The Shinty Round Up - Saturday 5 June 2021 | |
07 June 2021 Shinty returned after a 15 month absence but the current restrictions have prompted the introduction of a truncated season with teams split on a regional basis to reduce travel. There was a minutes silence ahead of all matches as shinty remembered friends of the game who had passed away during the preceding 15 months.
Mowi Senior League A Skye Camanachd 0 Kinlochshiel 0 With Skye’s home match with Kilmallie and Kinlochshiel’s trip to Fort William both called off because of covid issues in the Lochaber area, a fixture between Skye and Kinlochshiel was rearranged for Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Skye manager Kenny MacLeod had James Morrison back and he started in defence with Ally “Cleodi” MacLeod moved into midfield and James Pringle joining the attack. Iain MacLellan, who scored the winner in the friendly against Lovat the previous week, dropped onto the bench. Kinlochshiel defender Mark MacDonald was out after suffering a broken toe in the friendly at Kingussie the previous Saturday whilst Duncan Matheson continued at wing back. Skye created the game’s first chance as Ross Gordon touched William MacKinnon’s long ball to the left infield to Jordan Murchison whose low shot was saved with an outstretched left foot by Josh Grant. Skye lost wing centre Ally “Cleodi” MacLeod with a slight groin problem early on and he went off as a precautionary measure. Iain MacLellan came on in attack with James Pringle dropping back into the centre line. Kinlochshiel were similarly affected soon after with Keith MacRae withdrawn in preference to young Archie MacRae who was promptly booked for a late swing which caught James Morrison. In between times, John MacRae made space for himself in front of goal but his deflected shot rose over the bar. Iain MacLellan was soon in the action as he played the ball across to Ross Gordon on the Skye right but Paul MacRae dived in, using his body to block Gordon’s shot. When Ross Gordon knocked down William MacKinnon’s free hit from inside his own half, Iain MacLellan saw his shot saved with his legs by Josh Grant. Skye were forced to make a second change when Will Cowie twisted his knee. Cowie started the match with heavy strapping on the knee and manager Kenny MacLeod will hope he is not sidelined for long. Jamie Gillies came on at wing centre. ‘Shiel had the final chance of the first half when Jordan Fraser shot wide of Ryan Morrison’s right post. Ryan Morrison had to come quickly off his line to sweep away John MacRae’s diagonal ball from the left before Jordan Fraser could capitalise. Skye were forced into a third change when Jordan Fraser’s shot hit John Gillies in a delicate area at close range. Gillies was treated by Skye medic Helen Gilpin but was unable to continue. Jamie Gillies went to his more familiar position of full back and Ally “Cleodi” MacLeod was sufficiently recovered to return to the field of play. Keith MacRae was also back on and he saw a shot saved with his feet by Ryan Morrison. A terrific reverse pass from Jordan Murchison on the Skye right picked out Ross Gordon but he had to run to the left of the D and Josh Grant was quickly off his line to block his path. Skye almost won it with the last hit of the game. William MacKinnon’s floated free-hit from the right of midfield, towards the Skeabost end of the ground, was taken down by Ross MacKinnon who played in James Pringle. Pringle found Jordan Murchison who turned quickly and his hook-shot whistled just outside the top corner of the net on the keeper’s left side. Whilst ‘Shiel had most of the pressure in the match, Skye had the better chances, and the Skye defence of John Gillies, Martin Pringle, James Morrison and William MacKinnon, joined by Jamie Gillies midway through the second half, were all excellent meaning goalie Ryan Morrison had very few saves to make.
Fort William P Kinlochshiel P The match between Fort William and Kinlochshiel at An Aird was postponed early in the week because of covid issues in the Lochaber area.
Skye Camanachd P Kilmallie P The meeting between Skye camanachd and Kilmallie at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree was called off at the start of the week because of covid issues in the Lochaber area.
Glenurquhart P Lochaber P The game between Glenurquhart and Lochaber at Blairbeg was postponed because of covid issues in the Lochaber area.
Mowi Senior League B Kingussie 2 Lovat 1 Kingussie came from a goal down to beat Lovat 2-1 at the Dell. Kingussie left Ryan Borthwick out so as not to risk aggravating a groin injury. Lee Bain was injured. Craig Mainland returned for Lovat after missing the preseason games. Lovat made a good start but Kingussie settled and began to apply pressure. Kingussie used a rehearsed free-hit routine to create a chance in the first half. James Falconer gave Ruaridh Anderson sight of goal on the right but Lovat goalie Stuart MacDonald saved with his club. Soon after, Roddy Young made a great run down the right and into the D but Stuart MacDonald came off his line to foil him. Kingussie suffered a blow before the break when Roddy Young had to come off with a pulled hamstring. He was replaced by Liam Borthwick. Kingussie keeper Rory MacGregor saved well with his hand before clearing to keep out Fraser Heath’s strike from the left. After a goalless first half, Lovat took the lead on 56 minutes. Lorne MacKay’s free-hit from the left found Fraser Heath and his touch took the ball to the edge of the D where he calmly finished. Kingussie didn’t let their heads drop though and they equalised on 71 minutes. Liam Borthwick played the ball wide on the right where Savio Genini chased after it. Genini’s cross was flicked on by Liam Borthwick and came to Ruaridh Anderson whose looping first time effort rose high before dropping into the top corner of the net to the keeper’s right. It was now all to play for and Stuart MacDonald dived to palm away James Falconer’s shot from the right. James Falconer then burst into the D in an attempt to get on the end of the resultant corner on the left but he was barged down by Craig Mainland. The ball fell for Liam Borthwick outside the D and he drove home. Lovat claimed for offside with Falconer still on the ground inside the D. Referee Calum Girvan spoke to his goal judge before awarding a penalty for the earlier challenge on Falconer. Alexander Michie was the calmest player at the Dell as he hammered the ball to the keeper’s right to make it 2-1. Lovat went for a leveller and Callum Cruden’s low shot following Lewis Tawse’s corner from the left was saved with his feet by Rory MacGregor and cleared by the home defence at the expense of a free-hit on the left. Callum Cruden played the ball across the D and Lovat claimed for a penalty as Greg Matheson went down under Alexander Michie’s challenge but referee Calum Girvan waved away their pleas and keeper Rory MacGregor ran off his line to his left to clear the ball upfield.
Beauly 0 Newtonmore 1 Newtonmore beat Beauly 1-0 on a glorious, sunny day at Braeview Park. Beauly had David MacLean at full centre against his former club after he rejoined the Greens following a spell with Newtonmore. Jack MacDonald and Sean Stewart were in attack. Newtonmore keeper Owen Fraser recovered sufficiently from a shoulder injury to start meaning Kenny Ross was listed as an outfield substitute. Michael Russell, Chris Sellar and Conor Jones were amongst ‘More’s injury absentees and there were starting places for Darrin Fowler and Stuart Mitchell in defence alongside the more experienced Rory Kennedy and Steven Macdonald. The teams were quickly into the action and it was clear from early on that Beauly keeper MacKay Murray was going to have a key role to play. After 5 minutes, Murray saved well from ‘More full forward Paul MacArthur with the ball deflected for a corner. Angus Renwick and Paul MacArthur were having a good tussle whilst Steven MacDonald was commanding in defence for Newtonmore. Drew MacDonald’s shot from the left wing on 30 minutes was destined for the bottom left-hand corner of the net but MacKay Murray was again equal to the task as he flicked the ball away for another corner. However the inevitable Newtonmore goal arrived on 33 minutes. The ball was played out to Iain Robinson on the ‘More right and he crossed to Paul MacArthur who appeared to be shoved as he took the ball down. Referee John Angus Gillies allowed advantage as the ball broke to Max Campbell, ‘More’s new signing from Lochaber, on the left side and he blasted a 20 yard shot which gave MacKay Murray no chance. It was a lead Newtonmore deservedly took into the break and they also came out strongly from the restart, continuing to press the Beauly defence who were standing up to the challenge. The second half was only 4 minutes old when Beauly’s Ryan MacKay suffered an accidental blow to the head inside the D and he received treatment before being taken off to have butterfly stitches inserted. There was a huge goalmouth scramble on the hour when Paul MacArthur forced another MacKay Murray save. Beauly couldn’t clear the danger and there was a scramble but the visitors couldn’t get the ball into the net. Play was eventually halted when referee John Angus Gillies spotted that keeper MacKay Murray had been pushed in the back in the melee and the chance was gone. The teams were well matched in the centre line where David MacLean and Jamie Robinson had a good tussle in the full centre positions. The ‘More defence limited Beauly to few opportunities in front of goal and Owen Fraser did not have a shot to save in the second half. This was a good game and whilst Newtonmore were happy with the win, there were plenty of pluses for Beauly. Steven Macdonald was Newtonmore’s best player on the day whilst new Beauly captain Angus Renwick was solid at full back and Ross Forbes played well, home keeper MacKay Murray was the man of the match. There were two bookings with Beauly’s Robbie Brindle yellow carded for kicking the ball away as Newtonmore were about to take a free-hit and ‘More’s Steven Macdonald for foul language.
Strathglass 2 Caberfeidh 6 Caberfeidh made a winning start to the season, defeating Strathglass 6-2 at Cannich. Strathglass included Neil Hope who has joined the club from Boleskine. Skipper Josh Fraser was at full back. Caberfeidh were without Blair Morrison who has a hand injury whilst Ally MacLennan has indicated that he will not be available this season. Scottish international Kevin Bartlett set an early marker with goals on 3 and 10 minutes. However when referee Iain Kennedy awarded Strathglass a penalty on 30 minutes, Penri Jones stepped up to score from the spot. Craig Morrison was shinty’s top scorer in 2019 and he opened his 2021 account in style with four goals on 34, 63, 65 and 85 minutes and he could have scored more. Penri Jones had the final say when he scored his second a couple of minutes from time. Caberfeidh will be pleased with the win but Strathglass will rue some errors which made their opponents’ task easier.
Mowi Senior League C Glasgow Mid Argyll 0 Oban Camanachd 0 With covid restrictions in Glasgow relaxed at midnight, Oban Camanachd were able to travel to Peterson Park to play Glasgow Mid Argyll in their opening Mowi League C match only a matter of hours later. There has been a player turnover at Oban Camanachd with Andrew “Papa” MacCuish, Lorne Dickie and Gary McKerracher opting out this term and Garry Lord, Scott MacMillan and Keith MacMillan unavailable for this one. GMA had their own issues with previous Level 3 restrictions preventing contact training ahead of the game. Oliver MacRae, who is back at the club following a short stint at his original club Kinlochshiel, was missing. It was to be a frustrating afternoon for Oban Camanachd. They dominated possession and created three or four golden chances but were unable to score the goal they desperately wanted. Daniel MacCuish went through one-on-one with the keeper in the first half but sent the ball agonisingly wide and then Daniel MacVicar was unable to connect from a rebound off the GMA keeper. The second half went flat with the Camanachd continuing to dominate and visiting keeper Cameron Sutherland having little to do.
Oban Celtic 0 Kyles Athletic 4 Kyles Athletic were quick out of the blocks against Oban Celtic at Mossfield and it took the hosts time to settle into the game. Colin MacDonald put Kyles ahead on 11 minutes, reacting first to a rebound after home keeper Allan ‘Spider’ Duncan had made a save. The hosts, who were already without Ross MacMillan and Craig MacDougall, lost Craig MacMillan through injury on 15 minutes although he was able to return later. George MacMillan switched to half back where he played very well. Roddy Macdonald started in defence for Kyles but he was soon pushed up front and he added a second on 23 minutes with Ross Macrae on 36 minutes making it 3-0 at the break. Roddy Macdonald’s second on the hour was the goal of the match as he cleverly pushed the ball into space before crashing home a great 25 yard strike on the angle. Oban Celtic had their moments in the game with Daniel MacMillan finding joy down the right side and they will be concerned by a knee injury sustained by David Hill.
Aberdour 1 Inveraray 6 Inveraray were too strong for Aberdour, winning 6-1 at Silversands. Coll MacKay gave Inveraray the lead in the opening minute and Fraser Watt added a second on 7 minutes. The goal spree continued as Ruairidh Reid pulled a goal back on 11 minutes only for Fraser Watt to get a second to make it 3-1 on 14 minutes. Lewis MacNicol made it 3-1 at the break with his 31 minute effort. Inveraray added to their tally in the second half as Coll MacKay on 57 minutes and Lewis MacNicol just 4 minutes later both got their second goals of the afternoon.
Mowi North League A Glengarry 5 Skye Camanachd 1 Glengarry beat the Skye Camanachd seconds 5-1 at Craigard. Raymond Robertson gave ‘Garry the lead on 19 minutes whilst Shaun Nicolson, who has joined the club from Lochaber, made it 2-0 on 27 minutes. Raymond Robertson again on the half hour made it 3-0 at the break. Shaun Nicolson got his second just 5 minutes after the restart but Skye youngster Taylor Matheson made it 4-1 on 63 minutes. Raymond Robertson completed his hat-trick on 76 minutes to get ‘Garry off to a flying start in their league campaign. The young Skye players battled to the end and were unlucky not to score a couple more times.
Kinlochshiel P Fort William P The clash between the Kinlochshiel and Fort William second teams at Rèaraig will be rearranged because of covid issues in the Lochaber area.
Lochcarron were the free team in this five-team division.
Mowi North League B Lovat 0 Kingussie 5 The Kingussie second team were 5-0 victors against their Lovat counterparts at Balgate. Dylan Borthwick got the Kings off to a great start with early goals on 2 and 5 minutes. Ewan Baker netted on 39 minutes to make it 3-0 at the break. Dylan Borthwick continued to shine as he added strikes 65 and 90 minutes to complete a four-goal haul.
Newtonmore 5 Glenurquhart 2 The Newtonmore seconds team overcame the Glenurquhart second team 5-2 at the Eilan. The Glen went in front through David MacLennan on 13 minutes but when referee Willie MacDonald awarded the hosts a penalty a couple of minutes later, Craig MacLeod stepped up to level from the penalty spot. ‘More went on a scoring spree with Connor Aubrey (20), a second from Craig MacLeod (34) and Brodie MacLean (37) putting them 4-1 ahead at half-time. Somhairle Thomson made it 5-1 a minute after the restart although Thomas Stebbings made it 5-2 on 78 minutes.
Caberfeidh 1 Inverness 2 The Inverness first team defeated the Caberfeidh second team 2-1 at Castle Leod. Iain Hunter gave the Highland Capital side a 5 minute lead and that’s the way it stayed until Charlie MacDonald made it 2-0 on 69 minutes. Logan Beaton pulled a goal back for Cabers a couple of minutes from time but Inverness stayed in front to take the points.
Mowi North League C Inverness 2 Strathspey Camanachd 4 Strathspey Camanachd were 4-2 winners against the Inverness second team in their 3pm throw up at the Bught Park. Inverness led through Ruaraidh Hughes on the half-hour but Euan Dingwall made it 1-1 at the end of the first half. Strathspey then took the lead through Robert Shields on 56 minutes but Lee Harrison made it 2-2 just 5 minutes later. Goals from Trevor MacKintosh on 68 minutes and a second from Robert Shields on 74 minutes gave Strathspey victory.
Aberdeen University P Beauly P The match between Aberdeen University and the Beauly reserves at Balgownie was postponed because of travel difficulties.
Lewis Camanachd P Boleskine P The 1pm throw Up between Lewis Camanachd and Boleskine at Farr didn’t go ahead. Lewis Camanachd issued a statement during the week saying that they regretted to announce that they have to withdraw from the beginning of the 2021 season. The statement went on to say that despite Lewis Camanachd making every effort to take part in this season’s competition, including forgoing home matches and hiring 50 seater coaches to comply with social distancing for each match, the current ferry situation has made playing games in June and July untenable. Due to covid restrictions, CalMac vessels are restricted to 30% capacity and as things stand there is no space available for group bookings on Saturday sailings for the next eight weeks. Unfortunately, due to the enormous costs involved, waiting week by week for cancellations is not feasible and would put undue stress on volunteer officials. Lewis Camanachd hopes that if social distancing rules on vessels are relaxed, and given the special circumstances of this season, one round of fixtures may be possible in late summer. This proposal has the support of the Camanachd Association and the club thanked the association their help during this process.
The Strathglass seconds were the free team in this five-team division.
Mowi South League A Lochside Rovers 1 Bute 1 Lochside Rovers and Bute drew 1-1 in their meeting at Ganavan. Lochside boss Gareth Evans was able to field Garry Lord and Scott MacMillan and his side took the lead on 9 minutes. The ball was played wide to Innes Jackson who crossed to the back post where Lewis Buchanan’s first-time shot flew high into the net. Scott Buchanan was in goal for Lochside as regular keeper Dougie MacDonald was working and he made an unbelievable save, palming a deflected Ryan Craig bullet-shot over the bar. Lochside had to withdraw Keith MacMillan at half-time because of work commitments. The Islanders had the chance to level from the penalty spot on the hour but Ryan Craig’s spot-hit went down the middle and Scott Buchanan saved with his legs. However Ryan Craig did equalise just 11 minutes from time as his 30 yard shot bounced into the net. Bute had keeper Stuart Stirling, in goal in place of Kevin Queen, to thank late in the game when he stretched to turn Lewis Buchanan’s fierce shot from around the penalty spot over the bar. Calum MacMillan and Louis MacFarlane did well at the back for Lochside with Innes Jackson also shining up front. Bute fielded a young side and the contest was hard fought and feisty at times on a fiery surface. Lochside edged the first half with Bute the better team after the restart so a draw was probably a fair result.
Taynuilt 1 Col Glen 4 Col Glen beat Taynuilt 4-1 at the Taynuilt Sports Field. Billy Irving put Taynuilt ahead on the half-hour with what was the only goal of the first half. However Sandy Paterson (60), Scott MacVicar (65), Finnan Kennedy (70) and Andrew Tyre (78) all scored in the final 30 minutes to give Col Glen victory.
Inveraray 3 Ballachulish 3 The Inveraray seconds and Ballachulish drew 3-3 in their match at the Winterton. Garry MacPherson on 20 minutes and Craig Taylor on 35 minutes had the hosts 2-0 ahead at the break. However Keir Irvine on 50 minutes and Cian MacPhee on 55 minutes pulled Balla’ level. Inveraray regained the lead through Euan Donnan on 70 minutes but Allan Clark earned Balla’ a point with a goal just 7minutes from time.
Mowi South League B Tayforth 5 Kyles Athletic 1 Tayforth beat the Kyles Athletic colts 5-1 at Peffermill. Kyles took the lead through Kieran Chrystal on 7 minutes but Ewan Menzies pulled Tayforth level on 12 minutes and it stayed that way until half-time. The second half belonged to Tayforth with Ewan Menzies going on the complete his hat-trick with goals on 65 and 70 minutes. Finlay Stark made it 4-1 on 75 minutes and Sean Taylor completed the scoring just 3 minutes later.
Bute P Glasgow Mid Argyll P The meeting between the Bute seconds and the Glasgow Mid Argyll seconds at the Meadows was called off on Saturday morning because of travel issues.
The Aberdour colts were the free team in this five-team division.
Mowi Central League Ardnamurchan 1 Glenorchy 4 The meeting between Glenorchy and Ardnamurchan was switched from Mart Park to Strontian. Glenorchy’s Arik MacKechnie grabbed a first half hat-trick with goals on 27, 32 and 38 minutes and Conor Sartain made it 4-0 at the interval with a goal on 41 minutes. Ardnamurchan rallied though and Freddie Patterson pulled a goal back 11 minutes after the restart to make the final score 4-1.
Kilmallie P Oban Celtic P The contest between the Kilmallie reserves and the Oban Celtic reserves at the Canal Parks was postponed because of covid issues in the Lochaber area.
Lochaber P Kilmory P The game between the Lochaber second team and Kilmory at Spean Bridge was called off because the visitors were unable to raise a team.
(All throw ups were at 2.30pm unless the match report states differently) |