The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 16 August 2014 | |
19 August 2014 Glenurquhart will face Kingussie in the 2014 Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final and Kyles Athletic and Glenorchy were junior competition winners following the shinty action on Saturday 16 August 2014.
Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Semi Final Skye Camanachd 1 Glenurquhart 3 Glenurquhart will face Kingussie in the 2014 Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final after they beat Skye Camanachd 3-1 in their 4.05pm throw up at An Aird. Jamie Gannon returned in goal for Skye after missing the win over Inverness a fortnight earlier. Kenny Campbell was still out with a broken finger. Glenurquhart had a full squad to choose from with the exception of Ally MacKintosh who is nearing a return to the side. Skye played with the wind at their backs in the first half and they immediately pinned back the Glen. The Islanders had a couple of chances before they took the lead after 12 minutes when Danny Morrison lost his marker and crashed a Jordan Murchison free-hit high into the net. It was a great finish but Glenurquhart responded well and they equalised an equally good strike. David MacLennan played in a shy from the left and Fraser Heath volleyed the bouncing ball into the net on his backhand from around 18 yards out. A David Smart shot through a ruck of players 3 minutes before the break gave the Glen a 2-1 interval advantage although they had keeper Stuart MacKintosh to thank for a fantastic save from a 20 yard Shockie MacLennan effort which was heading for the top corner of the net whilst Lewis MacLennan was booked for bringing down Shockie MacLennan when he was through on goal. Glenurquhart made a strong start to the second half with the elements now in their favour and although Skye tried to get back on level terms, they found their opponents to be resolute in defence. Fraser Heath should have made it 3-1 following a good passing move before James MacPherson clinched the place in the final with a good strike on 74 minutes. Glenurquhart will now face Kingussie in the 2014 Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final at the Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday 13 September 2014. Innes Wood was the match referee.
Bullough Cup Final Inveraray 3 Kyles Athletic 6 Kyles Athletic lifted the Bullough Cup with a 6-3 victory over Inveraray in their 3.30pm throw up at Strachurmore. The sides are separated by a whole league with Kyles Athletic in second place in Marine Harvest South Division 1 and Inveraray just a point away from securing the Marine Harvest South Division 2 title. Both squads contained a real goal threat and a high scoring encounter was expected. The experienced Roddy MacColl had scored three of Kyles’ four goals in the tournament so far and he has been their talisman as they fight out the league title with Ballachulish. Last season’s keeper Innes MacDonald, son of Kenny MacDonald and brother to Roddy MacDonald played in attack. Inveraray young-gun Fraser Watt had already scored twice in the competition this year and he netted an incredible six goals in a devastating 12 minute period for Inveraray in their last outing as they beat Aberdour 15-0 in the league. Neil Shaw, Fraser Watt and Andrew Sinclair all scored for Inveraray but two goal from Roddy MacColl, a Gordon Whyte effort, an Innes MacDonald brace and a David Martin goal ensured Kyles took the honours. The Tighnabruaich colts have the chance of a cup double when they play Fort William in the Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup Final at the Eilan at the end of the month. Former Oban Camanachd and Scotland international John MacGregor was the match referee.
Bullough Plate Final Aberdour 2 Glenorchy 4 The venue for the 2014 Bullough Plate Final between Aberdour and Glenorchy was switched to the Winterton with a noon throw up. The game was to have taken place at Strachurmore but concerns were raised by the Committee in Strachur on the evening of Friday 15 August 2014 that recent wet weather, plus a forecast of further rain, would leave the pitch unable to take both the Bullough Plate and Bullough Cup Final matches as originally scheduled. Both clubs agreed to the noon throw up to allow spectators, players and officials time to attend the Bullough Cup Final which remained at Strachurmore. And it was Glenorchy who celebrated after a 4-2 win. Kevin Latimer put Aberdour ahead on 15 minutes but Scott MacIntyre levelled on 30 minutes. Iain Livingstone put Glenorchy ahead for the first time a couple of minutes later and Martin MacKillop gave his side some breathing space when he made it 3-1 on the stroke of half time. Martin MacKillop got his second to make it 4-2 on 63 minutes and although Tom Abbott pulled a goal back on 72 minutes, Glenorchy saw out the rest of the match to lift the inaugural Bullough Plate. Ewen MacDonald was the match referee.
Orion Group Premiership Lovat 2 Newtonmore 2 Its advantage Newtonmore in their quest to finish ahead of Lovat and win a fifth successive Orion Group Premiership title after the sides shared the points following a 2-2 draw at Balgate. Lovat’s Callum Cruden started a two match ban for a points accumulation whilst Drew Howie remained injured. Attacker Calum MacAulay was also missing. Norman Campbell started at full back for Newtonmore so Steven MacDonald went to buckshee back and Calum Stewart was given a starting place in attack. Andy MacKintosh and Fraser MacKintosh missed out through injury. Lovat played with the elements at their back in the first half and they took the lead on 19 minutes when Lewis Tawse collected possession in space and his low, spinning shot got past Newtonmore keeper Michael Ritchie to make it 1-0. Newtonmore were under the cosh for long periods of the half and they had keeper Michael Ritchie to thank for a number of fine saves and it would be no exaggeration to say the experienced goalie had one of his best days in a Newtonmore shirt. The ever-dangerous Danny MacRae had missed a good chance to equalise before he drew Newtonmore level with a spectacular effort on the half hour mark. MacRae collected the ball with his back to goal and flicked it in the air before sending an unstoppable volley into the Lovat net to make it 1-1. Lovat got themselves back in front on the stroke of half time with Greg Matheson darting into a crowded goal-area to make it 2-1. Calum Stewart collected a ball on the right on 62 minutes and he shot past an unsighted Stuart MacDonald to bring Newtonmore back on level terms for a second time. Just as Lovat enjoyed the elements in the first half, Newtonmore came to the fore with wind advantage after the restart and it was Lovat goalie Stuart MacDonald’s turn to take centre-stage with a series of super stops. Lovat introduced Martin Bell in place of Martin Mainland after 82 minutes but his appearance was short-lived as he received a red card from referee David Mitchell for a late challenge on Evan Menzies. Lovat had a late penalty claim, claiming a kick inside the D, but referee Mitchell waved away their claims. Norman Campbell and Glen MacKintosh picked up knocks for Newtonmore which will be a concern for manager Paul John MacKintosh ahead of this weekend’s Artemis Macaulay Cup Final against Kyles Athletic. The draw suited Newtonmore more as they remain two points ahead at the top of the table and they are five goals better off on goal difference. Each team has only one game remaining. Lovat host Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup finalists Kingussie at Balgate this coming weekend and they must win and hope that Newtonmore slip up by a sufficient goals margin in their final match against Inveraray at the Winterton a week later.
Kyles Athletic 1 Inveraray 1 There was an end of season feel to the noon meeting between Kyles Athletic and Inveraray as the sides shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Tighnabruaich. Kyles, who have an Artemis Macaulay Cup Final meeting with Newtonmore this coming weekend, were without three of their recognised defence with Calum Miller, Iain MacDonald and Donald Irvine all absent so Roddy MacDonald started at full backand he had a great tussle with Inveraray full forward Euan McMurdo. The home side were also without David Zavaroni. Inveraray defender Andrew McMurdo sat this one out because of a points accumulation. Douglas Dando and Grant Griffin were alsomissing. Gary MacPherson started at half back and performed as if he had played there for years. The early start allowed both teams and supporters to head for Strachurmore to watch the Bullough Cup Final between the clubs’ reserve teams. There were plenty chances in the match but two of the games most experienced keepers – Kenny MacDonald for Kyles and Inveraray’s Graham MacPherson – ensured there were no goals until late in the game. Kyles went in front on 70 minutes when the energetic Grant Irvine pounced on a Nick Crawford mistake – the defender missing a first time clearance attempt – before putting the ball past MacPherson to make it 1-0. Inveraray player / co-manager Garry MacPherson moved himself into attack. David Robertson came off and young Fraser MacNicol came on at full back. The moved paid dividends on 78 minutes when MacPherson set up Chris Crawford who lashed the ball past Kenny MacDonald to make it 1-1. A draw was probable a fair result and the players deserve credit for putting on a good display in horrendous weather conditions. Inveraray’s final match of the season is a home meeting with Newtonmore in a fortnight’s time.
Marine Harvest National Division Kilmallie 2 Oban Camanachd 3 Oban Camanachd came out on top with a 3-2 win over Kilmallie in their crucial 2pm throw up at the Canal Parks. Martin Stewart was free of suspension for Kilmallie and he started in midfield. Scott MacMillan was free of his two game ban for Oban Camanachd but he had to be content with a place on a five-man substitute’s bench. Kilmallie fielded a strong side with Peter Carmichael at buckshee back and Michael Rodger in attack. Speedy forward Martin Munro was missing. Oban Camanachd also travelled with a strong squad with Daniel Cameron at full centre but Iain Campbell was only fit enough to take up a place on the bench. This was a “must win” match for both sides – and perhaps Kilmallie in particular - as they battled it out for the title with Fort William. Kilmallie started strongly and deservedly took the lead after just 5 minutes when Seb Macmillan crashed the ball home from close range. The Oban side pulled it back to a goal apiece after 14 minutes when Daniel Cameron pushed forward to score. The weather didn’t make for good, flowing shinty and the sides went in on level terms at half time. The two teams started well in the second half but it was the Oban who began to look the hungrier and they ahead in 53 minutes with Daniel Cameron once again the scorer to make it 2-1. Kilmallie fought back though and they threatened the visitors’ goal on several occasions but they found the Oban defence, and Robert Dunnings in the Oban goal, hard to break through. Kilmallie’s perseverance paid off on 84 minutes though when Michael Rodger pounced on a rebound after Dunnings had made a save and Rodger knocked the ball home to make it 2-2. A point apiece would have suited title rivals Fort William the best and the final 5 minutes of the match was always going to be interesting as both teams went all-out for the win. Soon after the restart, a well worked one-touch move involving the Oban forwards resulted in a fine strike from substitute Scott MacMillan which put Oban Camanachd 3-2 ahead. There was more drama on 87 minutes when referee John Angus Gillies awarded Oban Camanachd a penalty. Kilmallie were penalised when their keeper Shane Gillies lost his caman going in for a tackle and continued to tackle the forward with no stick. Daniel Cameron came up to take the penalty but keeper Gillies redeemed himself by making the save. Oban Camanachd substitute Ian Campbell had two late chances but Kilmallie keeper Shane Gillies made saves on both occasions. Oban Camanachd lead Fort William by a point and they have three matches remaining – away and home to Fort William, either side of a home meeting with Beauly.
Glasgow Mid Argyll 0 Fort William 8 Fort William proved too strong for Glasgow Mid Argyll, running out 8-0 winners in their match at Yoker. Defender Neil Robertson missed out for Fort William through suspension following his red card in the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup semi-final penalty shoot-out defeat to Kingussie last weekend. James Tangey was available for the Fort but he will miss their crucial first meeting with Oban Camanachd this coming weekend because of a points accumulation triggered by his booking against Kingussie in the same game. GMA have struggled through player absentees in recent weeks and this game was no exception as they were minus Ewen Murray, Ben Dalgety, Brendan McLoone, Andy Mathie and former Kinlochshiel player John Don MacKenzie. Fort William were minus attackers Bryan Simpson and Gary Innes. The visitors killed the game in the first half, running up a 7-0 interval lead. Arran MacPhee bagged an early double with strikes on 12 and 26 minutes. Lewis Smith, who normally plays in defence, made the best of an opportunity to play further up the park when he made it 3-0 on the half hour mark. Arran MacPhee completed his hat-trick a minute later. Daniel Stewart got in on the act with a double on 33 and 37 minutes to make 6-0 and Gordie MacKinnon scored 5 minutes before the break to ensure all four Fort forwards had found the back on the net during the first half. Arran MacPhee got his fourth to make it 8-0 just 3 minutes after the restart and that’s the way it stayed until the final whistle. Fort pair Stevie Stewart and James Tangey both required stitches after a clash of heads. Fort William remain a point behind Oban Camanachd but they have a game in hand. Fort William’s remaining four matches are home meetings with the bottom two sides – Bute and Glenorchy – as well as a home and away contest against Oban Camanachd which will surely decide the title. They face Oban Camanachd at An Aird this coming weekend with the sides due to meet at Mossfield in what will be a final fixture of the season for both sides on Saturday 27 September 2014.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Glenurquhart 0 Inverness 0 There was plenty of endeavour but no goals as Glenurquhart and Inverness shared the points following a 0-0 draw in their 11.45am throw up at Blairbeg. The early throw up allowed the Glen contingent to head for An Aird, Fort William to watch their first team play Skye Camanachd in the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup semi-finals. The Glen stay fourth whilst the point moves Inverness off the bottom of the table at Lovat’s expense.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Taynuilt 1 Oban Celtic 3 Oban Celtic continued their climb up the table with a 3-1 victory over Taynuilt in their 2pm meeting at the Taynuilt Playing Field. Daniel Madej served the final game of a three match suspension for Oban Celtic. The visitors put in a strong first half performance and led 2-0 at the break thanks to a Kenny Wotherspoon double on 10 and 35 minutes. Stuart Scott gave Taynuilt hope with a strike on 53 minutes but Kenny Wotherspoon completed his hat-trick 10 minutes from time to make it 3-1. The win means Oban Celtic leap-frog Oban rivals Lochside Rovers and Aberdour to move into third place in the league.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Glengarry 0 Fort William 7 Fort William are on the verge of securing the Marine Harvest North Division 2 title following their 7-0 win over Glengarry in their 2pm throw up at Craigard. Glengarry were without the suspended Daniel MacLennan and Scott Bremner. Fort William on the other hand were boosted by Bryan Simpson’s inclusion. The visitors flew into a 4-0 lead thanks to goals from Ewen Campbell after 5 minutes, Bryan Simpson on 15 minutes, Ewen Campbell again a minute later and Graham Campbell on 18 minutes later. That’s the way it stayed until 67 minutes when Bryan Simpson got his second to make it 5-0. Peter Wood on 72 minutes and Jay MacLeod 4 minutes later rounded off the 7-0 win. Fort William meet their nearest challengers Lochcarron at Battery Park this coming weekend and a point will be enough to clinch the title.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Glasgow Mid Argyll 1 Bute 4 Bute took the hours as they beat Glasgow Mid Argyll 4-1 in their noon meeting at Yoker. The Islanders took the lead after just 5 minutes when an Ally Carmichael shot was deflected into the net. GMA’s Cameron Divers ensured the sides went into the break all-square when he netted a couple of minutes before half time. Bute dominated the second half and Ruairidh Soane beat GMA keeper Calum Munro on 51 minutes with a terrific shot from around 25 yards out to make it 2-1. Youth player Ben Clarke latched onto a Craig MacKay through-ball to make it 3-1 on 57 minutes and Franco Devlin rounded off the win with a goal on 66 minutes after he had closed down a clearance from home goalie Calum Munro. Bute remain fifth in the table whilst GMA stay third.
Marine Harvest North Division 3 Strathspey Camanachd P Caberfeidh P The match between Strathspey Camanachd and Caberfeidh on Tuesday 12 August 2014 was postponed as the Grantown Grammar School pitch fell foul of the wet weather.
Caberfeidh 5 Lewis Camanachd 0 Marine Harvest North Division 3 champions Caberfeidh beat second place Lewis Camanachd 5-0 in their 2pm match at Castle Leod. Ruairidh McCreadie, a Colin MacLennan brace, Andrew MacMaster and Paul Ross all counted for Cabers.
Inverness 2 Kilmallie 2 Inverness and Kilmallie shared the points following a 2-2 draw in their 2pm clash at the Bught Park. Arran Sandison put Kilmallie ahead on 15 minutes but Donnie Forbes levelled on 37 minutes. Arran Sandison got his second to put Kilmallie back in front a couple of minutes into the second half. However Inverness first team keeper Stuart MacRae, playing outfield for the reserves, pulled Inverness level once more just 4 minutes remaining. |