Almost 20 years to the day since shinty returned to the Long Island, the Camanachd Leòdhais players gathered at Bayhead, Stornoway for the traditional Iomain Challainn New Year shinty game on Saturday 3 January 2015.
As tradition dictates, the players were divided into two teams, playing under the tutelage of first team coach Conor MacDonald (non-bibs) and Lochs Juniors coach Al Reed (bibs).
Despite the freezing conditions, there was a decent sized crowd in attendance and the match was preceded by a minute’s silence for the late Councillor Coinneach M Murray, whose family have a strong connection with the club.
MacDonald’s (non-bibs) side took the lead on 8 minutes with Ally Lamont claiming the credit.
Lamont claimed a second 10 just minutes later following a goal-mouth scramble and he completed his hat-trick on 25 minutes to put his side 3-0 to the good.
The only player to dispute the hat-trick was Ally Lamont’s brother Donald Lamont who was in the opposing team - sibling rivalry perhaps playing a part!
The match was played in a great spirit with club manager Iain “Diablo” Sinclair, who was referee for the day, only being exercised by having to avoid the ball with some fancy footwork as it zinged from end to end on the frosty surface.
MacDonald’s (non-bibs) side went into a quick interval with a 3-0 advantage and they went further ahead when youngster Ruairidh MacMillan, who featured in the Lewis first team in phases last year, made it 4-0 just 9 minutes after the restart with a cracking solo effort.
The new Lewis Ladies section were given the chance to shine in the second half and Saskia Wilson, Alicia MacSween and Anna MacRae were all involved in some great play which all bodes well for their inaugural entry into mainland competition in the spring.
Ruairidh MacMillan once more displayed his promising skills when he slammed home his second to give Conor MacDonald’s (non-bibs) side an unassailable 5-0 lead.
Scott MacLeod deceived the opposing keeper moments later with a nutmeg to make it 6-0 and bring an entertaining day’s play to a close.
In the evening, the players, committee members, supporters and families all gathered at the Stornoway Golf Club for the Camanachd Leòdhais Awards Dinner. Paul Duke was named Senior Player of the Year, having won previously in 2011. Scott MacLeod retained his Young Player of the Year Award from 2013. A great night was had by all as the club look forward to an exciting 2015 which is their fifth season in the Camanachd Association North Leagues.
With the Camanachd Leòdhais Ladies squad taking part in WCA competitions, it promises to be a good year for Lewis shinty.
Meanwhile in Uist, an intrepid band of players also gathered for a more informal match at Sgoil Phaibil, carrying on the New Year tradition in the Southern Isles.
Camanachd Leòdhais, Nicolson Institute, Stornoway Primary and Camain nan Loch training will all resume now that the festive period is passed. There is also interest in starting a youth section in Point, so anybody interested in assisting should contact the club via Iain Sinclair at the Nicolson Institute.