Memory Lane - 2000 / 2001 Shinty Season Part 15/20 | |
06 January 2016 As Skye Camanachd look forward to their first season in shinty’s top division since 2002, let’s look back to the 2000 / 01 season, Skye’s first year in the national top tier. The Islanders only spell in the National Premier Division came when they won promotion from the National League Division 1 after a final-day win over Lochcarron at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree at the end of the 1999 / 2000 season. Skye joined Fort William, Glenorchy, Kilmallie, Kingussie, Kyles Athletic Newtonmore and Oban Camanachd in an eight team top flight in hope of winning the championship but with a definite aim of avoiding finishing bottom of the table which would mean relegation. Skye travelled to Mart Park to face fellow relegation battlers Glenorchy knowing it was crucial that they took something from the game.
Saturday 7 April 2001 Marine Harvest National Premier Division Glenorchy 4 Skye Camanachd 4 Skye recovered from going 2-0 down to draw 4-4 with Glenorchy at Mark Park. Skye travelled South without keeper John “Podge” MacLeod, John Angus Gillies and Peter Gordon. 1990 Camanachd Cup winning custodian John “Bodach” MacKenzie answered a call from boss Angie Murchison to play in goal. It was first blood to Glenorchy as Des McNulty gave them an early lead following a free-hit. There was worse to come for Skye as Craig Scott made it 2-0. However the re-jigged Skye side started to settle into the game and they pulled a goal back on 15 minutes. A Willie Cowie strike deflected high into the air and John MacLean muscled in to send the rebound past Glenorchy keeper Graham MacKechnie into the net to make it 2-1. Glenorchy restored their two-goal advantage when Craig Scott punished slackness in the Islanders’ defence to make it 3-1. Skye needed some inspiration and that came a minute later when Willie Cowie beat three Glenorchy players before scoring a great goal to make it 3-2. Skye drew level on 33 minutes with Dougie Rankin on target and it was now anybody’s game. However Skye lost their concentration and Glenorchy went back in front straight from the restart when Craig Scott completed his hat-trick to make it 4-3. Glenorchy had a great chance to increase their advantage when they were awarded a penalty after Skye defender Ewen “Yogi” MacSween was penalised for a “kick”. However John “Bodach” MacKenzie made a brilliant save with his caman from Des McNulty’s spot-hit. Skye earned a valuable point with a goal after 52 minutes. Willie Cowie was the provider as he slipped the ball to Willie MacRae who steered a shot past the keeper to make it 4-4. Both sides had chances to win it but it was a good point for Skye after such a slow start to the match. |