tried to clear his lines and the visitors led 2-1 at the break. Lochside Rovers turned in a much improved performance in the second half and Lennon Campbell, who had just come as a substitute, drew the hosts level for the second time on 59 minutes with his first touch; firing the ball home from the penalty spot. Lennon’s initial shot may have been going wide but ended up in the net off Tayforth keeper Steven Thomson’s outstretched caman. Lochside withdrew both Lewis Buchanan and Craig Easton for the final half hour as both were required as first team substitutes for the match against Kilmallie. Michael MacQueen put Lochside ahead for the first time in the game when he drove the ball low into the net from the penalty spot with 20 minutes remaining. Lennon Campbell got his second on 77 minutes after he made enough space outside the D to send a low drive into the net to make it 4-2. Steven Thomson in the Tayforth goal made some great saves during the second half to prevent Lochside increasing their lead. Lochside substitute Scott Robertson did well when he came on with some good hitting from the wing. Three wins from their final five matches will guarantee Lochside Rovers the title.
Kilmory 6 Kyles Athletic 1 The meeting between the Kyles Athletic second team and Kilmory was reversed to MacRae Park on Friday afternoon as the Playing Field at Tighnabruaich was unplayable. Kilmory took full advantage of the venue switch and they go fourth in the table following a 6-1 win. Kyles were without Connor Giudici who started a two game suspension. Kilmory got off to a great start with Alistair MacArthur on target in the opening minute. Hal Jones made it 2-0 on 15 minutes and Duncan MacBrayne added a third 5 minutes later. Andy Cunningham on 22 minutes and Alex Cunningham on 28 minutes made it 5-0. Hal Jones got his second on 29 minutes to make it 6-0 and things looked bleak for Kyles. Youngster Jack Whyte pulled a goal back on 33 minutes to make it 6-1 and, surprisingly, there was no further scoring.
Bute P Aberdour P An unplayable pitch put paid to the match between third placed Bute and second placed Aberdour at The Meadows.
Glenorchy P Ballachulish P The clash between Glenorchy and Ballachulish was postponed as The Mart Park was unplayable.
Taynuilt P Col Glen P The clash between Taynuilt and Col Glen was called off on Friday afternoon as The Taynuilt Sports Field was ruled unplayable.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Kilmallie 5 Lochaber 2 The hosts came out on top, winning 5-2 in the reserve team derby between the Kilmallie and Lochaber second teams at The Canal Parks. Lochaber’s Andrew MacDonald began a two game ban. Aaron Sandison on 32 minutes and Dean Williamson on 39 and 45 minutes counted for Kilmallie in the first half. Cameron Ross on 49 minutes and a second from Aaron Sandison with 6 minutes remaining took Kilmallie’s tally to five goals. Lochaber remain six points with a game in hand behind leaders Glengarry who are homing in on the title.
Strathspey Camanachd 1 Lovat 0 The Lovat colts went into their 1.30pm throw up against Strathspey Camanachd at Grantown Grammar School on a good run of form; having won their last five consecutive league matches. However an early Struan Ross goal gave Strathspey a 1-0 victory in this one. Lovat’s James Fraser was free of a two game ban. The only goal of the game came from a set-piece after 5 minutes. Lovat’s Rory Campbell was penalised for hacking in the middle of the park. The free-hit was played into the Lovat goal area and where the ball was worked to Struan Ross and he drilled a shot into the bottom right-hand corner of the net. Lovat’s Cameron MacMillan has had a good 2017 but his season is over after suffering a broken arm following an unintentional knock.
Caberfeidh P Boleskine P The meeting between the Caberfeidh second team and Boleskine at Castle Leod will be rescheduled.
Lochcarron P Strathglass P The encounter between Lochcarron and Strathglass seconds was postponed on Friday evening as Battery Park was unplayable.
Lewis Camanachd W/O v Inverness Lewis Camanachd were awarded the points when the Inverness reserves were unable to raise a team for their meeting at Shawbost.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Inveraray P Glasgow Mid Argyll P The Inveraray second team put the champagne on ice as they missed out on the chance to clinch the Marine Harvest South Division 2 title when their match against the Glasgow Mid Argyll second team was postponed on Saturday morning as The Winterton was unplayable.
Strachur P Oban Lorn P The game between Strachur and Oban Lorn was postponed as Strachurmore was deemed unplayable.
Bute P Dunoon Camanachd P The match between the Bute seconds and Dunoon Camanachd was postponed on Thursday when it became clear that The Meadows could not take two matches.
(All throw ups were at 2pm unless the match reports states differently)
WCA Round Up There were some important Womens Camanachd Association fixtures over the course of the weekend.
Marine Harvest National Division 1 Badenoch & Strathspey 1 Skye Camanachd 3 Title challengers Badenoch & Strathspey and Skye Camanachd met in a top of the table clash at The Dell. Badenoch & Strathspey came out on top when the sides met earlier in the season at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree but Skye got revenge with a 3-1 win in this one. Zoe Reid scored for the home side but goals from Jenna Beaton, Caitlin MacLean and Sarah Corrigall gave Skye victory.
Fort William A Lochaber A The derby meeting between title challengers Lochaber and Fort William at An Aird was a 7pm start on Friday 25 August 2017. However with worsening weather conditions, the match was abandoned at half time by referee Ronnie Campbell as the heavy rain made play dangerous for both sets of players. Lochaber led 3-0 at the time with Amy Disher, Natalie MacDonald and Claire Delaney all scoring. The game will be rescheduled for a later date.
Glasgow Mid Argyll W/O v Lovat Glasgow Mid Argyll gained a walk-over when Lovat were unable to raise a team for their meeting at Yoker.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Glasgow Mid Argyll W/O v Dunadd Dunadd were unable to raise a team for their match against the Glasgow Mid Argyll second team at Yoker so the hosts were awarded the points.
Lorn Ladies P Oban Lorn P The game between Lorn Ladies and Oban Lorn will be rescheduled as at Ganavan was unplayable.
Development League – West Skye Camanachd Ladies hosted the Development League – West fixtures at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree on Saturday 26 August 2017. Action started at 1pm with Ardnamurchan joining the hosts. Skye were 1-0 victors in one match with the other ending goalless. |