Glasgow Mid Argyll & Badenoch & Strathspey Reach 2013 Valarie Fraser Camanachd Cup Final - UPDATED! | |
21 July 2013 Glasgow Mid Argyll and Badenoch & Strathspey will contest the Valarie Fraser Camanachd Cup Final following the semi final ties at The University of Stirling on Sunday 21 July 2013. GMA were first up and their experience showed against Skye Camanachd Ladies. The sides had never met before and both went into their semi final tie unbeaten so far this season, albeit the Islanders play in a league below in WCA Marine Harvest North Division 2 whilst the Glasgow side has recently clinched the Marine Harvest National Division 1 title. GMA were mindful of the fact that Skye had an impressive victory over Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup holders Glengarry in the quarter finals and they got down to business from the throw up, taking the lead in the opening minute. Skye made a nervous start in what was by far the biggest game for the club which was just in its second year of league shinty and the vastly more experienced Glasgow side took the lead in the opening minute. It was mostly one way traffic and GMA led 7-0 at half time. Two goals early in the second half made it 9-0 but it was 70 minutes before the Glasgow side added to their tally, eventually running out 11-0 winners. Sarah Corrigall in the Skye goal had an excellent game. Skye did create chances in the game with Lorna MacRae hitting the crossbar and Anna MacDonald made the GMA keeper sweat on a couple of occasions. The GMA scorers were Joan Nicolson, who is originally from Glenconnon on Skye, with four; captain KT Drain grabbed a hat-trick, Lisa Norman bagged a brace and Alana McGarrie and Kirsten Munro got the others. GMA captain KT Drain said, “Glasgow Mid Argyll Ladies shinty team are extremely pleased to have advanced to the Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup Final this weekend after overcoming Skye in what was a eagerly anticipated game. This was unknown territory for both teams having never met in league or cup previously. In the end GMA's experience shone through and the Glasgow side were comfortable winners. All credit to Skye Ladies however, their young, skillful and extremely fit side never once gave up throughout the match and I am in no doubt that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the not so distant future." Later in the afternoon, the second semi-final was a much closer affair. It also brought together sides from both WCA Marine Harvest National Division 1 and WCA Marine Harvest North Division 2 as Marine Harvest North Division 2 league leaders Lochaber faced Marine Harvest National Division 1 side Badenoch & Strathspey. This was Lochaber’s first time in the Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup and they had won the 2012 Marine Harvest Challenge Cup. Badenoch & Strathspey had put in some good solid performances in National Division 1 this year so a keenly fought match was expected and that’s how it turned out before Badenoch & Strathspey eventually ran out 4-3 winners after extra time. Jane Nicol was the Badenoch star scoring all four of their goals. Kirsty MacDonald bagged a brace for Lochaber with Becca Stafford getting the other. The WCA is grateful to Peter Gow for his continuing sponsorship of the Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup. The Marine Harvest Challenge Cup semi finals were also scheduled for the same venue. Strathglass received a bye after Aberdour Ladies were unable to raise a team. The other semi final was a tight affair with the GMA Ladies second team edging out Cowal & Bute 6-5 in a tight game. Fiona Mathie scored four times for GMA with Lauren Pike getting the other. The impressive Nicola Irvine scored all five Cowal and Bute goals. |