There is just one match in the Scottish Hydro Premier Division on Saturday 12 November 2011 and it can hardly be more crucial for Lovat.
Kilmallie v Lovat
Relegation threatened Lovat go into their final game of the season against Kilmallie knowing that victory will secure their spot in shinty’s top tier for next season. The match is scheduled to take place at the Canal Parks. However if Kilmallie’s pitch is unplayable, the game will be switched to Beauly’s Braeview Park. Alternative venues such as the Bught Park, Inverness and Lovat’s Balgate are also on stand-by. Kilmallie’s top flight future is secure but they will have a major say in who is relegated as they follow up this week’s game with Lovat with a meeting with Oban Camanachd, who currently sit in the relegation zone, next weekend. Kilmallie will be without the suspended Michael Rodger but Martin Stewart returned against Newtonmore last weekend. They should be along usual lines for this one although they did give some younger players a run-out from the bench last week and they are expected to do so again both this week and next as they prepare for the 2012 shinty season. This will be the final match in charge for Lovat bosses James Gallacher and John MacRitchie who stand down after the game so that new manager Allan MacRae can prepare for the New Year Lovat Cup clash with Beauly. Lovat hope to be at full strength with the exception of Fraser Gallacher and James Grieve who are ruled out because of illness and injury. Throw up is at 1.30pm.
Kyles Athletic v Newtonmore
The potential title decider between Kyles Athletic and Newtonmore takes place on Saturday 19 November 2011. That is because Kyles have a free weekend this Saturday as it is first team player Dunkie Kerr’s wedding.