The Balliemore Cup semi finalists are now known following the last quarter final on Saturday 5 June 2010.
Kinlochshiel and Beauly met at Kirkton in the last remaining Balliemore Cup quarter final with a last four spot against Skye Camanachd awaiting the winners. The match had been called off earlier in the season as the Beauly players opted for a free Saturday to cheer on Ross County in the Scottish Cup Final. Shiel were without John MacRae who was serving the second game of a 2 match suspension. They were also without injured striker Neil Fraser who picked up a hamstring problem in the closing minutes of the win over Skye Camanachd last weekend and Steven Callander who was unavailable. Beauly were boosted by the return of Innes Simpson in last week’s defeat against Kingussie. Shiel gave a debut to youngster Duncan “Ach” MacRae and this move paid dividends when he gave them the lead on 34 minutes. Just when it looked as if the home side would take this lead into the half time break, the visitors equalised in controversial circumstances. It was Conor Ross who put the ball into the back of the net with Shiel claiming the ball entered the goal through the side net. A 3 goal second half burst in as many minutes settled the match. Keith MacRae put Shiel back in front on 52 minutes and his brother Finlay MacRae made it 3-1 on 54 minutes. Finlay MacRae scored his second from the spot after Shiel were awarded a penalty by referee Innes Wood. There was no further scoring and Kinlochshiel now face a local derby against Skye Camanachd in the last four. The other semi final is between Lochaber and Kilmallie.
There was a Bullough Cup first round tie between Marine Harvest South Division 2 sides Glasgow Mid Argyll and Tayforth at Yoker. Mid Argyll were narrow 2-1 winners when the sides met at the same venue in April. A Donald Colville goal after 35 minutes in this 12 noon throw up was enough to see Mid Argyll clinch a place in the quarter finals.
There were also 3 Bullough Cup quarter final ties fixtured. Kyles Athletic, who lead Marine Harvest South Division 2 hosted fourth place Aberdour and came out 3-0 winners. A Roddy MacColl double after 15 and 25 minutes put them 2-0 up at the break. Gordon Whyte added a third 10 minutes from time in a game which also doubled up as a Marine Harvest North Division 2 league tie.
The army side The SCOTS secured a place in the last four with a 3-1 win over Marine Harvest South Division 2 bottom side Bute at Jubilee Park, Ballachulish. Colin Marshall bagged a double for the SCOTS and Alan MacDonald got the other.
However the tie between London and Lochside Rovers at Ganavan did not go ahead as the visitors couldn’t raise a team. This gives Lochside Rovers a semi final spot.
The match of the day in the Scottish Hydro Premier Division was at Tighnabruaich where Kyles Athletic welcomed Kingussie. The match came too early for the Kings’ Louis Munro and Fraser Munro also missed out with a torn muscle. Kyles were without the influential Donald Irvine. The home side enjoyed more than their share of possession but Kingussie defended well and keeper Andrew Borthwick produced some fine saves. In the end it was a young Kingussie striker and a familiar face who made the difference. Thomas Borthwick gave the visitors on 30 minutes whilst Ronald Ross doubled their advantage on 68 minutes. Kingussie lost Lee Bain with a pulled muscle. The win means that the reigning champions move into third place in the table.
League leaders Newtonmore met Lovat at the Eilan. This was the second consecutive Saturday that the sides have met with Newtonmore running out 4-0 winners at Balgate last weekend. ‘More retained their top spot following a 3-1 win but Lovat’s young side received praise from home manager Norman MacArthur for their performance. David Cheyne put the leaders ahead after 9 minutes and Owen Fraser gave them a 2-0 interval lead with a 25 minute strike. Fraser scored his second goal on 65 minutes but Lovat full forward Fraser Gallagher pulled a goal back on 73 minutes.
Inveraray’s woes on the road continued when they traveled to An Aird to play Fort William. The Fort were without influential defender Duncan Rodger who could be out for the rest of the season with possible cruciate damage to his knee. Garry Innes was also an absentee as he was playing his accordion at the Epsom races no less. Just when it looked as if the first half would end goalless, Gordie MacKinnon popped up a minute from the break to give the home side the lead. Bryan Simpson struck on 65 minutes to make it 2-0 and Drew Ferguson rounded off a 3-0 victory with a goal on 72 minutes.
Glenurquhart may well have viewed their trip to Yoker to play Glasgow Mid Argyll as a chance to win 2 badly needed points but it was the Glasgow side who produced the result of the day with a 1-0 win. Andy Mathie scored the vital goal after 38 minutes to give his side their first points of the season. Glenurquhart tried in vain to level the match but the home defence held out.
Oban Camanachd went down to a 4-1 defeat to Bute at Mossfield. The home side were without the suspended Gareth Evans and a home win would have seen the sides draw level on points in the league. After a goalless first half, Robert Walker put the Islanders ahead 5 minutes into the second period. Oban’s Aidan MacIntyre leveled the match on the hour mark only for Walker to score his second on 67 minutes. James Craig made it 3-1 just 5 minutes later whilst Scottish Internationalist Hector Whitelaw completed the scoring on 75 minutes.
The Marine Harvest North Division 1 match of the day was in Portree where Skye Camanachd and Lochaber clashed. Skye were given a boost when Iain Nicolson and Kenny Campbell were passed fit to play following injuries picked up in the defeat to Kinlochshiel last weekend. However Shockie MacLennan was ruled out with a collar-bone injury. Jamie MacDonald returned in defence after suspension and there was a start for forward Danny Morrison. Dougie Rankin and AB Connor were unavailable. Allan MacKinnon dropped down to the second team whilst Iain Morrison and Neil MacVicar were joined by the returning Ally MacLennan on the bench. Lochaber manager Michael Delaney was without full forward Andrew MacDonald, who scored their winner against Lochcarron last weekend, Christopher Innes and James MacRae. A toe injury meant Danny Delaney started on the bench with fellow U17 players Stuart Callison and Brenan MacDonald. However Donald MacRae returned to the starting line-up. Skye started well and almost took the lead after 4 minutes when Alan Palmer thumped a cross from the right off the Lochaber crossbar with keeper Jake Keenan beaten. However Skye did take the lead just 3 minutes later when Kenny Campbell fired a shot on goal from midfield and the ball went into the net of Kennan’s foot. It was 2-0 just a couple of minutes later. Kerr Gibb accurately lobbed a ball on target from 25 yards out and Kennan seemed to lose the flight of the ball and it went into the net off his stick. Lochaber responded and it took a superb block from Steven Morrison to deny the visitors. Referee Graham Irving awarded the visitors a free hit from the resultant melee and Ben Delaney shot just wide of target. Somhairle MacDonald caused havoc in the visiting defence after 15 minutes but the ball was cleared for a corner which fell to Iain Nicolson but he sent a shot just the wrong side of the post. Skye went 3-0 up on 20 minutes when a shot from Iain Nicolson on the right took a deflection on its way into the net. Incredibly just 2 minutes later it was 4-0 and the Skye supporters could barely believe what they were watching. This time Gilleasbuig MacDonald collected a corner from the right and he crashed a shot from near the touchline into the net. Skye were rampant and Somhairle MacDonald came deep to collect a pass from defence on 36 minutes. He played a great ball forward to Iain Nicolson who slipped in Alan Palmer but the Lochaber defence cleared the ball for a corner. Everything seemed to be going right for Skye until the 43 minute when Jamie MacDonald made a lung-bursting run down the right. He successfully rode 3 challenges before stretching to hold onto possession. However he twisted his knee in the process and lay in agony on the turf. MacDonald was treated by Skye medic Dr Wilson Banks and was given until the break to see if he could recover but he had to come off. There was still time for Iain Nicolson to have a shot cleared off the line before the first 45 minutes were up. Neil MacVicar replaced MacDonald at the start of the second period with Gilleasbuig MacDonald moving to buckshee back. Skye’s Steven Morrison was caught with a late swing on 51 minutes. His protests to referee Irving did no more than earn him a yellow card. Jake Keenan saved well with his hand from a Kerr Gibb shot on 56 minutes and Neil MacVicar went close from the resultant corner. Lochaber pulled a goal back on 63 minutes. A corner from the right caused a scramble in front of the Skye goal and Donald MacRae tucked the ball into the net to make it 4-1. Skye went 5-1 up after 67 minutes. Alan Palmer spread a pass wide on the right to Kenny Campbell and he slammed the ball low into the corner of the net. Kerr Gibb picked up a knock to his knee after 76 minutes and he was replaced by Iain Morrison. Lochaber had created several chances in the second half and from one of these, substitute Stuart Callison played a neat ball across goal after 82 minutes which found the unmarked Ben Delaney at the back post and he beat Gannon to make it 5-2. Just 2 minutes later Donald MacRae turned his marker and lobbed the ball forward. Stuart Callison latched onto the dropping ball and hit a first time volley past the helpless Gannon. With a minute remaining, Skye substitute Iain Morrison ran at the Lochaber defence. With 3 defenders closing in on him, Morrison was brought crashing to the ground just outside the D. Kenny Campbell found Alan Palmer from the free hit and he fired the ball into the net to make it 6-3 for the Islanders. Skye were well served by Steven Morison, Kerr Gibb and man of the match Kenny Campbell whilst buckshee back Neil MacDonald was influential for the Spean Bridge side.
Lochcarron took on Inverness at Battery Park and emerged with both points following a 2-1 victory. Inverness were without the suspended David Higham and they found themselves a goal down against the run of play on 13 minutes when Crisdean MacRae scored. Fraser Heath got Inverness on level terms on 39 minutes and it looked as if some good saves from both keepers was going to result in a share of the points before Lochcarron’s Finlay Stark scored the winner 4 minutes from time.
Strathglass gave a great account of themselves against Kilmallie at Cannich. The Strath were without Gordie Fraser following his red card against Inverness last weekend whilst Peter Carmichael was available again for Kilmallie following suspension. In the end, goals from Donald Fraser and Robert Geddes for the home side were cancelled out by a Peter MacIntyre strike and a double from Liam MacDonald as Kilmallie ran out 3-2 winners.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 leaders Glenorchy were on the road as they traveled to play Kilmory. A double from the prolific Alex MacPherson and goals from Kieran MacKay, John McNulty and John Surtain clinched a 5-0 and maintains Glenorchy’s 100% record in the league with 7 wins out of 7. They have only lost only 2 goals in the process.
Bottom side Inveraray and second top Oban Celtic met at the Winterton. Celtic were 2-0 winners when the sides met on the opening day of the season thanks to goals from Alan Miller and Neil Carmichael and they took the lead in this one after 13 minutes through Miller again. However Andy Sinclair leveled for the home side on the stroke of half time. John Slaughter put Inveraray ahead on 53 minutes but Angus McNeil made it 2-2 with a 63 minute effort. Neil Carmichael put Celtic ahead 10 minutes from the end and Alan Miller made it 4-2 moments later. However a Inveraray reduced the deficit to a single goal before Kenny Wotherspoon netted a minute from time to complete a 5-3 win for Oban Celtic.
Willie Neilson got Taynuilt off to a great start when he put them ahead against Ballachulish after just 5 minutes. However their joy was short lived as Scott Henderson made it 1-1 a couple of minutes later. Michael MacQueen restored the home side’s advantage on 65 minutes and a Neil Gillies brace on 70 and 73 minutes completed a 5-1 victory. The win puts Taynuilt 2 points ahead of Ballachulish the league table.
Fort William remain top of Marine Harvest North Division 2 as Kinlochshiel were unable to fulfill their fixture at An Aird so the points go to the home side.
The bottom two clubs met at Braeview Park as Beauly hosted Skye Camanachd. Skye boss Davie MacVicar made 5 changes to his squad. Keeper Ross Graham was unavailable so Michael Nicolson took over in goal. Iain Morrison and Neil MacVicar were called up for the first team and injury ruled out Ally MacLeod. Darryl MacIntosh returned having being cup tied for last weekend’s Strathdearn cup tie against Lovat and Allan MacKinnon dropped down from the first team. Youth players Jordan Murchison, Daniel Morrison and Calum Gibb returned. Jack MacDonald returned from injury for Beauly. With skipper David Grant still injured and vice captain Ross Graham also absent, 16 year old Martin Bruce captained the team. Skye were looking to emulate their U17 squad who beat their Beauly counter-parts 4-0 last Tuesday evening in the MacTavish Juvenile Cup. Skye started with player / manager MacVicar in the buckshee forward position and Allan MacKinnon at full centre. The game was played on a bright sunny afternoon and it proved to be an entertaining spectacle with play flowing from end to end. Both teams were only inches away from an opening goal in the first 2 minutes. Ally MacDonald fired just wide from a tight angle for the visitors while at the other end; Michael Nicolson was relieved to see a Jack MacDonald shot go inches past the post after he stumbled while attempting to save MacDonald’s shot. Skye resumed on the attack and Ally MacDonald and Angie MacDonald combined with the latter’s rasping drive finding the side netting. As Beauly began to take a grip of midfield, Michael Nicolson came to Skye’s rescue with the first of several crucial interventions when he superbly tipped over a Danny Marshall drive. Skye resumed the offensive they came within inches of an opening goal when Ally MacDonald and MacVicar combined to tee up Jordan Murchison whose flashing drive clipped the top corner of the crossbar on its way over. This see-saw game continued and Nicolson again saved well from both Jack MacDonald and Danny Marshall. Skye were still dangerous on the break and following good work by Stewart Grant, Jordan Murchison (who was to prove Skye’s most potent attacker) was denied by the legs of Beauly keeper Cameron MacKay. Skye looked to gain control in the midfield area again and MacVicar and MacKinnon swapped roles resulting in Skye finishing the half strongly but still goalless. As the teams turned round at half time the see saw nature of the game continued with both teams coming close to an opening goal right at the start of the second period. Stewart Grant again played in Murchison and the young forward sent a crashing drive into the side net. At the other end, Paul Brindle brought another terrific save from Skye keeper Nicolson. Skye finally broke the deadlock on 62 minutes when a superb Darryl MacIntosh hit in found its way to Allan Mackinnon at the back post and he fired through keeper MacKay’s legs from a tight angle. Skye almost doubled their lead straight from the throw up when Ally MacDonald set up Angie MacDonald on the edge of the D but the big forward steered his aerial shot wide of the target. Moments later Beauly buckshee back Neil Rose was cautioned by referee John Sloggie for one foul too many on Allan MacKinnon. With Skye beginning to take a grip on the game, player / manager MacVicar left the field to be replaced by Daniel Morrison who took up the wing centre position with Darryl MacIntosh taking over at full centre. The Skye defence continued to be pressed by the lively Beauly attack but buckshee back Martin Bruce and wing back Shaun Hedley were continued to counter the offensives. On the one occasion that Marshall found himself clear of Bruce in the second half, Nicolson again came to Skye’s rescue with a superb save low to his right. With MacIntosh and young Morrison looking impressive in midfield, it was no surprise when Skye doubled their advantage. MacIntosh played in Ally MacDonald who showed great strength in the tackle to set up Angie MacDonald who rifled a low backhand drive past the Beauly keeper with 72 minutes played. The two goal cushion allowed manager MacVicar to introduce Calum Gibb for the last 15 minutes in place of Ally MacDonald. The closing minutes proved nervy for Skye when Marshall pulled a goal back in 86 minutes following a defensive mix up. Skye were temporarily reduced to 11 men in the 89 minute following an injury to Shaun Hedley. After some temporary repair work to a cut on the head, Hedley was able to continue and help Skye secure a valuable 2 points. While the Skye defence played well against a lively Beauly attack in which Jack MacDonald and Danny Marshall were prominent, special mention must go to the impressive Michael Nicolson in the Skye goals, captain and buckshee back Martin Bruce, forward Jordan Murchison and Daniel Morrison following his appearance from the bench. Another pleasing aspect of the game for Skye was that the closing line up contained no fewer than 6 of the U17 team which triumphed in Beauly on the previous Tuesday night.
Glenurquhart were convincing 7-1 winners against Newtonmore at Blairbeg in what was a dress rehearsal for their Strathdearn Cup meeting at the same venue in a few days’ time. Veteran Stuart Morrison and youngster Kelvin MacKenzie each scored hat-tricks for the Glen whilst U14 player Ewan Brady got the other. Full forward David Wilde scored a consolation goal for Newtonmore.
Glengarry took the points at Invergarry where with a 2-0 win over Lovat. Steven Cameron put them ahead on 28 minutes and added a second on 82 minutes.
Kingussie were convincing 7-0 winners over Kilmallie at the Dell. Kevin Thain and Rory Borthwick scored 2 each whilst Martin Dallas, John Gibson and Savio Genini got the others.
Strachur and Col Glen met at Home Farm in Marine Harvest South Division 2. Steven Bulloch scored double on 15 and 35 minutes, either side of a 20 minute strike from Duncan MacNicol. MacNicol scored his second on 38 minutes to give the home side a 4-0 half time lead. Rhys Wotherspoon made it 5-0 on 62 minutes and Bulloch completed his hat-trick on 70 minutes. Wotherspoon added a seventh just 4 minutes later before James Hamilton scored a consolation goal for Col Glen.
Marine Harvest North Division 3 leaders Lochaber were not in action so Aberdeen University went joint top of the table following their walk-over against Lochcarron. The west coast side were unable to raise a team.
Strathglass traveled to Farr to play Boleskine. The Cannich side were boosted following last weekend’s late show which gave them a win over Ardnamurchan but they found this game hard going. Boleskine ran out 8-0 winners with Lewis Smith grabbing 4 and Iain Grant and Ewan Fraser each getting doubles.
Inverness and Ardnamurchan met at the Bught Park. Liam Girvan put Inverness ahead after 10 minutes and Gordie MacKenzie doubled their advantage 5 minutes later. Girvan added his second on 63 minutes and MacKenzie did like-wise 5 minutes from time.