Scotland Head Coach Drew McNeil is expecting a different type of game as he makes the final preparations ahead of the Shinty / Hurling International second test against Ireland at the Bught Park on Saturday 2 November 2013.

“It will be a different type of game in Inverness,” said McNeil. “It’s a different surface at the Bught Park compared to Croke Park which makes it more difficult to run with the ball so we’ll have to adapt our game accordingly. That may mean some changes to the starting line-up but we will take a patient approach to the game. The difference in surface doesn’t affect the hurlers so much as they mostly play in the air.”

The Scots trail 3-1 following the first test which Ireland won 24-18. The series scoring system over the two games remains the same as last year. McNeil explained, “A win constitutes two points whilst a draw is one point and you get no points for a defeat. Also, if a team scores two or more goals during the game, they are awarded an additional point. In the event of the series ending level at four v four, then the actual aggregate match scores from the two games will come into play.”

McNeil added, “Our strategy will be to try and prevent the Irish scoring two goals at one end whilst trying to win the game with a couple of goals at the other end. This would give us a 4-3 series win. We are going to have to cut out any errors at the back and take our chances in attack to make that happen though.”

McNeil is also looking for the rules to be applied fairly. “Once again there was a lot of holding going on by the hurlers last week. I understand that it is part of the hurlers’ game but it is not allowed in the cross-code game. Deek (Cameron) is referee on Saturday and he refereed before in 2010 so he knows what it’s all about.”

McNeil made the decision to leave out his Glenurquhart keeper Stuart MacKintosh for the first test in place of Lovat’s Stuart MacDonald, who has been outstanding for his club side this season. “Stuart MacDonald has had a terrific season with Lovat,” said McNeil. He deserves his chance in goal. However, although there is competition between the two keepers, they train and work really well together. Only one of them can start though and they realise that.”  

Newtonmore’s Glen MacKintosh and Kilmallie’s Liam MacDonald look to have shaken off knocks for the Scots. Kingussie’s John Hutchison was Scotland’s most serious injury doubt but he has been training this week and looks set to be involved.

Ireland manager John Meyler has yet to taste defeat in a Shinty/ Hurling international. He took over the senior side last year after a spell in charge of the Ireland U21s. It will be interesting to see whether Kilkenny’s Richie Hogan travels with the Irish party after missing the first test. However Hogan was ably replaced by Limerick’s Graeme Mulcahy who scored Ireland’s second goal. Antrim’s Neil McManus was the star man for the Irish at Croke Park, playing a real captain’s role, and the Scots will have to watch him carefully.     

Event Details

The provisional throw in times have been set for the Shinty / Hurling / Camogie internationals on Saturday 2 November 2013.

Shinty / Camogie - Scotland v Dublin County

The opening match will be the game between the Scotland Womens team and the Dublin County Junior side. Throw in is at 10.30am on the Bught Park but there is a possibility that the game could be moved to the outside pitch if the weather deteriorates. Evan MacRae is the match referee.

Marine Harvest U21 International – Scotland U21 v Ireland U21

Next up is the meeting between Scotland U21 and Ireland U21 at the Bught Park. Throw in is currently scheduled for 12 noon and Eamonn Hassan, who refereed the senior international between the two countries last weekend, is the man in the middle.    

Marine Harvest Senior International – Scotland v Ireland

The main event is the second test between the Scotland and Ireland on the Bught Park. The Scots trail 3-1 after Irelands 24-18 win in the first test at Croke Park last weekend. Throw in is at 2pm and Deek Cameron is the match referee. The whole match will be shown live on BBC2 Scotland.

Other Attractions

The Shinty Shop will be in attendance and supporters can purchase all the usual equipment including replica Scotland merchandise and Neil Beaton’s new book for youngsters, The Shinty Match.

Scottish and Irish musicians will take part in a cultural exchange in the beer tent and this has been made possible through funding from Colmcille and support from Feisean nan Gaidheal.

Food and drink will be available throughout the day.

Tickets cost £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and U12s are free with a paying adult.

Camanachd Association members will receive 20% off their ticket price by showing their membership card.

Tickets for this event, which is supported also by EventScotland, can be purchased now on Ticketmaster online http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/The-Marine-Harvest-ShintyHurling-International-tickets/artist/5116159.

Picture courtesy of www.neilgpaterson.com