The Shinty Round Up – 27 March 2010. | |
30 March 2010 Fort William stole the headlines with an emphatic win over reigning champions Kingussie on Saturday 27 March 2010.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 rivals Kilmallie and Beauly meet at Canal Parks in the preliminary round of the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup. The sides were level at the interval with Jamie MacLennan scoring and early goal for the visitors and Michael Rodgers replying for Kilmallie. There was not further scoring in the second half so the match went into an extra time period. A Martin Stewart penalty put Kilmallie ahead and Liam MacDonald scored a crucial third to make it 3-1. A late Beauly goal from David Neilson made for a nervy finish but Kilmallie held on. Their reward is a home tie against Taynuilt.
Kinlochshiel made the long journey south to play Kilmory. Shiel were without the suspended Finlay MacRae and they knew they were in for a tough test against the side which sat top of Marine Harvest South Division 1. After a goalless first half, Shiel took the lead through Gordie MacDonald on 67 minutes. However they were unable to relax until 3 minutes from the end when Neil Fraser made it 2-0 on 83 minutes. Shiel now travel to Castle Leod to play Caberfeidh in the first round proper.
Lewis Camanachd and Inveraray met at Ullapool in the first round of the Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup. Inveraray may sit bottom of Marine Harvest South Division 1 but they stamped their authority on this game before running out 9-0 winners Neil Shaw hit 4 for ‘Array whilst Martin MacKillop scored a hat-trick. Stuart Anderson and Ross Griffiths scored their others. Lewis put up a good showing though as the Island side continues to develop from the opportunities offered from cup competitions.
The match of the day in the Scottish Hydro Premier Division was at An Aird where Fort William met Kingussie. The home side welcomed John MacDonald back into their starting line-up whilst the reigning champions were without talisman Ronald Ross who was missing with an ankle injury. The opening exchanges were even but the home side took the lead on 37 minutes when Gordie MacKinnon latched onto a loose ball to fire his side into the lead. The Fort earned a 2 goal interval lead when a 20 yard John MacDonald shot flew into the net with almost the last hit of the first half. Some terrific lead up play by Bryan Simpson set up James Clark to make it 3-0 just a minute into the second period which effectively ended the match as a contest. The home side could even afford the luxury of a missed penalty on 63 minutes. The official version is that Gary Innes’ spot hit was “hoorna close” but others suggest it took many bounces before going wide of the target. James Clark notched his second on 70 minutes to make it 4-0 and further goals from MacKinnon and Simpson completed the rout. There is little doubt that the Kings are going through a transitional phase this season whilst introducing several young players into their side. The result gives Fort William the perfect “pick-me-up” after last week’s defeat to Newtonmore.
Newtonmore and Inveraray meet at the Eilan. The sides were all square at the interval but a Danny MacRae double, a Glen MacKintosh penalty on 72 minutes and a Drew MacDonald effort game Norman MacArthur’s side a comfortable 4-0 victory which inflicted Inveraray’s second away defeat in a fortnight. Newtonmore remain unbeaten and sit top of the league.
A 12 minute Calum Miller strike and a Neale Reid effort gave Glenurquhart a 2-0 lead over Lovat at Balgate. Lovat’s Ryan Ferguson pulled a goal back on 82 minutes but the visitors held on to take the points.
A Roberto Zavaroni effort after 20 minutes gave Bute the lead over Kyles Athletic at Tighnabruaich. However a late double from Tom Whyte after 70 and 85 minutes ensured the home side took the points. The win means that Kyles now leap-frog Bute in the table.
The bottom two sides in the division met at Yoker where Glasgow Mid Argyll played Oban Camanachd. Although the home side scored through Andy Mathie after 15 minutes, goals for Ian MacMillan and Jonathon Will gave Oban Camanachd a 2-1 win.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 joint leaders Caberfeidh met Skye Camanachd at Castle Leod. Skye Camanachd first team manager Aonghas MacDonald made one enforced change to the starting line-up that won at Beauly the previous week. Wing centre Kerr Gibb was unavailable so Stewart Grant came off the bench to make his first start for the senior side. U17 player Martin Bruce was called up from the second team and he started on the bench with Dougie Rankin and Aonghas MacDonald. Kenny Campbell failed a late fitness test and joined John Moir on the injured list. Ally MacLennan was also unavailable. Caberfeidh were without Scotland U21 forward Kevin Bartlett, defender Graham MacGregor and Donald MacDonald. Cabers played with the wind in the first half and they put the Skye defence under some early pressure. The surface at Castle Leod was difficult to play on for both sides and it took a couple of good clearances from Skye full back Steven Morrison before his side settled down into a more familiar pattern of play. Skye’s right wing centre Shockie MacLennan played some good crosses into the danger area and after 7 minutes, one such cross was fired just wide by Ian Nicolson. A 10 minute snap-shot from Somhairle MacDonald was touched wide for a corner by Caber’s keeper Donald Mellis. Just 2 minutes later the home side took the lead. A free hit from Ian McColl was knocked down into the path of Stuart Krzyzanowski and he blasted the ball high past Jamie Gannon. Skye’s Ian Nicolson cracked a shot on target a minute later which Mellis saved with his feet. The Skye forwards claimed the keeper’s feet were off the ground when he made the stop but both referee Ronnie Campbell and the goal judge waved away their pleas. Cabers Ian McColl had a chance to double his side’s advantage on 28 minutes when he burst forward from midfield. However his shot was always rising and it flew over the bar. AB Connor blocked a goal bound effort above his head as the Skye defence held on. Skye’s Stewart Grant suffered a nasty head cut on 31 minutes when he was caught above the eye, ironically by the caman of one of his team-mates. However after receiving treatment, he opted to play on. Grant showed that he was showing no ill effects from the knock on 35 minutes when he played a great ball forward to Ian Nicolson but the Scotland U21 international shot wide. Nicolson went close again a couple of minutes later but Mellis saved well. Skye continued to press for the equaliser and they got their reward on 42 minutes. Good battling by Shockie MacLennan on the right allowed him to play in Alan Palmer. The Skye forward’s shot was saved by Mellis but Ian Nicolson confidently slotted the rebound into the net. Skye took the lead a minute before the break. AB Connor won possession in defence and played a great ball forward to Iain Nicolson who controlled the ball before sending a glorious drive into the back of the net giving Mellis no chance. Skye had Cabers on the rack and Mellis saved again with his foot to keep his side in touch. The half time whistle must have come as some relief to the home defence. A looping Ian Nicolson cross was tipped just wide by Somhairle MacDonald a minute into the second half. However, just 3 minutes into the second period Cabers were level and the Skye defence was left feeling some-what aggrieved. A cross from the right was turned into the net by Kirk Taylor with the Skye defenders claiming both offside and that Taylor had used his foot to turn the ball into the net. Just as in the first half, the Skye protests won no favour with the referee and goal judge. Caber’s Brian MacDonald was booked for a challenge which caught Somhairle MacDonald across the back of the legs, leaving the Skye forward requiring treatment. Ian Nicolson shot over from a Shockie MacLennan free hit on 73 minutes and a couple of minutes later, Nicolson turned provider when he set up Somhairle MacDonald who fired just over. Skye’s Alan Palmer was replaced in attack by Dougie Rankin as Skye pressed for the winner. Jamie Gannon palmed away a Lee Nicol shot on 77 minutes but needed AB Connor’s help to clear the danger. Skye broke up the park but Somhairle MacDonald couldn’t find the target after being played in by Ian Nicolson. Lee Nicol became the third Caberfeidh player to be booked on 84 minutes for a challenge on Jamie MacDonald. Skye manager Aonghas MacDonald came on in place of Allan MacKinnon for the closing stages. MacDonald’s presence in the Skye forward line seemed to cause havoc in the home defence as the visitors went all out for the winner. MacDonald combined with Dougie Rankin for the latter to steer the ball agonisingly wide of the target. Shockie MacLennan was ruled offside as he burst forward to get on the end of a cross and in one final attack; Dougie Rankin was tripped as he surged forward. Rankin played in Shockie MacLennan from the free hit but he couldn’t find the target. In what turned out to be a frustrating day for Skye, they were well served by Allan MacLeod, Shockie MacLennan and goalscorer Ian Nicolson.
Bottom club Inverness knew that they faced a difficult home match against Lochaber at the Bught Park, Inverness. The visitors are determined to make a quick return to shinty’s top league and they re-iterated their desire with an emphatic 11-0 victory. All the Lochaber goals were scored by their 4 forwards. Lachlan Campbell scored 4 times, Keith Neville scored a hat-trick whilst Sean Nicolson and Zander Ferguson each scored doubles.
The match between Lochcarron and Strathglass was switched to Cannich as Battery Park was unplayable. Crisdean Finlayson gave the visitors a first half lead whilst Ross Matheson’s second half effort cancelled out a goal from Strathglass player Scott Douglas.
The Marine Harvest South Division 1 match between reigning champions Lochside Rovers and Ballachulish at Ganavan finished goalless.
Newly promoted Taynuilt also shared the points when they came from behind to draw at home against Oban Celtic. Daniel Madej gave the visitors the lead after 35 minutes and Alan Miler made it 2-0 on 63 minutes. David Campbell started the recovery with a Taynuilt goal on 72 minutes and the same player squared the game 7 minutes from the end.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 leaders Glengarry had an impressive 2-1 win over Kingussie. The match was originally scheduled for the Dell but was switched to Invergarry earlier in the week. Kingussie included new signing Lee Bain in their side and he scored their goal. However strikes from Mathew Clark and Scott Johnstone gave ‘Garry the points.
Similarly the match between Newtonmore and Kinlochshiel was switched from the Eilan to Kirkton. Paul MacKintosh put the visitors ahead and a Chris Sellar strike on 43 minutes gave them a 2-0 half-time lead. David Wilde continued his scoring spree when strikes on 75 and 77 minutes – making it 7 second half goals in 2 games – secured a 4-0 win for ‘More.
The local derby at Canal Parks between Kilmallie and Fort William fell foul of an unplayable pitch.
Beauly and reigning champions Glenurquhart met at Braeview Parks. A 5 minute David Smart strike gave the visitors a 1-0 interval lead. Second half goals from Iain MacLeod on 69 minutes and Daniel MacKintosh on 78 minutes gave Glenurquhart a 3-0 victory.
Skye Camanachd second team manager Davie MacVicar selection problems continued as he was without injury victims Ian Morrison, Neil John Campbell, Scott Martin with Ali Digg MacDonald still suffering from a bout of viral pneumonia. Martin Bruce and Stewart Grant were also missing, having been called up to the first team for the visit to Strathpeffer. Skye did however welcome back Danny Morrison who had missed the previous week’s game with an ankle injury and 16 year olds John Gillies and Magnus Burd were also included in the squad for the first time.
In the knowledge that Lovat had 6 players in their squad with first team experience, player manager MacVicar started at full centre against the towering Tom Smith to offer experience to a team that again had three 15 year olds in the starting line up. Lovat fielded a more experienced side which included Jimmy MacKenzie at full forward and James Matheson at full back. Skye found themselves playing into the strong northerly wind in the first half and it was Lovat who were first to threaten when Jimmy MacKenzie’s drive flew wide of the Skye goal. Skye created their first opening on 8 minutes when Neil MacVicar found Angie MacDonald in space but the full forward’s drive flashed across the face of the goal to safety. Skye almost took the lead moments later when Davie MacVicar’s long range drive was dipping under the crossbar only to be expertly turned away by young Chris MacCallum in the Lovat goal. There was a let off at the other end when Martin Anderson played in Jimmy MacKenzie and he steered his aerial shot wide when it looked easier to score. However Lovat opened the scoring on the 15 minute mark when Owen Ferguson played the ball in to MacKenzie who took the ball on his chest and fired a rasping aerial strike past Ross Graham in the Skye goal despite the close attentions of defender Ryan Nicolson. The Lovat lead only lasted 5 minutes as Skye equalised with the best move of the game. Davie MacVicar won the ball in the centre and played in Jordan Murchison at left wing forward, where Murchison controlled the ball and played a lovely diagonal ball to Angie MacDonald at right wing forward and he laid the ball square to Ian Grant whose first time shot was saved by MacCallum, but Danny Morrison was quickly onto the rebound to sweep the ball past MacCallum for the equaliser. As played flowed from end to end Lovat had the ball in the net again through Anderson, but referee Duncan Kelly correctly disallowed the goal for off-side. Half time arrived with the teams evenly matched. With the wind at their backs Skye were on the offensive from the start of the second half but lacked any real creativity in the final third of the pitch. Despite the promptings from midfield where wing centres Neil MacVicar and Daniel Morrison were prominent, Lovat were helped by the towering defensive clearances from Jamie Matheson and Allan MacPherson. One such clearance from MacPherson found Ferguson who passed to MacKenzie who had time to control the ball before dispatching it beyond Ross Graham in the Skye goal to make it 2-1 to the visitors. Skye were spurred on by this set-back and found themselves back on level terms soon after. MacCallum pulled off a fine save from an Angie Borve drive following good work by Ian Grant, but he was helpless to prevent Danny Morrison netting from the rebound. Shortly after Skye were reduced to 11 men for a period when Angie MacDonald took a blow to the mouth that needed treatment from Wilson Banks on the touchline. Skye’s attacking threat was blunted during this spell and in a bid to freshen things up Davie MacVicar left the field to be replaced by 16 year old Ally MacLeod with Neil MacVicar taking over at full centre and MacLeod taking over the wing centre position. With 10 minutes remaining John Gillies and Magnus Burd were introduced for their first taste of senior shinty. Just when the game seemed to be heading for a draw, Lovat scored with less than 5 minutes remaining. Jimmy MacKenzie completed his hat-trick when he scrambled the ball over the line following a period of Lovat pressure to give his side a 3-2 win.
Col Glen had a surprise win in Marine Harvest South Division 2 when they beat Tayforth 3-1. They were helped by the fact that the visitors only traveled with only 10 players and without their regular keeper. Peter Shuttleworth, Jamie Sutton and Donald MacPhail all scored for Col Glen whilst Stuart Ferrier replied for Tayforth.
A Duncan MacNicol goal 20 minutes from the end gave fourth place Strachur a 1-0 home win over third place Glasgow Mid Argyll.
The match between second top Aberdour and Bute was called off as both pitches were unplayable.
Marine Harvest North Division 3 leaders Aberdeen University enjoyed a 6-0 win over Strathglass. Malcolm Ferguson gave the home side the lead after 14 minutes and Scott Moffat doubled their lead on 20 minutes. Moffat added his second on 32 minutes to give the Students a 3-0 first half lead. John MacFadyen made it 4-0 on 63 minutes. Scott Moffat completed his hat-trick on 70 minutes and Malcolm Ferguson added his second 5 minutes from the end to complete the scoring. It might have been a defeat for Strathglass but it was encouraging that the side were able to fulfill the fixture and put their recent team raising difficulties behind them.
The meeting between Lochaber and Boleskine and Lochaber was been switched from Spean Bridge to Farr. Lochaber ran out convincing 7-0 winners to complete a high scoring weekend for the Spean side. Alan Knox opened the scoring for the visitors after 21 minutes and Patrick Toal made it 2-0 on 36 minutes. Then 2 goals in 2 minutes gave Lochaber a 4-0 half-time lead. Connor Sweeney made it 3-0 on 43 minutes and Knox added his second a minute later. Sweeney scored his second on 63 minutes and veteran Angus Morrison made it 6-0 on 67 minutes. Alan Knox completed his hat-trick from the spot 4 minutes later.
The match between second place Caberfeidh and Lochcarron at Castle Leod and the meeting between Lochbroom and Inverness at Ullapool were both called off as with other games scheduled, both pitches were unable to take 2 games.
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