The Shinty Preview. | |
04 September 2009 There’s a return to the shinty league programme on In the Scottish Hydro Premier Division, leaders Newtonmore host second bottom The most interesting match of the day is at An Aird where Lochaber will view their trip to Dalmally to face already relegated Glenorchy as the chance to collect 2 vital points along the way to confirming their top division status. Lochaber were given a torrid time against Newtonmore last weekend but their league performances on the whole have left them with a great chance of finishing above the drop zone with a target of a mid table placing. Glenurquhart travel to Tigh na Bruaich to place an Inveraray side who suffered a shock defeat to Glenorchy last weekend. The Glen will feel that they can follow up last week’s win against Oban Camanachd and take something from this match too. Inveraray are still smarting from last week’s defeat and they sit uncomfortably above the relegation zone. They need more players to show the form of Garry MacPherson so they can taken their terrific Cup form into the league. There is also great excitement at the top and bottom of the Marine Harvest North Division 1. The match of the day will be at Balgate where title favourites Lovat host second place Caberfeidh. Lovat dropped a point at home to Strathglass last weekend on the back of a fine run of wins. Cabers lost their first away match of the season at Kirkton last week and they know that they need to win to maintain their title hopes. Strathglass take on Kilmallie at Cannich where points again are at a premium. Garry Reid’s side surrendered a 2 goal lead against Lovat last weekend but they are still in the title mix. The visitors went down 3-2, also to Lovat in their last outing 2 weeks ago. Kilmallie hold a 5 point league advantage over their rivals but Strathglass have 2 games in hand which means that this is another crucial clash. Kinlochshiel will hope to continue their revival when the host Beauly at Kirkton. Should Shiel win their games in had, the will be amongst the title challengers and young John MacRae seems to have added some menace to their attack. Managers Keith Loades and Johnston Gill are also pleased with the contributions made by U17 players Zander Grant and Ewen Falconer as they have one eye on the future. The visitors will be reeling from their shock defeat in Lochcarron face a “must win” match against Lochside Rovers can with Marine Harvest South Division 1 if they take a point from their derby against Oban Celtic. This can be a feisty affair at the best of times but the added spice of potential title celebrations will make Celtic all the more determined. With Lochside Rovers not eligible for promotion to the Scottish Hydro Premier Division, there may still be plenty for Glasgow Mid Argyll and Kilmory to play for. The Camanachd Association Board has yet to determine whether the league’s runners up can be promoted but both clubs will remain focused in case the opportunity arises. Kilmory host Tayforth. The Glasgow Mid Argyll are at home to Inveraray. Glenurquhart can take a huge step towards the Marine Harvest North Division 2 title with victory over Caberfeidh at Castle Leod. Nearest challengers Newtonmore and Skye Camanachd drew 2-2 with the sides met at Pairc, nan Laoch, Portree earlier in the season and they meet this weekend at the Eilan. This match throws up at the slightly later time of The league’s bottom club Kinlochshiel travel to Balgate to play Lovat. This match has a In Marine Harvest South Division 2 Strachur travel to Taynuilt travel to Tigh na Bruaich to play the Kyles Athletic second string. Glasgow Mid Argyll have a home meeting with Marine Harvest North Division 3 leaders Lochbroom play Lochcarron in Ullapool. The home side tops the table by a single point although second place Beauly do have a game in hand. Beauly travel to the Highland Capital to play an Boleskine head east to play Kincraig have had team raising difficulties of late and have been unable to fulfill 5 fixtures. However all these matches have been away from home. This week they have been scheduled with a home match against Ardnamurchan. The sides have yet to meet in the league this season. |