Skye Camanachd Second Team Set For Challenges Ahead. | |
03 March 2009 The pre-season friendlies are over and the real challenges are about to begin. Both Skye Camanachd teams are set for the start of the 2009 shinty season. Skye Camanachd second team manager Davie MacVicar was to take his side for the short journey to face Kinlochshiel in their opening league fixture of the 2009 shinty season.However the fixture has been reversed as Kikton is unplayable and the match will now take place at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. In what is to be his 4th season in charge, MacVicar is likely to have several selection options as he puts together a side that will be a mixture of youth and experience. Last season’s keeper Ross Graham hopes to play outfield this season in the hope that he has fully recovered form a knee injury. John “Spod” MacLeod has stepped down as a shinty referee and will likely play in goal when his shift work as a paramedic allows. Young Scott MacLeod is a promising prospect both in goal and in defence and will likely feature too. Joining team captain Graham in defence will be second team stalwart David Grant. John Angus Gillies would also have offered options in defence but a knee injury is likely to keep him out for several weeks. Last season’s U14 captain Martin Bruce is another good prospect and he has benefited from having a full campaign under his belt in the second team last season. Kieran Roberts will be a mainstay in the team whilst first team squad players such as Tom Butler will join the side some weeks to maintain match fitness. Assistant manager Malky Munro offers alternatives in defence and midfield whilst youngster Neil John Campbell will not be available for the first part of the season. The centre line will feature youngsters Stewart Grant and Iain MacPherson whilst Allan “Ginger” MacKinnon’s return to shinty is another welcome addition. Scott Martin returns after missing the Lochcarron match. Filling the full centre position will be crucial and whilst Shockie MacLennan, like Bulter, might be available some weeks, injury is likely to restrict MacVicar’s own appearances in this role. The forward line will feature the experience of Peter Gordon, Angie “Borve” MacDonald, and Willie MacRae. Under 17 player Neil “Beans” MacVicar will play in what will be his third full season in the side and Robert Urquhart will also hope to continue the form that saw him named U17 player of the year in 2008. Danny Morrison and Norman MacLeod will likely rotate between the first and second teams and Keith MacKenzie looked sharp for the South side that won the 2009 Ewen Morrison Memorial Cup. Utility players Gareth Roberts, Donnie Campbell and Robbie Gordon have been training hard and will also be involved Young players, Paul MacKinnon, Iain Grant, Iain Morrison, Ally “Digg” MacDonald and Daniel Morrison will also look to feature and grasp any opportunities that come their way. Current U14 players Shaun Hedley and Jordan Murchison will want to continue their development and perhaps sneak an appearance in the side towards the end of the season. Skye Camanachd’s second team clash with Kinlochshiel in Portree throws up at Skye and Kinlochshiel drew at Kirkton last season with Shiel winning the match in Portree. However Shiel only finished one point ahead of Skye in the league, having benefited from a point awarded in an end of season shared match with
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