A double from second half substitute Keith MacKenzie wins all 3 points for Skye Camanachd.
After a 4-4 draw at Invergarry earlier this season, this match was always going to be a close affair. With manager Davie MacVicar on holiday, Willie MacRae took the reigns and he was without several players including forwards Peter Gordon and Neil MacVicar, the injured Neil John Campbell whilst Danny Morrison was on first team duty.
Under 14 player Ian Grant made his first start for the second team and he, along with Martin Bruce and substitute Scott Macleod, played in the under 14 victory against Glenurquhart the night before.
Skye started well and Angie MacDonald went close on two occasions during the first 15 minutes. Skye deservedly opened the scoring after 25 minutes. A foul on Robert Urquhart on the left resulted in a Scott Martin free hit which the Glengarry defence failed to clear. The ball fell to Ian Grant and the youngster made no mistake, tucking the ball low into the net.
Just 3 minutes later, Skye capitalised on another set piece when Kieran Roberts’ free hit found Robert Urquhart and he blasted the ball high, into the Glengarry net.
However Glengarry didn’t let their heads drop and after 30 minutes, Steven Cameron, who was a constant threat throughout the first half, found space and fired into the roof of the Skye net, giving keeper Ross Graham no chance.
Graham was in action minutes later when he saved well from Steven Brady. He also had to look lively on 42 minutes to save from Martin Cameron. Just when it looked as if Skye were going to reach the interval in front, Steven Cameron latched onto a Glengarry shy and sent a rocket shot into the roof of the Skye net.
Acting manager Willie MacRae and captain David Grant had a tactical discussion at half time which resulted in Andrew Banks moving to buckshee back, with Scott Martin dropping to half back and Gareth Roberts taking up the wing centre role. Keith MacKenzie was also introduced to the action, replacing Ian Grant in the forward line. These changes were to prove significant with Banks especially allowing Steven Cameron little room in the second half.
Glengarry should have gone ahead 3 minutes into the second half when Martin Cameron found himself with only keeper Graham to beat but Martin Bruce appeared from no-where to click the forward and the ball was eventually cleared. Stewart Grant was imposing himself more on the game as the Skye centre line began to turn the screw.
Skye took the lead again after 56 minutes when a great diagonal pass from Gareth Roberts from the left found Keith MacKenzie running in on goal and he out-paced his marker to fire the ball into the corner of the net.
Moments later, a great passing move from Skye started when Martin Bruce broke up a Glengarry attack and he found Kieran Roberts who in turn played in his brother Gareth, who was having a great second half on the left of the centre line. Roberts’ cross picked out Angie MacDonald and he fired just past the post.
After 65 minutes, Skye restored their two goal lead. A David Grant goal-hit found Gareth Roberts and his cross was picked out of the air by Angie MacDonald. He played in Keith MacKenzie who ghosted in at the back post to flick the ball over the line.
It looked to be heading for an uncomfortable last 5 minutes for Skye when the Glengarry goal judged signalled for a penalty to the visitors after spotting a kick in the area. Michael Brady strode up from defence to take the hit but he was no match for keeper Ross Graham who moved to his left to block the penalty with his legs.
This was a welcome two points for Skye and the islanders can now look forward to their home match against bottom club Caberfeidh this Saturday.
Skye Camanachd from: Ross Graham, David Grant (captain) Martin Bruce, Andrew Banks, Gareth Roberts, Stewart Grant, Kieran Roberts, Scott Martin, Willie MacRae, Ian Grant, (Keith MacKenzie), Robert Urquhart, (Eoghan Stewart), Angie MacDonald, sub Scott MacLeod (not used)