The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 3 July 2021 | |
04 July 2021 Covid restrictions continued to dominate the shinty programme on Saturday 3 July 2021. Ahead of the weekend fixtures, Camanachd Association Chief Executive Officer Derek Kier said: “I’d like to thank all those involved in the restart of shinty. The continued efforts to restart our sport are evident at every level whether it is a parent managing drop off or a coach delivering sessions we appreciate it, so from all of us at the Camanachd Association a massive thank you. “We appreciate the restart of shinty has not been without its challenges and some games have succumb to local outbreaks. However, the mitigations clubs have put in place have ensured a safe return to regular competitive shinty. The Camanachd Association continues to work with Scottish Government (via sportscotland) and we met again earlier this week to ensure our guidance is up to date and in line with current Government guidelines and indeed the pathway to Level 0 and beyond. “As you will be aware, shinty and outdoor sport continue to be permitted in our current level and the next step in the Government road map out of lockdown is due to take place on Monday 19 July 2021. “One of the most exciting impacts of the return to participation was the opportunity for youths to play shinty regularly. The recent MacKay Cup Final between Newtonmore and Kingussie on Friday 18 June 2021 was the culmination of efforts from volunteers in schools and clubs across the country providing a vital opportunity to take part in our sport. More opportunities to participate and to compete regularly are going to be vital as we progress towards Level 0 and this is something we are fully focused on supporting in clubs and communities throughout the summer. “Our Development team has been liaising with Active Schools to coordinate shinty opportunities throughout the summer for children to take part in shinty camps in a variety of locations. Please contact your Regional Development Officer for more information. “Finally, good luck to all clubs with fixtures in the coming weekends. In spite of the challenges, it is so positive to have participation in shinty back in our lives. “Please continue to remain vigilant in your efforts to implement Government guidance. The Camanachd Association is working to support all clubs and communities and will be as flexible as possible as we navigate the challenges ahead to ensure regular and meaningful competition opportunities are available for all.
Artemis Macaulay Cup – First Round Lochaber v Newtonmore W/O Lochaber were unable to field a team for their tie against Newtonmore at Spean Bridge so ‘More were given a walk-over into the quarter-finals. Lochaber are the only side still to play this season, mainly because of covid issues. The only bonus for Newtonmore is that this walk-over counts as one game against Steven Macdonald’s two-match suspension.
Oban Camanachd P Bute P Oban Camanachd’s 3pm throw up against Bute at Mossfield has been rescheduled for this coming Saturday because of travel restrictions affecting the Islanders. Throw up will be at 3pm.
Oban Celtic P Ballachulish P Oban Celtic’s noon throw up with Ballachulish at Mossfield was also put back a week to this coming Saturday because of covid restrictions affecting the visitors. Throw up will be at noon.
cottages.com MacTavish Cup - First Round Fort William 6 Kilmallie 1 Fort William were always in control against neighbours Kilmallie, winning 6-1 in their 3pm throw up at An Aird. This was Kilmallie’s first match of the season and Fort William, who started with the wind at their backs, didn’t give them time to settle with Arran MacPhee giving his side the lead after just 5 minutes. The goal came following a flowing counter-attack out of defence. Victor Smith played the ball across goal from the left and although Lachie Shaw’s initial shot from wide on the right was saved with his legs by Shane Gillies, MacPhee was in the right place to turn home the rebound from close range. Alexander MacMillan added a second on 11 minutes. Victor Smith’s strong challenge held off Kilmallie defender Robbie MacFadyen and MacMillan took advantage to sweep the ball into the net from distance with his effort deceiving the keeper. Straight from the restart, won by Calum Shepherd, Lachie Shaw juggled the ball forward before shooting low to the keeper’s left and into the net. Lachie Shaw scored a wonderful goal on 33 minutes. Alexander MacMillan flicked the ball past his marker in front of the main stand before playing a long cross-field ball from the left to Lachie Shaw who crashed a magnificent volley past the keeper from the right of the D to make it 4-0. Fort William were relentless and when Alexander MacMillan and Victor Smith combined down the left, Smith played the ball across the goal to Lachie Shaw on the right and his pass inside was hit first-time into the net by Arran MacPhee and his second goal of the afternoon made it 5-0 with 36 minutes played. Kilmallie rallied though and Ryan Stewart pulled a goal on 42 minutes with a superb volley from the right following a long Ben MacKinnon hit-in on the left. The goals rush died down in the second half with Kilmallie having more pressure but the Fort defence coped well. Fort William’s Lewis Morrison was the only second half scorer with his effort coming on 70 minutes. Fort’s Calum Shepherd played forward a ball from midfield to Padraig Mcneil and he immediately swept the ball to the right to the onrushing Lewis Morrison who held off his marker before tucking the ball past the keeper to make it 6-1. Fort William will now look to follow up this performance at home to Skye Camanachd in the league this coming Saturday.
Kingussie 4 Skye Camanachd 0 Kingussie scored twice in each half to beat Skye Camanachd 4-0 in their 3pm throw up at the Dell. This was shinty’s first ticketed match of the covid period giving the supporters from both clubs the first chance to attend a match since March 2020. Skye defended well throughout the contest, with keeper Ryan Morrison making some excellent saves, and it took the Kings 31 minutes to break the deadlock with Savio Genini scoring. Thomas Borthwick made it 2-0 just 3 minutes later and it stayed that way until the break. Whilst Kingussie had most of the pressure, Skye did create chances with Ross Gordon hitting the post before he force keeper Rory MacGregor into a super save. However Kingussie finished strongly with James Falconer making it 3-0 on 80 minutes and Thomas Borthwick getting his second 5 minutes from time.
Lovat P Glenurquhart P The tie between Lovat and Glenurquhart at Balgate was postponed because of covid restrictions affecting both sides. Lovat announced on Friday that they had become aware of a covid case within their club and so had taken the decision to suspend all club activities for two weeks to help protect the club and the community. Lovat hope to resume club activities during the week commencing 19 July 2021. Glenurquhart confirmed earlier in the week that with the number of positive covid cases in the local area over the past few days reaching 27, with two club members included within that figure, they have taken the decision to suspend all participation in training and games over the next two weekends up to and including the weekend of Saturday 10 July 2021.
Mowi Senior League A There were no fixtures in this division.
Mowi Senior League B Beauly P Caberfeidh P The game between Beauly and Caberfeidh at Braeview Park was postponed because of covid restrictions.
Mowi Senior League C Inveraray 0 Oban Camanachd 4 Following the cancellation of both Oban Camanachd’s Artemis Macaulay Cup first round tie against Bute, and Inveraray’s league meeting with Glasgow Mid Argyll, both clubs agreed to a hastily rearranged fixture at the Winterton with a 1.30pm throw up. Oban Camanachd had Garry Lord back for the first time this season and he started at full centre. Keith MacMillan was a late call-off so Evan MacLellan was the only visiting substitute. Inveraray manager Ruaraidh Graham was five players short including Lewis Montgomery. Daniel Madej opened the scoring from close range on 17 minutes. Connor Howe made it 2-0 on 37 minutes when he spun his marker before beating the keeper around the penalty spot with a well struck shot. Daniel MacVicar gave his side a comfortable cushion when he added a third goal just 5 minutes into the second half and he got his second and Oban Camanachd’s fourth goal 10 minutes from time when he turned his marker 20 yards out before finishing well. Inveraray had some periods of pressure but the Oban Camanachd defence restricted their opportunities on goal with Cameron Sutherland only having a couple of saves of note to make.
Glasgow Mid Argyll P Inveraray P The 3pm throw up between Glasgow Mid Argyll and Inveraray at Peterson Park was a covid postponement at GMA’s request.
Aberdour P Kyles Athletic P Aberdour’s meeting with Kyles Athletic at Silversands was postponed because of covid related issues at the Tighnabruaich based club.
HIS Sutherland Cup – First Round Section 1 Strathspey Camanachd 1 Beauly 8 The Beauly second team cantered into the second round, beating Strathspey Camanachd 8-1 at Grantown Grammar School. Beauly started well and Sean Stewart 14 and again on 21 minutes gave his side a 2-0 win. Finlay MacLennan added a double either side of half time with his goals coming on 40 and 51 minutes. Strathspey went on to enjoy their best spell in the game with Donald Colville pulling a goal back following a good passing move on the hour. Beauly were not to be denied though and the impressive Calum MacIver added two more goals with a superb effort on 66 and another on 70 minutes to make it 6-1. Kyle MacDonald on 80 minutes and a hat-trick goal from Sean Stewart just 3 minutes later rounded off the win. Strathspey put more into the game than the score suggests with Beauly keeper Lennox Stewart making some impressive stops. The Beauly seconds travel to face forces side SCOTS Camanachd in the next round.
Caberfeidh W/O v Boleskine The Caberfeidh second team were given a walk-over into the next round as Boleskine have withdrawn from competitive shinty this season. The Cabers seconds now have home advantage against Aberdeen University.
Section 2 Lochside Rovers 5 Lochaber 1 The tie between HIS Sutherland Cup holders Lochside Rovers and the Lochaber second team was switched to Mossfield following the postponement of both Oban Celtic and Oban Camanachd’s fixtures. Lochside manager Gareth Evans fielded a forward line of Lewis Buchannan, Innes Jackson, Alexander MacDonald and David Cameron whilst the Lochaber seconds travelled with James MacRae and Calum MacDonald in defence, Neil MacDonald at centre and Donald MacRae in attack. Lewis Buchanan put the hosts in front on 11 minutes. Jamie Anderson played the ball up the line to Buchanan on the right and his 27 yard shot, from a wide angle, flew across the keeper and into the far top corner of the net giving keeper Martin Paterson no chance. Lochside spurned several opportunities to increase their lead with some formation changes in attack perhaps interrupting their rhythm. However they did add a second a couple of minutes before the break when Innes Jackson was bundled down as he broke into the D and referee Deek Cameron pointed to the spot. Lewis Buchanan sent a shoulder-high spot-hit to the keeper’s left to make it 2-0 at half-time. Lewis Buchanan completed his hat-trick a couple of minutes after the restart with a low drive from around the penalty spot. Lewis Buchanan got his and Lochside’s fourth goal a couple of minutes before the hour which was the cue for a couple of Lochside substitutions with the introduction of 14 year old Daniel Pearson and 13 year old Mathew Sloss and both did well. Ross Campbell, who had a great battle in the middle of the park with Lochaber veteran Neil MacDonald, got in on the scoring act on 61 minutes. A corner from the right came across to the Lochside left where Campbell hammered the ball home to make it 5-0. 17 year old Innes MacMillan came on for his Lochside debut with 20 minutes remaining There was some consolation for Lochaber a minute from time when Ryan Gunn pulled a goal back from the penalty spot. Home keeper Dougie MacDonald made a save but was penalised for falling on the ball as he tried to clear the danger. Gunn shot a shoulder-high penalty into the net to make the final score 5-1. Lochside Rovers’ weekend fixture against the Inveraray second team at the Winterton has been brought forward to Wednesday night.
Fort William 3 Kilmallie 1 The Fort William second team won through to the next round following a 3-1 victory over the Kilmallie second team in their noon throw up at An Aird. The Fort, with Lewis Murphy covering every blade of grass from the outset, started well against their neighbours with Alan Knox opening the scoring after just 5 minutes. Cameron Stephen made it 2-0 on 14 minutes and Rhys Kennedy continued to display his prowess in front of goal when he found the net on the half-hour mark. Shane O’Rua pulled a goal back for Kilmallie on 65 minutes but it’s the Fort who go through to the next round. The Fort William seconds are off to Oban to take on holders Lochside Rovers in the second round.
Section 3 Glenurquhart P Skye Camanachd P The tie between the Glenurquhart and Skye Camanachd second teams was postponed when the Glen announced a covid-related suspension of all activities for a two-week period up to and including the weekend commencing Saturday 10 July 2021. The winners are away to Kinlochshiel in round two.
Inverness P Strathglass P Strathglass suspended all shinty activity for a minimum of two weeks because of a covid rise in their locality. This led to the postponement of the HIS Sutherland Cup first round tie between the Inverness colts and the Strathglass colts. Strathglass will review the position on Tuesday 13 July 2021. Whoever comes out on top in this tie has home advantage against the Lovat second team in the next round.
Section 4 Glasgow Mid Argyll 2 Bute 1 The Glasgow Mid Argyll seconds edged out the Bute seconds 2-1 in their noon throw up at Peterson Park. All the goals came in the second half with Iain Luke putting GMA ahead a minute after the restart. James Dunn pulled Bute level on 69 minutes but Neil Robertson got the winner on 77 minutes to send GMA through. GMA now await the winners of the tie between the Kyles Athletic second team and Glenorchy.
Kyles Athletic P Glenorchy P The clash between the Kyles Athletic reserves and Glenorchy at the Playing Field, Tighnabruaich was called off because of covid restrictions.
Mowi North League A Lochcarron P Kinlochshiel P The west coast derby between Lochcarron and the Kinlochshiel second team at Battery Park was called off because of covid restrictions.
Mowi North League B Kingussie 4 Inverness 0 The Kingussie second team turned in another impressive performance, beating the Inverness first team 4-0 in their noon throw up at the Dell. The Kings weren’t able to break the deadlock until Taighan MacLeod scored just 5 minutes before the break. However there was still time for Martin Dallas to net on 44 minutes before the half-time whistle sounded. Michael Slimon got Kingussie’s third 4 minutes into the second half and Craig Dawson made it 4-0 on 78 minutes.
Newtonmore P Lovat P The game between the Newtonmore colts and the Lovat colts at the Eilan was called off because of covid restrictions.
Lovat P Caberfeidh P The match between the Lovat seconds and the Caberfeidh seconds at Balgate was rearranged for Tuesday 29 June 2021 with a 7pm throw up but didn’t go ahead given the covid restrictions in the area.
Mowi North League C There were no fixtures in this division.
Mowi South League A Inveraray P Taynuilt P The match between the Inveraray second team and Taynuilt 0-0 at the Winterton will be rescheduled because of covid restrictions.
Mowi South League B There were no fixtures in this division.
Mowi Central League Ardnamurchan P Kilmory P Travel restrictions prevented a young Kilmory squad from fulfilling their match against Ardnamurchan at Strontian.
(All throw ups were at 2.30pm unless the match report states differently)
WCA Take Two-Week Break The Womens Camanachd Association has suspended all WCA competitions for a two-week period. In a statement, the WCA said that following consultation with clubs and committee members, and in the interests of safety in our shinty communities, it has decided there will be a two-week break in organised WCA competition. The statement went on to say the decision came on the back of the number of positive covid cases spiking so quickly and isolation periods affecting so many. The WCA will reassess the position later and hope to restart fixtures over the weekend of Saturday 17 / Sunday 18 July 2021. |