Newtonmore retained the Scottish Hydro Premier Division title in the most dramatic fashion with an injury time win over Kyles Athletic on Saturday 19 November 2011.

Scottish Hydro Premier Division  

Kyles Athletic 1 Newtonmore 2

Newtonmore lifted the 2011 Scottish Hydro Premier Division title thanks to a Danny MacRae goal 4 minutes into injury time as they beat Kyles Athletic 2-1 at Dunoon.

These old foes have led the way in shinty’s top division for most of the season and Newtonmore had a one point advantage going into the game. However this was their final match whilst the men from Tighnabruaich had one more game to play; against Kingussie next weekend.

Therefore Saturday’s permutations were simple enough. A win for either side would see them clinch the title at the final whistle. A draw would still see Kyles trail ‘More by a point ahead of Kingussie’s visit a week later. Kyles Athletic and Newtonmore were level on goal difference but Kyles had the advantage in the number of goals scored. Therefore, in the event of a draw, they would require a point from the Kingussie game to finish champions of shinty’s top division for the first time.

A healthy crowd of over 1,000 gathered at The Stadium, Dunoon which hosted the 2006 Camanachd Cup Final. The supporters were to get great value for money as the games top two teams served up an exciting afternoon’s entertainment for the measly charge of £3 per person.

Groundsman Kenny Wilson worked hard to see that the pitch was in the best possible condition for the game.

Kyles’ Grant Irvine missed the recent Shinty / Hurling international series with a knee injury but he started on the bench.

Kyles started with Marine Harvest National Player of the Year Roddy MacDonald at full centre.

Newtonmore’s Fraser MacKintosh took up his customary position in defence after he was forced to come off early in the win over Kilmallie a fortnight ago with a back injury. However Jamie Robinson was on his honeymoon so Paul MacArthur started at full centre.      

Newtonmore started with a two-two formation in attack with Danny MacRae and Ackie MacRae playing deeper than David Cheyne and Glen MacKintosh.

Kyles dominated possession in the first half although the Newtonmore defence and keeper Michael Ritchie coped with everything that was thrown their way.

However Newtonmore created chances with several shots from distance.  

The game seemed to be heading for a goalless first 45 minutes when, on the stroke of half time, Dunkie Kerr darted in to score the only goal of the first half to give his side a 1-0 lead.  

Newtonmore received a tongue-lashing from Norman MacArthur at the break and they responded to their bosses words.

‘More reverted to the traditional North diamond formation in their forward line for the remainder of the game.

The second period was only 4 minutes old when Danny MacRae was allowed the time to fire past Kenny MacDonald and level the game at one goal apiece.

Kyles were very effective in midfield with Roddy MacDonald and Robbie MacLeod in sparkling form. However with the short pitch, the Newtonmore defenders were able to launch clearances which missed out the midfield completely.

The game went through a flat period and play was scrappy with both sides nervous of giving anything away.

Kyles introduced Grant Irvine midway through the half but he left the field again around 10 minutes from the end.

The final 15 minutes of the game was a thrilling affair with end-to-end shinty and misses and saves at both ends.

The second half remained scoreless into the closing stages, mainly thanks to some great goalkeeping from Michael Ritchie, and the draw would have meant that Kyles only required a point from their final league game against Kingussie to win the national title for the first time.

Danny MacRae picked up a head knock in the closing minutes which later required hospital treatment but there was no way that the bloodied forward was leaving the field of play.

Newtonmore pressed at the end and full back Norman Campbell sprinted forward to join the attack at one point.

With the darkness closing in, Newtonmore mounted one final attack. The game was 4 minutes into injury time when Paul MacArthur won the ball in midfield. He played it forward to Danny MacRae on the 'More right. MacRae cut inside before spreading the ball to John MacKenzie on the left. 'More substitute MacKenzie flicked the ball back to Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final hero Danny MacRae and he lifted the ball over Kyles keeper Kenny MacDonald into the net before being swamped by his delirious team-mates as the Kyles players slumped to the ground.

The game was over and Kyles knew it. Referee Graham Irving, who kept a tight grip on the game throughout, restarted the game but he blew his final whistle a matter of seconds later and the celebrations began.

Kyles probably edged the play and Newtonmore manager Norman MacArthur acknowledged in an interview on MFR later in the evening that his team had performed a “smash & grab” but there is no doubt that his side certainly know how to grind out a result.   

The win ensured the Scottish Hydro Premier Division trophy remains in the Newtonmore trophy cabinet and the cup was presented to Newtonmore captain Scott Campbell by Camanachd Association President Archie Robertson.

Newtonmore title winning squad; Michael Ritchie, Norman MacArthur, Andy MacKintosh, Fraser MacKintosh, Rory Kennedy, Steven MacDonald, Paul MacArthur, Scott Chisholm, Ackie MacRae, Danny MacRae, David Cheyne, Glen MacKintosh, subs John MacKenzie, Scott Campbell (captain), David Campbell, Owen Fraser, Michael Russell

Referee – Graham Irving

Goal Judges – Ted MacDonald, Barry Martin (both Bute)

Thanks to Neil Paterson for the photograph of goal hero Danny MacRae with the Scottish Hydro Premier Division trophy. Click on the following link to see more pictures from Neil Paterson http://www.neilgpaterson.com/shinty.php