The Saturday Shinty Snapshot – Saturday 17 August 2013 | |
19 August 2013 Kyles Athletic winning the Artemis Macaulay Cup following a thrilling final in Oban was the highlight from the shinty fixtures on Saturday 17 August 2013.
Artemis Macaulay Cup - Final Kyles Athletic 4 Newtonmore 3 Kyles Athletic won the Artemis Macaulay Cup for the eleventh time when they beat Newtonmore 4-3 in a superb final at Mossfield. Kyles Athletic manager Norman MacDonald had Scotland U17 defender Zac Coley back from holiday to bolster his squad and Coley started on the bench with Cameron Keith given the nod in defence. MacDonald has also seen the likes of Andrew King and Callum Miller return from injury in recent weeks as his side looked to add to their Glasgow Celtic Society Cup success. Newtonmore manager Paul John MacKintosh was clearly disappointed last weekend when it became clear that he would be without Rory Kennedy after the Scotland U21 captain required surgery on a shattered finger sustained in the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup win over Fort William. Oban lad John MacKenzie started in Kennedy’s place. There was a concern over Cameron Binnie who suffered a hand injury during the game but he started in defence. The game came just in time for Kyles pair David Zavaroni and Andrew King as both will be suspended for next week’s Orion Group Premiership meeting with Inveraray. Newtonmore took the lead after 8 minutes. Kyles’ keeper Kenny MacDonald had to come off his line to foil Paul MacArthur after a cross-field ball from Steven MacDonald found the ‘More wing centre in space. MacArthur played the ball across to Danny MacRae and, with the keeper out of goal, MacRae steered the ball past two defenders into the top corner of the net to make it 1-0. However Kyles responded in the best possible way and they drew level just 4 minutes later. Roddy MacDonald came deep to collect possession and he released Sandy MacKenzie who surged forward and chipped the ball to Thomas Whyte who had completely lost his marker, Andy MacKintosh. Whyte raced goalwards and rounded Michael Ritchie to score from a tight angle to make it 1-1. There was controversy on 24 minutes when John MacKenzie got on the end of a Danny MacRae pass and fired a great shot into the net. However goal judge John MacGregor already had his flag raised for a Glen MacKintosh shove on Andrew King so the goal didn’t count. Kyles may have been happy to get to the half time interval on level terms given that they were playing against the elements but they took the lead on 38 minutes. Sandy MacKenzie was fouled on the Kyles right and Roberto Zavaroni knocked the free hit to Roddy MacDonald who got a yard on his marker Cameron Binnie and he leathered the ball past Ritchie to make it 2-1. Newtonmore equalised on 48 minutes when Danny MacRae controlled a half clearance from Kyles defender Calum Miller and Kenny MacDonald misjudged MacRae’s snap-shot which went low into the corner at the keeper’s left post to make it 2-2. Kyles got their noses in front on 62 minutes and it was a goal created by two former Bute players. Roberto Zavaroni held off Norman Campbell and David Zavaroni nipped in and dribbled the ball into the D before knocking in past Michael Ritchie to put the Tighnabruaich men 3-2 ahead. There was a flashpoint seconds later as referee Colin MacDonald threw the ball up to restart the game. The referee claimed that Robinson did not try to play the ball from the throw up and he sent off the Newtonmore captain. Michael Russell came on for Paul MacArthur for Newtonmore. The tide seemed to be turning against Newtonmore but the men from the Eilan showed great fighting spirit as Fraser MacKintosh found Glen MacKintosh in space with a free hit on the right and MacKintosh sent a great shot from distance into the top corner of the net to make it 3-3 with 67 minutes played. Kyles went back in front on 72 minutes when Roberto Zavaroni played in Roddy MacDonald and he jinked to make space before turning and sending a blistering drive into the roof of the Newtonmore net from a tight angle to make it 4-3. The match was now flowing from end to end and it looked as if Newtonmore had levelled on 74 minutes when Danny MacRae dispossessed Calum Miller outside the D and the Newtonmore talisman slotted the ball past Kenny MacDonald. However goal judge Lachie Wood flagged referee MacDonald’s attention and MacRae was told that he was being penalised for a kick in the lead up to the goal. The Newtonmore bench were furious and television replays showed that there was no kick. Kyles took Roddy MacDonald back to full centre and Newtonmore pushed Norman Campbell forward as heavy rain started to fall on the Mossfield pitch. There was almost a dramatic finish to the final as Steven MacDonald lofted a stunning ball from wide on the right into the Kyles goal area 3 minutes into injury time and the ball dropped on the top of the crossbar. Referee Colin MacDonald’s final whistle signalled the Kyles celebrations and they have now added the Artemis Macaulay Cup to the Glasgow Celtic Society Cup which was won earlier in the season. Roddy MacDonald was deservedly named man of the match before Kyles captain Robbie MacLeod lifted the famous trophy which heads to Tighnabruaich for the eleventh time. It was a cracking final and it has raised expectation even further for the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final between the sides which takes place in just four weeks time.
Orion Group Premiership Kinlochshiel 1 Lovat 2 Lovat edged out Kinlochshiel with a 2-1 win in their 2.50pm throw up at Kirkton. The match had been scheduled to start at 3pm but referee Graham Cameron sought both sides’ agreement to bring the throw up forward slightly because of concerns about the weather. However the rain held off for most of the game and both sides served up an entertaining contest. Kinlochshiel manager Johnston Gill had a number of absentees. Gordie MacDonald and Fraser MacVicar have long term injuries whilst Duncan “Ach” MacRae and Davie Glass were on holiday. John MacRae was also missing as he served a one game suspension for a points accumulation. However Scott Kennedy returned in goal which meant that Ewan Falconer, who performed heroics as stand-in keeper in the 1-1 draw with Kyles Athletic the previous week, started on the bench. Lovat manager Allan MacRae was without defender Callum Cruden who served the second game of a two match ban. Midfielder Martin Mainland remained on the injury list and Ryan Ferguson was just fit enough to take up a place on the bench. Greg Matheson started at full centre with Craig Mainland dropping into defence to replace Callum Cruden. Drew Howie took his place in the side but he will be banned for next week’s trip to Oban Camanachd. There was also a starting slot for former Skye Camanachd player Iain Nicolson at wing centre and he darted forward to get onto the end of a Lorne MacKay ball from the right after 2 minutes and he made space before sending an angled drive into the net off Scott Kennedy’s left post. Lovat looked dangerous and Lorne MacKay in particular was causing the ‘Shiel defence problems. Kinlochshiel started to settle into the game and they levelled after 26 minutes. Oliver MacRae played in a low corner from the left which Finlay MacRae initially dummied before turning and sending a low shot on target which seemed to deceive Stuart MacDonald at his right post. Scott Kennedy chested down a Kevin Bartlett shot as Lovat tried to regain the lead but the sides went into the break all square. Lovat were shooting down the slope in the second half and Scott Kennedy made a superb flying save when he dived to his right to turn away a Kevin Bartlett shot with his caman. The home side almost went in front when Stuart MacDonald saved from David Falconer but Scott MacLean, back in the side after an absence, put the rebound the wrong side of the post. Lovat went back in front on 66 minutes when Kevin Bartlett found Lorne MacKay at the back post and he slammed the ball into the net to make it 2-1. Alasdair Nixon set up Keith MacRae moments later but Stuart MacDonald made an important save. Lovat had the chance to increase their lead from the penalty spot on 72 minutes. Greg Matheson, who had been pushed into attack at the start of the second half, burst into the home goal area and was stopped by keeper Kennedy almost on the goal line. Kennedy seemed to throw the ball to safety which was spotted by the goal judge and referee Graham Cameron correctly pointed to the penalty spot. There was a delay before Greg Matheson took his spot hit as an injured John Don MacKenzie left the field to be replaced by Graham MacRae with David Falconer dropping back into defence. Greg Matheson hit the penalty well enough but Scott Kennedy got his body behind the ball to make a brave save. ‘Shiel pressed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages of the game, and Graham MacRae’s proved to be a handful, but they were unable to breach the Lovat defence to get the point their play merited. Craig Mainland was outstanding in defence for Lovat and Lorne MacKay and Kevin Bartlett were a constant threat. Finlay MacRae was ‘Shiel’s top performer, closely followed by Mark MacDonald and keeper Scott Kennedy, who was clearly suffering a leg muscle injury for the closing quarter of the game, but still made some important saves. Lovat have reduced Newtonmore’s lead at the top of the table to a single point but ‘More have three games in hand.
Kingussie 0 Fort William 1 A Daniel Stewart goal just 7 minutes from time gave Fort William two precious points and a 1-0 win over Kingussie at the Dell. Fraser Munro was still banned for the home side whilst Ronald Ross and Paul Gow were injured. Louis Munro was also absent although he is nearing a return following a trip abroad. Fort William were without Chris Bamber and Gordie MacKinnon as well as long term absentees Liam McIntyre and Gary Innes. Fort William probably just about deserved the win as they created more chances on what was a perfect surface. Steven Stewart was excellent at the back for the Fort as were Arran MacPhee and Jack Fraser on the wings. The winning goal came after 83 minutes when Daniel Stewart netted. Fort William are still in the second relegation spot but they are now just two points behind Kyles Athletic who have two games in hand. The Fort have a hugely important derby meeting with Lochaber at Spean Bridge next weekend.
Glenurquhart 3 Lochaber 1 Glenurquhart halted Lochaber’s impressive unbeaten run with a 3-1 triumph in their 3pm throw up at Blairbeg. Glenurquhart’s John Barr had to watch from the sidelines as he served a one game ban for a points accumulation although he would have been a doubt anyway with a hamstring injury. The home side were also missing David MacLennan, James MacPherson, Billy Urquhart, Andrew MacDonald and Ruaridh Cameron. Ross MacAulay kept his place at wing back and Fraser Heath dropped into full back to cover for John Barr. Fraser MacKenzie took sole charge of the Glen as fellow co-manager Drew McNeil was on television duties at the Artemis Macaulay Cup Final. Ben Delaney was back from holiday for Lochaber however he was ruled out following an accident at work. Neil MacDonald remained out through suspension. Lochaber were also missing Kevin Ferguson. Glenurquhart started strongly and they took the lead after just 5 minutes following a fantastic move that involved five separate players with slick passes before David Smart finished the move off to make it 1-0. Neale Reid took advantage of a slip by a Lochaber defender on 10 minutes to fire the Glen 2-0 ahead. A Zandz Ferguson snapshot on 17 minutes reduced the deficit and pulled Lochaber back into the game. Lochaber started well at the start of the second half but they couldn't make their pressure count and eventually Glenurquhart started to take control again and deservedly scored a third when Neale Reid went on a mazy run and fired high past the Lochaber keeper Calum MacDonald to make it 3-1. Andrew Corrigan impressed for Glenurquhart at buckshee back whilst Lewis MacLennan and Neale Reid were strong in attack as was David Smart. However the Glen must be delighted with how Ross MacAulay has played since coming into the first team.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Beauly 2 Caberfeidh 1 Caberfeidh will have to take at least a point from their final Marine Harvest North Division 1 match against Strathglass if they are to finish third and qualify for next season’s national second tier following their 2-1 defeat to Beauly at Braeview Park. Beauly were without the services of Conor Ross and the injured Scott MacLeod. Keeper MacKay Murray was also unavailable so Rory Campbell took over in goal. The home side got off to a great start when Sean Stewart scored from a Calum Morrison cross on just 3 minutes. Cabers equalised on 23 minutes when Ruairidh capitalised on some hesitancy in the home defence to score. Sean Stewart got his and Beauly’s second on 31 minutes following a goalmouth scramble. Caberfeidh pressed hard in the second half for the goal that would have guaranteed them a third place finish but it wasn’t to be and they now need to take something from their final game against Strathglass.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Glasgow Mid Argyll 1 Bute 0 Glasgow Mid Argyll bounced back from their defeat to Glenorchy to go two points clear at the top of the table with what could prove to be a crucial 1-0 victory over second place Bute at Yoker. Both sides struggled to break the deadlock but Bute had a great chance to take the lead 10 minutes from time when referee David Mitchell awarded them a penalty but Paul Creighton saved Robert Walker’s spot-hit with his feet. GMA went on to make their opponents pay when former Kilmallie player Nick Lavin scored in the final minute to give the home side both points. The teams still have three more league matches to play including one more head-to-head at the Meadows on Saturday 7 September 2013. However GMA’s goal difference is considerably better than Bute’s which gives them an added cushion.
Lochside Rovers 5 Taynuilt 0 Lochside Rovers had a comfortable 5-0 win over Taynuilt in their 11.30am throw up in Oban. Brian MacCallum and Malcolm Clark each notched doubles for the home side whilst David Lafferty got the other. Lochside Rovers have now opened up a gap between themselves in fourth place and the teams below them.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Newtonmore 2 Kingussie 4 Kingussie came out on top with a 4-2 victory in the Badenoch derby meeting with Newtonmore at the Eilan on Friday 16 August 2013. Newtonmore were along usual lines with injury victims JD MacLeod and Neil Stewart their only absentees. Kingussie, in their final game of the season, fielded a strong side with Lee Bain again at full back and Thomas Borthwick at full centre and youngster Bob MacGregor in attack. Kingussie veteran Kevin Thain gave his side a 10 minute lead in this 6.30pm throw up. Chris Holleysong added a second on 27 minutes and the visitors, who enjoyed most of the first half pressure, took the 2-0 lead into the break. Newtonmore’s Sam Richardson pulled a goal back on 51 minutes but Chris Holleysong got his second goal of the game on 72 minutes to make it 3-1. Newtonmore edged the second period but Savio Genini gave Kingussie a 4-2 lead 5 minutes from time and, although Newtonmore’s Chris Sellar scored in the final minute, Kingussie took the points with a 4-2 win which was their first victory over the Newtonmore second string for four years.
Glenurquhart 3 Aberdeen University 0 Glenurquhart completed their league programme with a 3-0 win over Aberdeen University in their noon throw up at Blairbeg. David Fraser was free of suspension for the Students. Iain MacDonald gave the Glen the lead on the half hour mark with what was the only goal of the first half. Liam Girvan made it 2-0 just 4 minutes into the second half. Iain MacDonald’s second and the Glen’s third on 65 minutes rounded off the win.
Lovat 4 Fort William 1 Lovat had players back for their 2pm meeting with Fort William at Balgate. Thomas Fraser put the Strathdearn Cup finalists ahead on 18 minutes. Jimmy MacKenzie made it 2-0 a couple of minutes before the half time interval. Davie Duncan pulled a goal back for the Fort on 67 minutes only for Jimmy MacKenzie to get his second and Lovat’s third just 3 minutes later. A Jamie Matheson strike 3 minutes from time ensured second place Lovat took full advantage of league leaders Newtonmore’s defeat to Kingussie the previous evening. The sides are level on points at the top of the table although Newtonmore have a significantly better goal difference. Newtonmore have four games remaining whilst Lovat have three matches to go.
Kinlochshiel 1 Beauly 4 Beauly beat Strathdearn Cup finalists Kinlochshiel 4-1 in their noon throw up at Kirkton. The visitors travelled with just twelve players, and gave debuts to U14 duo Sandy Elrick and Robbie Brindle. Beauly got off to a great start when referee Archie Ritchie awarded them a penalty after 2 minutes. Beauly full forwarded Martin Davidson stepped up to score from the spot. Beauly’s Sandy Elrick, who had played for the Beauly U14s against Skye Camanachd the previous evening, put the visitors 2-0 in front with a goal on 26 minutes. Jordan Fraser was on target for ‘Shiel 5 minutes into the second half to reduce the deficit. However Martin Davidson got his second goal of the afternoon on 58 minutes to make it 3-1. Sandy Elrick rounded off a fine performance with his second and Beauly’s fourth goal just 10 minutes from time to make it 4-1.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Ballachulish 4 Aberdour 1 Ballachulish continued to play catch up with their league fixtures as they beat Aberdour 4-1 at Jubilee Park. Ballachulish’s John MacDonald served a one match ban for a points accumulation. Craig Matheson gave bottom of the table Aberdour a shock 3 minute lead but Andrew Young made it 1-1 on 19 minutes. John Clark put ‘Balla in front on 23 minutes and a second half Michael Slezas brace on 48 and 53 minutes ended the hopes of the spirited Aberdour side. Ballachulish now trail league leaders Kyles Athletic by six points but they have three games in hand. The title rivals have a noon showdown at Tighnabruaich next weekend which could go a long way to deciding the championship race.
Tayforth 1 Inveraray 0 Tayforth took the points with a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Inveraray at Musselburgh. Steven Wands got the all-important goal on 74 minutes.
Marine Harvest North Division 3 Lochcarron 2 Boleskine 0 Lochcarron will join Lochaber and Boleskine in next season’s Marine Harvest North Division 2 after their 2-0 win over Boleskine at Battery Park. An Alan MacKenzie goal 3 minutes from the start and an Andrew Slaughter strike 3 minutes from the end sealed the win. Third place Lochcarron now trail second place Boleskine by two points but they have two games to go whilst Boleskine have now finished their league programme.
Caberfeidh 2 Lewis Camanachd 2 Caberfeidh and Lewis Camanachd shared the points in a 2-2 draw in what was a 1pm throw up at Castle Leod. The Islanders led through a 7 minutes Duncan MacIntyre strike but Malky Morrison levelled on 21 minutes. Lewis went back in front on 31 minutes through Alasdair Lamont but Cabers pegged them back for a second time when Martin MacDonald found the back of the net on 58 minutes to make it 2-2.
Lochbroom 1 Inverness 5 Inverness returned from Ullapool with both points following a 5-1 win over Lochbroom. Andrew Henderson put Inverness ahead after just 2 minutes and the same player added a second to make it 2-0. Former Skye Camanachd player Dougie Rankin made it 3-0 on 33 minutes and the Capital side took that advantage into the break. Scott Watson got a fourth for the visitors on 53 minutes and although Gregor Cooper pulled a goal back for Lochbroom on 74 minutes, George MacInnes was on target on the stroke of full time to make it 5-1.
Kilmallie P Strathspey Camanachd P The match between Kilmallie and Strathspey at the Canal Parks has been put back to Saturday 24 August 2013. |