2011 Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final …………. 1 Day To Go! | |
16 September 2011 The 2011 Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final between Badenoch rivals Newtonmore and Kingussie is one of the most anticipated in recent years. The 2011 final was due to take place at An Aird, Fort William but scheduled major repair work forced a re-think so the Bught Park hosts the spectacle for the second successive year. Newtonmore have waited 25 years to take the famous trophy back to the Eilan. They have been in four finals during the intervening period, losing once to Skye Camanachd and three times to Saturday’s opponents Kingussie. Kingussie on the other hand have won the trophy no fewer than fourteen times during the same period. However these records will count for little when referee Deek Cameron throws the ball up between both full centres at 2.30pm. Newtonmore are 2011 Scottish Hydro Premier Division reigning champions and 2011 Macaulay Cup runners up. They will use the home changing rooms in the final and manager Norman MacArthur has put together one of the blue and white hoops best sides in recent times. It would be a surprise if keeper Michael Ritchie wasn’t protected by defenders Scott Campbell, Norman Campbell, Rory Kennedy and Fraser MacKintosh. Incidentally, don’t get caught up it talk of this ‘More side lacking pace. Defender Norman Campbell came out on top in the Scotland squad’s 40 metre sprints at last weekend’s international fitness sessions in Inverness. The Newtonmore midfield has tended to feature Jamie Robinson, Stevie MacDonald and Paul MacArthur and again any variance would be a surprise. However it’s up front where manager MacArthur has some interesting options. Danny MacRae and Glen MacKintosh are likely starters. However Cameron Binnie, David Cheyne, Ackie MacRae and John MacKenzie will battle it out for the two remaining slots. Cameron Binnie may have done enough in recent weeks to earn a starting slot and David Cheyne was a real thorn in the Kingussie when he made a substitute appearance in Newtonmore’s recent 6-1 league win over their rivals. This could give him the edge although MacArthur may again be tempted to use him as an impact player. Kingussie on the other hand are being led through a period of transition by manager Stevie Borthwick and his assistant Russell Jones. However as the advert goes, if Carlsberg did periods of transition …….. well you know the rest. The Kings have moved out several of the old guard yet ended the 2010 season with both the Co-operative MacTavish Cup and Macaulay Cup nestling in the Dell trophy cabinet. They also only lost last year’s Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final to a last gasp Gary Innes strike. This year they have already retained the Co-operative MacTavish Cup and they have a chance at the weekend to secure the greatest prize of them all. Kingussie have some injury concerns going into the game. There is no doubt that Andrew Borthwick will start in goal but that’s where the back-line certainly ends. Iain Borthwick is making a valiant effort to recover from a broken ankle. However he has yet to take the field since his injury and whilst he will be given every chance to prove his fitness, his chances look slim. There are also question marks over Ally MacLeod’s fitness following an injury-plagued season although he has at least featured in the side’s last two outings. Garry Munro will take his place in defence and there may also be a place for Ryan Borthwick who looks very comfortable at wing back following his conversion from the forward line. Lee Bain was one of the top performers in last year's final and he will be a key man for Kingusie whilst James Hutchison will also feature in the side. Thomas Borthwick has impressed since taking on the responsibility of the full centre role. He recently gave the Kingussie team a scare when he picked up a football injury but he looks like winning the fight to secure a starting role. Paul Gow will partner him and Louis Munro is another fighting his way back from a shoulder injury. Ronald Ross will lead the attack where he will be partnered by Martin Dallas and Fraser Munro. Craig Dawson linked up well with Ross in the semi final win over Inveraray so he will also be in contention for a starting position. It is open to both managers to try and spring a surprise to give their side the edge. However it’s more likely that the midfield battle will be crucial as will how the respective defences cope with their opposing forwards. There are aces in both packs and it may even take extra time before a hero steps forward to be the toast of one half of Badenoch. |