The Shinty Preview - Saturday 24 September 2011 | |
22 September 2011 It’s back to league action with important issues still to be settled at the top and bottom of the Scottish Hydro Premier Division on Saturday 24 September 2011.
Scottish Hydro Premier DivisionOban Camanachd v Kyles Athletic League leaders Kyles Athletic have a tricky assignment as they head for Mossfield to play Oban Camanachd. The home side are currently involved in a relegation battle with Inveraray and Lovat although they gave themselves a great chance of survival with a win over FortWilliamin their last outing. Teenager Malcolm Clark was on the scoresheet in that game which should earn him another outing for the Oban side. Newtonmore v Inveraray The other title contenders Newtonmore will have enjoyed a week like no other for the last 25 years as they celebrated bringing the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup to the Eilan. However it is back to the serious business of defending their league title as they welcome Inveraray to the Eilan. The visitors are still in the relegation mix and they’ll go into this one without the suspended Andrew MacMurdo. Russell MacKinlay is also unlikely to travel. Newtonmore boss Norman MacArthur should have a full squad to choose from.
Kilmallie v Lovat Kilmallie are pushing for a fourth place finish and they play Lovat at the Canal Parks. The visitors are desperate to take something from the game. Kilmallie will likely be without the injured John Stewartand the suspended Michael Rodger. Lovat have not played for six weeks although they arranged a mixed teams challenge match against Northern Californian Camanachd last weekend to help maintain match fitness. Drew Howie featured in that game which should earn him a call up. However Fraser Gallacher remains absent through illness. Lovat are currently level on eleven points with Inveraray with both sides still to play Glenorchy. Lovat are also still to face Kingussie whilst Inveraray have to play Kyles Athletic.
Glenorchy v Kingussie Glenorchy might be unsure what to expect when Kingussie visit Dalmally. The Kings are still dealing with the huge disappointment of losing last weekends Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final and manager Stevie Borthwick may use this match as an opportunity to give some of his younger players some game experience.
Marine Harvest North Division 1Lochaber v Lochcarron Lochaber and Lochcarron meet at Spean Bridge in what will be the final match of the Marine Harvest North Division 1 campaign. The sides recently met at Battery Park when a Ben Delaney hat-trick helped Lochaber come from 3-0 down to win 6-3. Lochaber need at least a point to secure a second place finish.
Marine Harvest South Division 1Kilmory v Aberdour There is a crucial meeting at the bottom of the league as Kilmory host Aberdour. The home side know a point will mean Aberdour finish bottom. However an Aberdour win will mean Kilmory having to take something from their final games against champions Buteand Kyles Athletic.
Oban Celtic v Bute Oban Celtic host champions Bute at Ganavan.Bute are three wins away from completing the season with a 100% record.
Kyles Athletic v Lochside Rovers Third bottom Kyles Athletic and third top Lochside Rovers meet at Tighnabruaich.
Marine Harvest North Division 2Kinlochshiel v Kilmallie Kilmallie must take something from their match with Kinlochshiel at Kirkton to avoid relegation to Marine Harvest North Division 3. Kilmallie currently trail second bottom Glenurquhart by three points and their final match is at home to Glenurquhart who are the other side in relegation trouble.
Fort William v Glengarry There is a local derby between second placeFortWilliamand third place Glengarry. The match has been switched to Invergarry as the Fort William pitch at Black Parks is unplayable. FortWilliam will be without the suspended Cameron Grant. |