2012 Artemis Macaulay Cup Final – Oban Camanachd v Glenurquhart | |
16 August 2012 Oban Camanachd and Glenurquhart meet in the Artemis Macaulay Cup Final at Mossfield, Oban on Saturday 18 August 2012. The final is traditionally played at Mossfield which gives Oban Camanachd home advantage and, with Glenurquhart due to take a big travelling support, a large crowd is expected. Oban Camanachd co-managers Gussie Campbell and Peter McCuish will be pleased to have the experienced Gareth Evans back from suspension for this one. Work commitments meant both Andrew Corrigan and James MacPherson missed the Glen’s 3-1 win over Lovat last weekend but co-managers Fraser MacKenzie and Drew McNeil have both back for this one. The game gives Glenurquhart the chance to win their first senior trophy. The closest they came in recent years was a defeat to Kingussie in the MacTavish Cup Final. Glenurquhart co-manager Drew McNeil was a Macaulay Cup winner as a player and he scored the winning penalty in a shoot-out win over Oban Camanachd in 1991. Fort William had beaten top sides Kingussie and Skye Camanachd on their way to the Mossfield final. It took sixteen penalties to eventually separate the sides before McNeil, who had missed earlier in the shoot-out, netted the winner, to give Fort William, captained by Astie Cameron, their first senior trophy. Oban Camanachd co-manager Gussie Campbell also has fond memories of the competition and he was a winning Oban Camanachd captain in 1994/95, the last time the Mossfield men won this competition. He also scored the winning goal in a 2-1 win over Fort William when his shot from distance beat keeper Graeme MacMillan. Dougie MacIntyre had given the Oban side a first half lead only for Deek Cameron to level early in the second half. However the current crop of players on both sides are out to make history of their own. Players to watch – Oban Camanachd Scott MacMillan – started the season at full centre but he has been pushed into the forward line with great effect. He has been amongst the goals since his switch and will be key to the Oban side’s chances. Daniel Cameron – the Oban Camanachd captain is the lynch-pin of their defence. He is a senior Scotland international who missed the semi-final win over Inveraray but who will exert his influence in the final. Robert Dunnings – the young keeper was promoted from Lochside Rovers early in the season, replacing Scotland international Gavin Stobbart. He put in a man of the match performance in the 4-3 semi-final win over Inveraray, crucially saving two penalties in the game. The Oban side has only conceded 10 goals in 11 league fixtures making them the meanest league defence in the country.
Players to Watch – Glenurquhart Fraser Heath – the eighteen year old former Inverness player is a versatile option for Glen co-managers Fraser MacKenzie and Drew Mcneil. He has been deployed as a man-marker in defence and is a goal threat up front. However the wide open Mossfield pitch may be ideal for his energetic performances in midfield. Stuart MacKintosh – the Glen captain and Scotland keeper has been in top form this season and even helped his side to a 1-0 win over Kingussie a couple of weeks ago by converting the only goal of the game from the penalty spot. James MacPherson – joined from Lovat earlier in the season and he has been amongst the Glen’s first team goals since he signed. He can play in defence or attack and although has been used as a substitute, he can come off the bench to grab a crucial goal. He is another expert penalty taker.
Both sides play in red and black and both will wear a new change strip for the occasion. Oban Camanachd will wear a white strip whilst Glenurquhart will be in red. David Mitchell is the match referee and the 2012 Artemis Macaulay Cup Final between Oban Camanachd and Glenurquhart will be broadcast live on BBC 2 Scotland with match commentary from Hugh Dan MacLennan. Throw up is at 2.30pm. |