The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 30 September 2017 | |
01 October 2017 Newtonmore lifted shinty’s most coveted prize, the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup, for the 32nd time and Lochside Rovers secured another point in their bid to clinch the Marine Harvest South Division 1 title following the shinty action on Saturday 30 September 2017.
Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final Lovat 2 Newtonmore 3 Newtonmore put pre-match selection difficulties behind them to take the honours in the 110th Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final, beating Lovat 3-2 at The Bught Park, Inverness. Lovat’s run to this year’s final began with a 3-0 replay win over local rivals Glenurquhart at Balgate after the sides had drawn 1-1 at Blairbeg. Kilmallie were defeated 3-1 at The Canal Parks in the last-eight of the competition with Oban Camanachd edged out 2-1 in the semi-finals at An Aird. Newtonmore opened with a 3-1 win over Fort William at An Aird. Kyles Athletic were beaten 4-1 at The Eilan in the quarter-finals whilst ‘More beat Skye by the same score in the last four of the competition at The Bught. Both teams are level on 21 points after 16 games in the Marine Harvest Premiership. Newtonmore were early season winners when the sides met in the league at The Eilan whilst Lovat won the corresponding fixture at Balgate. Their most recent meeting came in July in an Artemis MacAulay Cup semi-final tie at Braeview Park and it took an extra-time period before Newtonmore prevailed 3-0. So a close final was expected. Lovat were arguably the form team going into the shinty’s blue riband event, winning their last six matches whilst Newtonmore’s form was mixed with six victories, two draws and two defeats in their last ten outings. This was the first time these teams have met in the Camanachd Cup Final but the sides were the competition’s two most recent winners. Lovat have only ever tasted success twice in shinty’s most famous tournament whilst Newtonmore had won the Camanachd Cup on a record-busting 31 occasions. Lovat manager Fraser Gallacher opted to leave Marc MacLachlan, who scored the winning goal in the 2-1 semi-final victory over Oban Camanachd, on the substitutes’ bench. Scott MacKenzie was also listed as a substitute although he has missed recent matches with a broken arm. Most of the pre-match interest surrounded how Newtonmore manager Paul John MacKintosh would set up his five defensive players. Captain Rory Kennedy hadn’t played since suffering ankle ligament damage in a league match against Glasgow Mid Argyll seven weeks earlier but a period of intensive physiotherapy paid off and he made an unlikely return In the ‘More defence and he was allocated a man-marking role on Lovat skipper Greg Matheson. Scottish international Steven MacDonald was suspended whilst Andy MacKintosh was prepared to interrupt a holiday abroad to play before being ruled out through injury. Newtonmore keeper Norman Campbell was given a run out in his former position of full back in the previous week’s league win over Kilmallie whilst Paul MacArthur started that match as a make-shift keeper. Both players stayed in these same positions for this most important of meetings. Michael Russell dropped back into the defence whilst David MacLean and Craig Ritchie flanked Jamie Robinson in midfield and Neil Stewart and Drew MacDonald were given starts in attack in preference to Fraser MacKintosh and Iain Robinson. The players were led onto the field in front of a huge crowd by the Lochalsh Pipe Band and both squads and the match officials were introduced to eight-time Camanachd Cup winner George Fraser from sponsors Tulloch Homes, Scottish Government Minister for Public Health & Sport, Aileen Campbell and Camanachd Association President, Jim Barr ahead of throw up. There was a minute’s silence ahead of throw up to mark the passing of Catriona Ralph, wife of Sandy Ralph who was a member of the1967 Newtonmore Camanachd Cup winning team. Newtonmore won the toss and opted to open with the wind in their favour. There was something about Newtonmore’s start to the game, from Glen MacKintosh shooting wide within seconds of the throw up to the revamped defence winning their early challenges, that made you sense they had taken the field with a very real point to prove. There was early action for Newtonmore stand-in keeper Paul MacArthur as he came off his line to clear a long Greg Matheson ball with Lewis Tawse looking to capitalise on any slip-up. As play switched back to the other end, Stuart MacDonald just about dealt with a long ball into the D with Glen MacKintosh in close attendance. Paul MacArthur comfortably saved with his feet from Lewis Tawse with Norman Campbell clearing before Evan Menzies played a one-two with Glen MacKintosh but Martin Mainland made a crucial flying tackle to clear the danger. Play continued to switch from end-to-en and David MacLean and Danny Kelly both sent shots wide of target as the contest reached the 10 minute mark. When Glen MacKintosh wriggled free of Drew Howie’s attentions on the ‘More right on 15 minutes, Lovat goalie Stuart MacDonald evoked memories of his 2015 Camanachd Cup Final man of the match performance when he dived to his right to make a brilliant save, turning the ball away with his caman high to his right at the expense of a corner. Just a minute later, Neil Stewart, a surprise choice in attack, repaid his manager’s faith by running across the goal towards a low Glen MacKintosh cross from the right. Stewart took a touch on the run before beating keeper MacDonald to his left with a fierce shot which only rose a foot off the ground to make it 1-0 with 16 minutes played. It was an excellent goal and just reward for a player who has come back from two serious knee injuries in recent seasons. Michael Russell deserves mention for a terrific reverse pass from midfield which allowed Glen MacKintosh to stretch the Lovat defence before picking out scorer Stewart. Newtonmore doubled their lead a just a couple minutes later, Jamie Robinson pushed forward from midfield to collect a low Evan Menzies ball from the right. Robinson was initially clicked by Craig Mainland but was given a second shooting chance and this time he fired low into the net with the keeper getting his right foot to the ball. The Newtonmore supporters were in raptures and another attack ended when Glen MacKintosh’s shot from the left flashed across goal. Lovat were on the ropes but they spurned a great chance to reduce the deficit on 22 minutes. Danny Kelly found Lewis Tawse in space but Paul MacArthur saved from Tawse with his legs before clearing the danger ahead of the on-rushing Kelly. Newtonmore returned on the offensive and David MacLean had a goal disallowed on 23 minutes. Referee Lachie Wood had blown his whistle in the lead up to MacLean’s strike from the right of the D with Glen MacKintosh more than unfortunate to be penalised as he fought for possession with Drew Howie and Callum Cruden. However Drew MacDonald did foul Daniel Grieve ahead of the tussle so justice was probably done in the end. There was a moment of controversy when Martin Mainland wiped out Evan Menzies who was boring down on goal, wide-right of the D. Mainland escaped a booking and Lovat defended the free-hit well but, with the ball deflected away, the game threatened to boil over as Callum Cruden and Glen MacKintosh clashed by the corner flag on the ‘More right and the Lovat man earned the game’s first yellow card. Cruden then needed treatment after being caught across the legs by Evan Menzies following the resultant free-hit. Lovat were struggling to clear their lines and Newtonmore looked the more dangerous and Glen MacKintosh hit the side-netting on 39 minutes following a David MacLean corner on the right. With their full centre Jamie Robinson dominating a hard-fought first 45 minutes, Newtonmore took their two-goal advantage into the half-time interval. Lovat now had the wind and indeed the sun at their backs but it was ‘More who went close within a minute of the restart as Evan Menzies took a Neil Stewart ball down and shot narrowly past. Neil Stewart then sent a low shot from distance narrowly by the right post. Lovat made the first change of the final 5 minutes after the restart as Marc MacLachlan replaced Calum MacAulay. A dropping Greg Matheson volley was confidently cleared first-time by Paul MacArthur who now looked to be enjoying himself in goal. Ackie MacRae had to show a good turn of pace to clear a delightful Marc MacLachlan flick forward away to safety. A nice pass from Ryan Ferguson found Lorne MacKay on the Lovat left but his effort went wide of the keeper’s right post. Newtonmore threatened from a couple of set-pieces without being able to get a shot on target. Newtonmore’s first change came on the hour mark as Craig Ritchie was withdrawn. Drew MacDonald came back to wing centre with Iain Robinson coming off the bench to join the attack. Paul MacArthur palmed a bouncing Greg Matheson ball into the D away for a corner after the Lovat captain had exchanged passes with Marc MacLachlan. Lovat needed to score next and they got themselves back into the game on 64 minutes. Daniel Grieve won possession and found Craig Mainland who, from wide on the right, sent the ball dropping over the Newtonmore defence who were drawn to the ball. Marc MacLachlan ghosted in behind the cluster of players, anticipating that the ball would be missed, and he steered the ball low past the keeper from inside the D to make it 2-1. It was 2-2 just a couple minutes later as Lorne MacKay took a Ryan Ferguson pass and lofted a ball from distance on goal and keeper MacArthur, with the sun in his eyes, lost the flight of the ball and it ended up in the net. Michael Russell was booked for a reckless swing on Lorne MacKay immediately following the restart. Evan Menzies sent a shot from the right across the face of the goal with 20 minutes remaining. At the other end, Paul MacArthur used his chest to block a Greg Matheson shot and it was now anyone’s game. Newtonmore, for all their injuries, had a strong bench and Fraser MacKintosh took over from goalscorer Neil Stewart on 73 minutes and the change almost paid immediate dividends as MacKintosh bustled through the Lovat defence but he shot wide. Newtonmore may have missed out on an eighth successive league title, but having only won the Camanachd Cup three times since 1986, they knew victory in this final would make 2017 one of their most successful seasons in recent times. The game’s defining moment came with 14 minutes remaining. Glen MacKintosh controlled a pass forward from David MacLean before picking out Evan Menzies, who had lost his marker, and Menzies struck the ball low into the net from just inside the penalty spot to put his side back in front. Iain Robinson’s low shot was saved by Stuart MacDonald and the pendulum had swung Newtonmore’s way once more. Drew MacDonald ran at the Lovat defence but the Balgate men scrambled the ball away for a corner with ‘More claiming a penalty for a “kick” by Martin Mainland but the officials ruled that the “kick” wasn’t intentional. Newtonmore went for the kill and David MacLean, who impressed throughout, was just inches away with spectacular effort on his back-hand with 10 minutes to go. Lovat’s Calum MacAulay came back on with Lewis Tawse replaced. Stuart MacDonald did well to tip away an Iain Robinson effort and Drew Howie blocked from Glen MacKintosh on the rebound. Evan Menzies was booked on 82 minutes for a swing at Callum Cruden after the ‘More man had initially been fouled. Glen MacKintosh forced another Stuart MacDonald save with ‘More having to settle for a corner. Newtonmore were now pinning Lovat back and with the final moving into the final 5 minutes. Conor Jones took over from Evan Menzies with just under 4 minutes remaining but his appearance was short-lived. The game finally boiled over when Callum Cruden and Conor Jones tangled on 89 minutes. Cruden’s caman caught Jones on the forehead and the Newtonmore substitute reacted angrily. Both players were sent off by referee Wood. Jamie Robinson was booked for a late lunge on Daniel Grieve with the final now in stoppage time. And after just over 3 added minutes, referee Lachie Wood gave a shrill of the whistle for the last time in the final and the Newtonmore celebrations began. Lovat didn’t do themselves justice on the day whilst Newtonmore didn’t have a failure. For Norman Campbell to play most of a season in goal and then turn in such an accomplished performance at full back just adds another chapter to his volume in Newtonmore folk-lore Also included amongst the Newtonmore heroes was Paul MacArthur who showed great courage to step in between the sticks on such a big occasion. Michael Russell rarely lost a challenge, Jamie Robinson had a terrific game, especially in the first half, whilst Rory Kennedy did great marking job on Greg Matheson. Match-winner Evan Menzies and his strike partner Glen MacKintosh were also excellent but the Albert Smith Memorial Medal for man of the match went to ‘More’s Drew MacDonald who starred first in attack and then midfield. Zoe Smith, an accomplished player for Fort William, took over the presentation duties from her grandmother Rene Smith and she made an excellent job of handing over the coveted award. A manager’s role can go unnoticed but Paul John MacKintosh made best use of his resources and called the big decisions correctly. Newtonmore will celebrate this success in the traditional manner and they are due at Spean Bridge this Saturday to play relegation-threatened Lochaber.
Marine Harvest Premiership Kilmallie P Oban Camanachd P The only scheduled Marine Harvest Premiership fixture of the day was the noon meeting between Kilmallie and Oban Camanachd at The Canal Parks. However the game was postponed because of an unplayable pitch. Next up for Kilmallie is a home meeting with beaten Marine Harvest Camanachd Cup finalists Lovat this coming Saturday. Throw up is at 3pm. Oban Camanachd play title-hopefuls Kinlochshiel at Mossfield this coming Saturday. Oban Camanachd Iain Hay is on holiday so Fraser Inglis and Chris Eccleston will look after the side. Kinlochshiel need a point from the match to finish ahead of Kyles Athletic, who host Glasgow Mid Argyll in a 3pm throw up, and clinch a first-ever Marine Harvest Premiership title.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Lochside Rovers 2 Taynuilt 2 Lochside Rovers collected another point in the Marine Harvest South Division 1 title race when they drew 2-2 with Taynuilt in their noon throw up at Mossfield. Lochside were without Craig MacDougall and Lennon Campbell so Ross Campbell was given a first start and they had the chance to take the lead after just 3 minutes when referee Alex MacVicar spotted a push inside the D and awarded the hosts a penalty. The normally reliable Michael MacQueen drove the spot-hit down the middle but the ball rose over the crossbar. Lochside went close on 8 minutes when Ruaraidh Horn’s looping shot from 15 yards out came bar off the bar. Iain MacMillan was the best player on show throughout the match and he opened the scoring on 24 minutes. MacMillan ran forward, beating a couple of players along the way and his head-height shot made it 1-0. The speedy Robbie Brown equalised on 35 minutes when he collected the ball in a wide position and evaded a challenge before unleashing a rocket 40 yard shot on the angle which beat the keeper at the far post. Lochside regained the lead with just 4 first half minutes remaining. Michael MacQueen took a Ruaraidh Horn ball out of the air and he had time to hit a low, hard shot into the net to make it 2-1. Taynuilt keeper Steven Parr made a brilliant save to prevent Lewis Buchanan extending Lochside’s lead. Michael MacQueen was involved in the build-up and Parr was at his best to keep out the youngster’s volley. Lochside had enough pressure up front to see the game off but the Taynuilt defence, in which Ryan Gillies was outstanding, stood firm and the visitors got their reward with 8 minutes remaining. Steven Campbell broke forward with the ball from midfield and, with the Lochside defence backing off; Campbell played the ball to David Campbell who shot low into the net to make it 2-2. Lochside Rovers can now seal the league championship if they taking something from their match against Kilmory at MacRae Park this Saturday.
Ballachulish P Kilmory P The noon throw up between Ballachulish and Kilmory was postponed on Saturday morning as Jubilee Park was ruled unplayable.
Kyles Athletic P Glenorchy P The noon throw up between the Kyles Athletic colts and Glenorchy was postponed on Friday as Tighnabruaich was unplayable and there were no alternative venues.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Bute P Strachur P The noon meeting between the Bute second team and Strachur was reversed to Strachurmore when The Meadows failed a pitch inspection. However Strachurmore was also ruled unplayable so the fixture will be rescheduled.
WCA Round Up Skye Camanachd are in a strong position at the top of Marine Harvest National Division 1 following the Womens Camanachd Association shinty action on Sunday 1 October 2017.
Marine Harvest National Division 1 Lochaber 0 Skye Camanachd 5 Reigning champions Skye Camanachd collected what could prove to be two crucial league points when they overcame Lochaber 5-0 in their 1.30pm throw up at Spean Bridge. Doubles from Sarah Corrigall and Lorna MacRae and a Jenna Beaton goal gave Skye the win.
Glasgow Mid Argyll P Fort William P Fort William were unable to raise a team for their match against Glasgow Mid Argyll at Yoker so the game will be rescheduled for a later date.
Aberdour W/O v Lovat Aberdour were awarded the points as Lovat were unable to raise a team for their meeting at Silversands.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Glengarry 4 Strathglass 2 Glengarry defeated Strathglass 4-2 in their 3pm throw up at Craigard An Elaine Cameron brace, Leona Falconer and Joanne Gillanders gave ‘Garry the win, cancelling out a Cassie Dorins’ double for Strathglass.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Ardnamurchan W/O v Glasgow Mid Argyll The Glasgow Mid Argyll second team were unable to raise a side for their journey north to face league champions Ardnamurchan so the league champions were awarded the points.
Cowal & Bute P Dunadd P The meeting between Cowal & Bute and Dunadd was postponed because of an unplayable pitch.
Lorne Ladies P Oban Lorn P The 1.30pm throw up between Lorne Ladies and Oban Camanachd was postponed as Ganavan was unplayable.
Youth Fixtures Kenneth MacMaster Cup Final Lochaber U14 4 Kingussie U14 6 The 2017 Camanachd Cup Final was preceded by the Kenneth MacMaster Cup Final between Lochaber U14 and Kingussie U14. Kingussie went into this 11am throw up as pre-match favourites but they had to fight all the way to eventually win this contest 6-4 in a high scoring final. Kingussie enjoyed the early pressure and Ewan Baker put them ahead when he closed down a clearance to score from the right of the D. Michael Slimon made it 2-0 when he nudged a rebound off Lochaber keeper Ryan Ferguson into the net. However Lochaber captain Max Campbell pulled a goal back from the penalty spot to make it 2-1 at the break. Lochaber’s Max Campbell then broke down the right to score his second and level the match. Ally Douglas put Kingussie back in front after Lochaber goalie Ryan Ferguson had stopped a fierce Ewan Baker drive. Dillon Brockie dribbled through the heart of the Lochaber defence to score a great solo goal to make it 3-3. Lochaber took the lead for the first time in the final when Robbie Rydings netted after good play from Max Campbell. However Michael Slimon turned and notched his second from the right of the D to make it 4-4. A minute later, Iain Lynch drove the ball high into the goal area and Ewan Baker deflected it into the net to put Kingussie back in front. This time there was to be no comeback and a ball forward from Iain Lynch was controlled by Ewan Baker who scored to complete his hat-trick and make the final score 6-4. Kingussie captain Cameron Leiper was presented with the MacMaster Cup by David MacMaster. Match Referee - Steven MacLachlan
North U14 11 South U14 2 North U14 were convincing 11-2 winners over South U14 in their noon throw up at An Aird on Sunday 1 October 2017. Lochaber’s Max Campbell on 10 minutes and Beauly’s Euan Maccormick on 23 minutes had the North 2-0 ahead midway through the first half. The North went on to dominate and they won the game with something to spare to retain the Fraser MacPhee Memorial Cup which was presented to North captain Michael Slimon by Rosemary MacPhee. The North scorers were Max Campbell and Euan Maccormick and doubles from Taylor Matheson, Declan Brannan, Michael Slimon and Ross MacKinnon. Ross Campbell and Gregor MacDonald scored for the South. North U14 from: George Taylor-Ramsey (Kingussie), Freddie Fulford (Lochaber), Coaches - Iain Borthwick & Dallas Young South U14 from: Murray MacKay (Oban Camanachd), Innes Lambert (Dunoon), Sam Bulloch (Dunoon), Ryan Barclay (Oban Camanachd), Callum Macmillan (Bute), Fraser MacLean (Ballachulish), Kyle Kerr (Dunoon), Marcus Plank (Bute), Lennon MacKechnie (Oban Camanachd), Daniel MacLean (Ballachulish), Gregor MacDonald (Oban Camanachd), Ross Campbell (Oban Camanachd), Steven Dunn (Bute), Finan Kennedy (Dunoon), Lewis Moran (Ballachulish), Nelly MacNaughton (Dunoon) (captain) Coach - Alan MacKechnie
North U17 3 South U17 1 The meetings between the North and South at U17 level are usually keenly contested and this 2.30pm throw up at An Aird on Sunday 1 October 2017 was no exception. Kingussie’s Dylan Borthwick gave the North a 15 minute lead with the only goal of the first half. Skye Camanachd’s Martin Pringle made it 2-0 on 58 minutes. Fort William’s Victor Smith just 10 minutes from time but Oban Camanachd’s Lewis Buchanan pulled a goal back 3 minutes from time. North U17 from: Stuart Disher (Fort William), Alexander Michie (Kingussie), Alasdair MacRae (Fort William), Ryan Boyle (Fort William), Connor Gilpin (Skye Camanachd), Tommy Stewart (Newtonmore), Calum MacDougal (Kilmallie) (captain), Lewis Clark (Fort William), Ruaridh Anderson (Kingussie), Lachie Shaw (Fort William), Dylan Borthwick (Kingussie), Finlay Robertson (Glenurquhart), Martin Pringle (Skye Camanachd), William Mackinnon (Skye Camanachd), Victor Smith (Fort William), Roddy Young (Kingussie) Coach – David Pringle
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