2016 Lovat Cup – Preview | |
31 December 2015 Holders Beauly head for Balgate to play Lovat in the 112th Lovat Cup shinty clash on Saturday 2 January 2016. A large crowd is assured for this much anticipated clash. Lovat manager John MacRitchie will rely on the squad of players who lifted the 2015 Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup. However he is unlikely to start the game with the cup winning starting twelve as this would surely provide additional incentive, if it was needed, to Beauly. Forward Greg Matheson has been key in these games whilst youngster Danny Kelly will patrol the midfield. Scotland keeper Stuart MacDonald will assume his usual position between the sticks. Returning Beauly boss Stephen MacLean takes over a squad which lifted the Balliemore Cup last season. Assistant manager Jamie MacLennan could start at full back whilst Jack MacDonald and Barrie MacDonald also relish these encounters. There could be a call-up for second team full forward Martin Davidson. Throw-up is at 1pm and John Angus Gillies is the match referee.
Recent Meetings Beauly won back the Lovat cup last year, winning 3-1 at Braeview Park. A Greg Matheson double set Lovat on the way to a 4-1 at Balgate 24 months ago. Beauly won 2-1 at Braeview Park in January 2013 when a Barrie MacDonald penalty gave them their first triumph since 2007. A Greg Matheson brace helped Lovat to a 3-1 win at a wintery Balgate in 2012. Matheson was also to prove to be a key figure a year earlier when, with Beauly just seconds away from lifting the trophy, an injury time strike from the Scotland U21 captain gave Lovat a 2-2 draw and they retained the trophy as holders. |