Bute Are Relegated - Oban Camanachd Are Safe. | |
10 October 2010 Oban Camanachd completed shinty’s equivalent of “The Great Escape” when they beat Bute 2-1 at the Meadows, Rothesay on Saturday 9 October 2010. The Oban side has looked favourites to occupy the second relegation spot in the league for a couple of months now but a poor run of league form from Bute allowed the Mossfield their chance of survival. When Bute beat Oban Camanachd 4-1 at Mossfield on 14 June 2010, they looked set for at least a mid-table league finish. However the Islanders then went on a horrendous 8 game losing streak, which started with a 3-1 home defeat to bottom side Glasgow Mid Argyll. Oban Camanachd had picked up 3 points from their last 3 games which gave them some momentum going into this game. The sides went into this game level on points and Bute’s goal difference was such that a draw would have ensured their survival. Oban Camanachd simply need to win to preserve their top division status and to prevent their reserve side Lochside Rovers being relegated by default. Oban Camanachd took the lead through the prolific Aiden MacIntyre after 25 minutes. Oban looked to be taking their advantage into the break but Bute’s Gordon MacMillan struck a minute before the break to the delight of the home supporters. Both sides vied for the winner but it was Oban’s Daniel MacIntyre who grabbed the all-important winner after 68 minutes to clinch Oban Camanachd’s place in shinty’s top flight next season and their second team Lochside Rovers will be able to play in Marine Harvest South Division 1. |