The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 12 April 2014 | |
13 April 2014 There was mainly league shinty action with all eyes on the Orion Group Premiership clash between shinty’s top two; Newtonmore and Lovat, on Saturday 12 April 2014.
Orion Group Premiership Newtonmore 0 Lovat 2 Shinty’s match of the day was the top of the table Orion Group Premiership encounter between Newtonmore and Lovat at the Eilan. Champions Newtonmore were along usual lines for this meeting with their main rivals, Lovat and Fraser MacKintosh started at full forward. Lewis Tawse returned for Lovat and he came straight into their starting line-up. There was a strong, cold wind blowing across the Eilan throughout the game. Newtonmore suffered a blow on 25 minutes when full back Norman Campbell and wing centre Andy MacKintosh had to leave the field of play – both with hamstring problems. Michael Russell and Craig Ritchie came on in their place with Steven MacDonald going to full back. Lovat were forced to make a change shortly after when defender Daniel Grieve, who was feeling the effects from an accident at work, had to come off. Craig Mainland dropped back into defence with Graeme MacMillan coming off the substitutes’ bench. Newtonmore had the bulk of the first half pressure but there were no goals in the opening 45 minutes. Lovat went in front on 54 minutes. Kevin Bartlett collected a pass from Lewis Tawse and home keeper Michael Ritchie was unable to adjust his feet to keep out Bartlett’s shot from distance which went through his legs. Newtonmore came within a whisker of levelling when an incredible sequence of events saw a Glen MacKintosh shot come back off the post. MacKintosh got to the rebound only for Stuart MacDonald to save and when the ball dropped to MacKintosh again, he hit the other post and it didn’t look as if it would be Newtonmore’s day. Kevin Bartlett is proving to be a valuable asset since his switch from Caberfeidh to Lovat at the start of the 2013 season and he made it 2-0 on 83 minutes. Lovat had been defending but a speedy counter-attack saw that Balgate men break forward at pace. Michael Ritchie was forced to race from his line to halt the attack but Kevin Bartlett slotted the ball past the onrushing keeper into the net. There were no bookings and so no paperwork for referee Deek Cameron. There is no doubt that Newtonmore had the vast majority of the pressure – they also hit the crossbar - but several teams already this season are finding the Balgate men’s counter-attacking style of shinty difficult to deal with. They have taken a maximum twelve points from their opening six matches and their tight defence, with Callum Cruden outstanding against ‘More, has only conceded four goals along the way. The win leaves Lovat with a perfect six wins from their first six matches. They lead Newtonmore by four points although the men from the Eilan have a game in hand.
Lochaber 2 Kingussie 5 Kingussie took the points with a 5-2 win over Lochaber at Spean Bridge. Lochaber forward Stuart Callison was unavailable as he sat out the second match of a two game ban. Home boss Robert Johnstone was also without the services of Neil MacDonald, Hugh Innes and Zander Ferguson. Kingussie co-managers Russell Jones and Davie Anderson were still without defender Garry Munro who has a hamstring injury and fellow defender Rory MacKeachan who was also injured. However Lee Bain passed a late fitness test and John Gibson returned after injury. Kingussie raced into an early two goal lead. Savio Genini got the opener on 12 minutes when he picked up a Lee Bain pass down the line and his turn and shot went in off the post to make it 1-0. Lee Bain turned scorer a minute later do double Kingussie’s lead. Lochaber’s response was impressive though and goals from Ryan Johnstone on 25 minutes and Ben Delaney a couple of minutes later squared the match at 2-2. Kingussie went back in front thanks to Lee Bain’s second goal on 58 minutes and Savio Genini got his second 5 minutes later when he collected a rebound and rounded keeper Calum MacDonald before flicking the ball into the net to make it 4-2. The game’s flashpoint came with 5 minutes to go when Lochaber’s Martin Johnstone’s caman caught Kingussie’s Lee Bain on the thigh. Kingussie were awarded a free-it but some shoving followed and referee Graham Cameron sent off both players. There was still time for Kingussie’s Savio Genini to grab his first senior hat-trick when the ball dropped to him just outside the D and he connected well to find the bottom left corner of the net with just 3 minutes remaining.
Glenurquhart 4 Inveraray 1 The match between Inveraray and Glenurquhart was switched to Blairbeg as the Winterton was unplayable. Forwards Neale Reid and David Smart returned for Glenurquhart but the game came too soon for the injured Andrew Corrigan. Just when it looked as if the first half was going to end without a goal, Glenurquhart conjured up a 2-0 interval lead. First, Lewis MacLennan beat Graham MacPherson to make it 1-0 on 40 minutes and just 3 minutes later, Fraser Heath, who had been relieved of his defensive duties and started in attack, doubled their advantage. Inveraray’s Euan McMurdo pulled a goal back just 3 minutes into the second half but the Glen went on to secure the points with two goals in three minutes. Referee John Angus Gillies awarded the home side a penalty on 65 minutes for a hack on Fraser Heath inside the D. Glen goalie Stuart MacKintosh made his way forward to score from the spot-hit to make it 3-1. Fraser Heath got his second 3 minutes later and Glenurquhart remain fourth in the table. Other than the goals, there was plenty of goalmouth action with both Stuart MacKintosh in the home goal and Graham MacPherson for the visitors, making good saves.
Kyles Athletic 3 Kinlochshiel 1 Tighnabruaich has yet to see shinty action this season and Kyles 3pm throw up against Kinlochshiel was transferred to Col Glen’s Ormidale pitch. Kyles got off to a great start when Roddy MacDonald put them ahead after just 3 minutes. Roberto Zavaroni made it 2-0 on 19 minutes and Roddy MacDonald got his second and Kyles’ third on 22 minutes. The game looked to be running away from Kinlochshiel but Keith MacRae gave them hope when he pulled a goal back a minute later to make it 3-1. There was no further scoring so Kyles stay fourth and whilst ‘Shiel only have two points from their first six matches, they have only played one home game.
Marine Harvest National Division Caberfeidh 8 Bute 1 The Marine Harvest National Division has got off to a stuttering start with the matches played this weekend taking the tally to only twelve completed games since the season started. In one of only two games to go ahead this weekend, Caberfeidh beat bottom of the table Bute 8-0 in their 1.30pm throw up at Castle Leod. Craig Morrison fired Cabers ahead on 22 minutes but Bute player / manager Graham Fisher levelled just 3 minutes later. Craig Morrison went on to complete a first half hat-trick with goal on 30 and 41 minutes and Ally MacLennan made it 4-1 at half time with a goal on 42 minutes. Caberfeidh continued to dominate in the second half and they added to their tally with two goals in two minutes from Martin MacDonald on 63 minutes and Liam Symonds just 60 seconds later. Craig Morrison got his fourth goal of the afternoon to make it 7-1 on 76 minutes and Ally MacLennan completed the scoring to make it 8-1 with his second goal of the afternoon just 3 minutes later. Caberfeidh go second in the table on goal difference.
Beauly 5 Glenorchy 0 The meeting between Glenorchy and Beauly was moved from Dalmally to Braeview Park because of an unplayable field. Throw up was delayed until 4.15pm, after the second team meeting between Beauly and Kingussie. Beauly’s Conor Cormack served the second match of a two game ban. Glenorchy travelled north with just twelve players and so had no substitutes. Beauly played with a strong wind in their favour in the first half and they took the lead after 7 minutes thanks to a powerful shot from Sean Stewart which flew into the back of the net. Jack MacDonald made it 2-0 a couple of minutes later with a crisp strike. Sean Stewart hit the post from a tight angle before David MacLean put the home side three goals to the good on 43 minutes. Glenorchy came more into the game with the elements in their favour in the second half but they fell further behind following a strike from Beauly’s Marc MacLachlan on 53 minutes. Jack MacDonald got his second goal of the afternoon a couple of minutes from time to make it 5-0 and give Beauly their second win of the season.
Fort William P Oban Camanachd P The game between title contenders Fort William and Oban Camanachd at An Aird was postponed because of the sad passing of Lochside Rovers player Scott Goldie.
Kilmallie P Glasgow Mid Argyll P With both the Canal Parks and Yoker waterlogged on Friday evening, the match between Kilmallie and Glasgow Mid Argyll was switch to Mossfield which was available. However the Oban pitch failed a Saturday morning pitch inspection so the game was postponed.
Balliemore Cup First Round Inverness 5 Kilmory 2 The tie between Kilmory and Inverness was a late postponement last weekend, with Inverness having reached Tyndrum before they got the news. Therefore the tie was switched to the Bught Park. Arran MacMaster was free of suspension for Inverness but there was no Liam Girvan as he left the club by mutual consent earlier in the week. Alistair MacArthur gave Kilmory the lead after 7 minutes but the home side had the chance to equalised when referee Ron Kennedy awarded them a penalty on 16 minutes. Former Beauly player Martin Davidson converted from the spot to make it 1-1. Inverness put daylight between the sides when Dougie Rankin on 38 minutes and Connor Golabek on 44 minutes saw them lead 3-1 at the break. Hal Jones gave Kilmory hope with a goal on 72 minutes but the side from the Highland Capital restored their two goal cushion when John MacLennan scored a couple of minutes later and Charlie MacDonald rounded off a 5-2 victory with a goal in the final minute. Inverness will now host Oban Celtic in the Balliemore Cup quarter finals.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Skye Camanachd 2 Newtonmore 0 Skye Camanachd go top of Marine Harvest North Division 1 following their 2-0 win over the Newtonmore second team in their 3pm throw up at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. With Skye manager John MacLeod working, Aonghas MacDonald and Davie Pringle looked after the side. They were without the services of the injured Shockie MacLennan and Neil MacVicar. Newtonmore manager Cammy MacDonald was without the attacking options of John MacKenzie, Martin Hall and Chris Sellar as well as defender Martin Ivil and Craig Ritchie was on first team duty. Blair MacKintosh started at full centre with Scott Campbell at buckshee back. Skye played with a strong wind at their backs in the first half and they pinned Newtonmore back from the throw up. The Islanders took the lead after just 2 minutes. A Gilleasbuig MacDonald shy from the left caused the damage and Kenny Campbell swept the ball low into the net from the edge of the D. Skye were to dominate the rest of the first half but they were unable to add to their tally. Newtonmore made a strong start to the second period and Calum Stewart and Conor Jones were always a threat but Skye got themselves back on top and Danny Morrison sealed the win with a great strike which rose over keeper Kenny Ross’ shoulder on 77 minutes. Skye go top of the table, ahead of Newtonmore on goal difference.
Beauly 2 Kingussie 1 Sixth place Beauly beat third place Kingussie 2-1 at Braeview Park. All the goals came in the first half. Beauly started with a strong win in their favour and they took the lead thanks to a sweet 20 yard strike from Robbie Brindle after 5 minutes. Iain Broadhead made it 2-0 on 21 minutes. Kingussie came more into the game in the closing stages of the first half and Chris Hollysong got them back into the contest when he made it 2-1 on 33 minutes. Kingussie had the elements in their favour in the second half and Beauly player / manager Stephen MacLean came on shortly after the break to form a formidable centre line with Iain Broadhead and James Cameron. Kingussie pressed in the closing stages but the Beauly defence, for who MacKay Murray was excellent, stayed firm and saw out the remainder of the game to take the points with a 2-1 win.
Lovat 3 Glenurquhart 4 The reserve derby between Lovat and Glenurquhart turned out to be a seven goal thriller at Balgate. Rory Gallacher put Lovat ahead on 16 minutes but a Glen double from Jack Hosie on 22 minutes and Calum Smith on 39 minutes, saw them lead 2-1 at half time. Iain Nicolson levelled the game at 2-2 on the hour mark. Callum Smith, who is more usually deployed in a deeper role, put Glenurquhart back in front with his second goal on 66 minutes, A Jack Hosie strike - his second - 5 minutes later, gave the visitors a two goal cushion. Iain Nicolson’s second goal of the afternoon 10 minutes from time set up an exciting finish but Glenurquhart kept their noses in front to take the points.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Aberdour 2 Kyles Athletic 0 The match between Kyles Athletic and Aberdour was transferred from Tighnabruaich to Silver Sands. After a goalless first half, strikes from Jack Kelly on 61 minutes and a customary Darren Coyle goal on 80 minutes gave Aberdour the win which takes them to the top of the table, ahead of second place Kilmory on goal difference.
Strachur P Ballachulish P Strachur and Ballachulish were left disappointed as Strachurmore failed a pitch inspection and transferring the game to Jubilee Park was not an option
Taynuilt P Oban Celtic P The clash between Taynuilt and Oban Celtic was postponed as the Playing Field failed a pitch inspection.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Boleskine 1 Glengarry 2 The fixture between Glengarry and Boleskine was reversed to Farr as Craigard was unplayable. Glengarry made it two wins out of two with a 2-1 victory. Steven Brady put Glengarry ahead on 5 minutes and Daniel MacLennan added a second 9 minutes after the restart with his first goal of the season. Iain Grant pulled a goal back for Boleskine 10 minutes from time, but ‘Garry stayed in front to record another win which takes them to the top of the table, leading second place Boleskine on goal difference.
Kinlochshiel P Skye Camanachd P The derby clash between Kinlochshiel and Skye Camanachd at Kirkton was postponed on Saturday morning because of an unplayable field.
Lochcarron P Lochaber P Lochcarron andt Lochaber will have to do it all over again as Battery Park failed a Saturday morning pitch inspection.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Col Glen 3 Glenorchy 0 Col Glen stay out in front at the top of the table following a 3-0 win over Glenorchy in their 1.15pm throw up at Glendaruel. Stuart MacKellar gave Col Glen a 33 minute lead which they took into the break. Willie MacVicar added a double on 65 and 76 minutes to secure victory.
Glasgow Mid Argyll 15 Aberdour 0 Glasgow Mid Argyll boosted their goal difference and they move into third place with a 15-0 triumph over Aberdour at Yoker. Young Calum McLay grabbed an early hat-trick with goals on 3, 5 and 14 minutes. Another youngster, Jack Berg made it 4-0 on 21 minutes only for Calum McLay to notch another three on 30, 32 and 41 minutes to make it 7-0 at half time. Lewis Miller scored twice on 49 and 54 minutes to extend GMA’s advantage to 9-0 and Calum McLay got two more on 60 and 62 minutes to fire the home side through the double figure barrier. Lewis Miller completed his hat-trick to make it 12-0 on 68 minutes. Jack Berg got his second on 79 minutes. The scoring wasn’t over though and Lewis Miller got his fourth 5 minutes from time to make it 14-0 whilst with just 3 minutes remaining, Calum McLay rounded off a perfect afternoon to make it 15-0 a couple of minutes later. This took Calum McLay’s personal tally to nine goals – a fantastic feat at any level.
Bute 0 Inveraray 3 Bute went down 3-0 to Inveraray in their 1pm throw up at the Meadows. Neil Shaw gave Inveraray the advantage when he scored after just 4 minutes and they took that early lead into the break. Iain MacDonald doubled Inveraray’s tally a couple of minutes into the second half and he scored again on the hour mark to round off a 3-0 win which leaves Inveraray on fourth place in the table.
Tayforth W/O v Ballachulish The match between Ballachulish and Tayforth was originally postponed as the Jubilee Park was unplayable. The fixture was then switched to Musselburgh but Ballachulish were unable to travel so the points have been awarded to Tayforth.
Marine Harvest North Division 3 Lochbroom 3 Caberfeidh 3 Caberfeidh remain top of the table following a 3-3 draw with second place Lochbroom in their 1.30pm throw up at Inverlael. Steven Bellshaw put the home side ahead after 17 minutes but Trevor Innes equalised just 3 minutes later. Within a couple of minutes of the restart, Steven Bellshaw got his second to put Lochbroom back in front and they took their slight advantage into the break. When referee Andy MacLean awarded Cabers a penalty 4 minutes into the second half, John Ritchie stepped up to convert from the spot to make it 2-2. Lochbroom took the lead for the third time when Steven Bellshaw completed his hat-trick on 75 minutes but Cabers weren’t to be denied and a Colin MacLean goal 5 minutes from time ensured they stayed a point ahead at the top of the table.
Strathspey Camanachd 2 Kilmallie 2 Strathspey Camanachd stay third following their 2-2 draw with Kilmallie in their 1.30pm throw up at the Grantown Grammar School. Brian MacKay gave Kilmallie an 11 minute lead but Andrew Young levelled just 3 minutes later. Callum MacDougall put Kilmallie back in front 10 minutes into the second half but Matthew Davies ensured a share of the points with a strike 5 minutes from time.
Inverness 3 Lewis Camanachd 4 Lewis Camanachd recorded their first league win of the season as they beat Inverness 4-3 in their 1pm throw up at the Bught Park. Eoghan Stewart returned in defence for Lewis. Inverness raced into a two goal lead thanks to efforts from Craig Girvan on 5 minutes and Andy Henderson just 3 minutes later. However Lewis drew level shortly after thanks to a brace from captain Duncan MacIntyre on 14 and 16 minutes. Craig Girvan got his second goal of the afternoon on 40 minutes when referee Martin MacLean awarded the Highland Capital side a penalty and Craig Girvan netted his second to make it 3-2. Inverness held that lead until the final minute when the Islanders staged a late smash and grab with two last minute goals. Paddy Sinclair grabbed the equaliser and Lewis attacked from the restart with the winner coming from full forward Duncan MacIntyre who completed his hat-trick to make it 4-3. |