The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 24 May 2014 | |
25 May 2014 There are cup finals for Lovat and Strachur to look forward to but most of the shinty programme focused on league action on Saturday 24 May 2014.
RBS MacTavish Cup - Semi Final Lovat 4 Kinlochshiel 0 Holders Lovat made sure of a repeat of the 2013 final against Glenurquhart with a 4-0 last four win over Kinlochshiel at Balgate. The original tie was postponed after 20 minutes last weekend when the heavy west coast rain left the Kirkton pitch unplayable so ‘Shiel lost home advantage. Lovat boss Allan MacRae was without forward Kevin Bartlett so Jamie Matheson made his first start of the season in attack. Duncan “Ach” MacRae missed last weekend’s aborted game but he was back for the visitors for this one whilst David Falconer started in defence. Lovat took the lead after 13 minutes. There was some good build up ahead of Greg Matheson’s strike which took a bounce before flying past ‘Shiel keeper Scott Kennedy to make it 1-0. Lorne MacKay made it 2-0 on 23 minutes when a cross fell nicely for him at the edge of the D and he made no mistake with a crisp shot. Lovat dominated the first half and Graeme MacMillan made it 3-0 on the stroke of half time. The goal came as MacMillan and Greg Matheson broke forward. Matheson was in space but MacMillan opted to shoot and with very little back-lift, he crashed the ball high into the net. Kinlochshiel were better in the second half and their manager Colin Fraser made several changes throughout the game to try and change his team’s fortunes. One such switch saw the introduction of substitute Neil Fraser and he came so close to pulling a goal back after 61 minutes when he hit the crossbar. However when Greg Matheson got his second on 65 minutes, there was only going to be one winner. Ryan Ferguson was excellent at full centre for Lovat, whilst his brother Owen Ferguson produced some intelligent play at wing centre. Along with Lewis Tawse, they made up a formidable midfield. Both previous encounters between the sides this season have been close affairs, with their Artemis Macaulay Cup tie going to extra time. Therefore the four-goal winning margin was some-what of a surprise. This can be put down to a combination of Lovat’s devastating first half performance and ‘Shiel failing to reach the standards they are undoubtedly capable of.
South of Scotland Senior Plate - Semi Final Strachur 4 Ballachulish 3 Strachur shocked Ballachulish by winning through to the inaugural South of Scotland Senior Plate Final thanks to a 4-3 win at Strachurmore. This tie also fell foul of last week’s wet weather and it was postponed with ‘Balla leading 2-0 at Jubilee Park. Strachur were without the suspended Ross MacDonald. Balla’ missed the influence of talisman John MacDonald who started a two match ban for a points accumulation. Ball’ started where they left off last Saturday as Lorne Brown gave them the lead in the opening minute. Rhys Campbell levelled on 20 minutes but Grant MacKenzie put the visitors back in front just 4 minutes later. However a Rhys Campbell’s second goal on 33 minutes and a Preston Shuttleworth strike on 40 minutes meant the home side went into the break 3-2 to the good. Angus Campbell made it 4-2 just 5 minutes after the restart and although Lorne Brown got his second for Balla’ 5 minutes from time to make it 4-3, it was to be Strachur’s day and they will now face Aberdour in the final.
Orion Group Premiership Kyles Athletic 0 Newtonmore 1 Newtonmore safely negotiated one of their most difficult league fixtures when they beat Kyles Athletic 1-0 in their 3pm throw up at Tighnabruaich. Roddy MacDonald was back in the Kyles line-up after missing last Saturday’s win over Glasgow Mid Argyll. Newtonmore were without Paul MacArthur and Danny MacRae who injured an ankle against Glenurquhart last weekend and he looks set for a long period on the sidelines. This was the Kyles Athletic’s first match on their home pitch this season. The only goal of the game came a minute into the second half when Glen MacKintosh scored. The goal was similar to the one he scored against the same opponents in the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final last year as a he ran past a couple of defenders before beating Kenny MacDonald from close range. Newtonmore had the chance to double their advantage a minute from time when goalie Kenny MacDonald was penalised by referee David Mitchell for a reckless swing. However the big keeper made amends by saving Glen MacKintosh’s penalty. The win means Newtonmore go two points clear of title rivals Lovat but it is all to play for as the Balgate side has a game in hand.
Inveraray 2 Kingussie 0 Inveraray moved up to fifth in the table by beating Kingussie 2-0 at the Winterton. Home co-player / manager Garry MacPherson was still sidelined with a hand injury and influential defender Douglas Dando also remained out. Defender Allan MacDonald was available for Inveraray, and he was given the role of marking Lee Bain, but he will sit out next weekend’s Orion Group Premiership visit from Lovat. The Inveraray centre line was inspired by the resurgent David Robertson but the man who made the difference was substitute Ruairidh Graham. His introduction changed the game and he had already played 90 minutes for the Inveraray reserves in their morning win over the Glasgow Mid Argyll second team. The opening goal on 67 minutes was well-worked by the Inveraray forwards and well finished by Graham who also scored his and his side’s second just 8 minutes from time. John Kennedy was again excellent at the back for Inveraray but this was a great team performance. The win and the two points ease any relegation fears that Inveraray might have had and the defeat was only Kingussie’s third league loss of the season.
Glenurquhart 2 Lochaber 0 Glenurquhart, still on a high from last week’s RBS MacTavish Cup semi final win over Newtonmore, collected another welcome two points with a 2-0 win over Lochaber in their 3pm throw up at Blairbeg. Michael Brady served the second match of a two game ban for Glenurquhart whilst Ally MacKintosh was still injured. Lewis MacLennan was available but his booking against Newtonmore last weekend’s means he will miss next Saturday’s Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup second round tie with the same opponents at Spean Bridge. Bryn Whittaker continued to deputise for the injured Callum MacDonald in the Lochaber goal. James MacPherson got the Glen off to a great start with a goal after just 4 minutes. David Smart, who got the leveller against Newtonmore last weekend, made it 2-0 on 53 minutes. Glenurquhart remain in fourth place, two points behind Kingussie, but the Blairbeg men have two games in hand.
Marine Harvest National Division Glasgow Mid Argyll 2 Beauly 3 Beauly sit proudly at the top of the Marine Harvest National Division after they beat Glasgow Mid Argyll 3-2 in their 1pm throw up at Yoker. Craig Anderson gave GMA a 3 minute lead but Jack MacDonald on 15 minutes and Sean Stewart on 27 minutes put Beauly 2-1 up. Craig Anderson has been prolific for the Glasgow side this season and he got his second to make it 2-2 a minute before the break. GMA lost Andrew Mcalister after 65 minutes after he spoke out of turn to referee Ted McDonald. Beauly made the most of their one man advantage and David MacLean scored what proved to be the winner just 3 minutes later. There is a wide disparity over the number of fixtures the title rivals have played. On one hand, Beauly have played nine games whilst at the other end of the scale, Fort William have only completed only three matches.
Glenorchy 2 Fort William 2 Two late goals at Mart Park earned Glenorchy an unlikely point against Fort William in their 3pm throw up. Niall MacPhee was free of suspension for Fort William but Gary Innes was still missing. Gordie MacKinnon gave Fort William an early advantage with a goal after 14 minutes. When Daniel Stewart made it 2-0 just 3 minutes into the second half, it seemed as if the points were heading north. However strikes from Grant MacPherson on 83 minutes and John Sartain on the stroke of full time ensured a share of the spoils.
Kilmallie 10 Bute 0 Kilmallie remain very much in the title hunt after they beat Bute 10-0 in their 3pm throw up at the Canal Parks. Kilmallie were just too strong for the Islanders and youngsters were to the fore as a Craig MacIsaac hat-trick and a Martin Munro brace counted for half their goals total. Two from Mark Graham and Martin Stewart, Bryan MacKay and Liam MacDonald made up their perfect ten. The win takes Kilmallie into third place in the table.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Inverness 1 Skye Camanachd 4 Table toppers Skye Camanachd stay out in front after they beat Inverness 4-1 at the Bught Park. Daniel Palombo returned for Inverness but a hamstring problem restricted Dougie Rankin to a place on the bench. John MacLennan and Conor Golabeck were unavailable. Neil MacVicar missed out for Skye because of injury and Aonghas MacDonald came in for keeper Jamie Gannon. Charlie MacDonald put Inverness ahead on 26 minutes, scoring the first goal against Skye in the league this season. However a cross into the Inverness goal area was turned into his own net by Michael Price on 36 minutes to make it 1-1. Skye went ahead for the first time in the match just 3 minutes later when substitute Kenny Campbell beat Stuart MacRae with a great back-hand shot to make it 2-1. Skye sealed the win with a Danny Morrison shot from the right on 61 minutes and 20 yard Kenny MacLeod effort on 69 minutes and they go three points clear at the top of the table.
Kingussie 4 Strathglass 3 The Kingussie second team put a dent Strathglass’ title hopes when they beat the Cannich men 4-3 at the Dell. Kingussie boss Michael Falconer was without Michael Clark and Jake MacPherson but Ronald Ross returned to side and played in defence. Ryan Borthwick made a surprise appearance for the Kings after injury and he started at buckshee forward. Strathglass manager Callum Duff was missing the influential Donald Fraser. Kevin Thain gave Kingussie a 17 minutes lead and the same player made it 2-0 on the half hour mark. Robbie Stokes pulled a goal back for Strathglass on 35 minutes but, significantly, Kevin Thain restored Kingussie’s two goal advantage to complete a 19 minute hat-trick which made it 3-1 just a minute later. Jono Price was always a threat at wing forward for the Strath but it was Robert Geddes who found the back of the net on 57 minutes to make it 3-2. Kingussie were playing well though and Kevin Thain was giving visiting full back Ally MacAdams a torrid time and Thain got his fourth goal of the afternoon to make it 4-2 on 79 minutes. Darren Reid set up a grand-stand finish with a goal 5 minutes from time to reduce the deficit to 4-3 but it was Kingussie who took the points. Kingussie are now one of four clubs in joint second place on 7 points – Strathglass, Newtonmore and Beauly are the others – although Strathglass do have a game in hand on the other three reserve teams.
Glenurquhart 1 Newtonmore 1 Newtonmore returned to action after an absence of three weeks and they drew 1-1 with Glenurquhart in their noon meeting at Blairbeg. Goals three minutes into each half proved decisive in this game. The inactivity perhaps affected the visitors as they fell behind to a Jack Hosie strike on just 3 minutes and the Glen, who had former first team boss Drew McNeil in their line-up, carried this lead into the break. However just 3 minutes after the restart, Chris Sellar was on hand to make it 1-1 and that’s how it finished.
Beauly 4 Lovat 0 The reserve team meeting between Beauly and Lovat at Braeview Park was brought forward to Friday 23 May 2014. A better than average crowd congregated for this 7pm throw up. Beauly included Barrie MacDonald in their starting line-up and Ross Forbes, who is returning from injury, started on the bench. In the end, Beauly ran out 4-0 winners thanks to two goals late in the first half and another double late in the second period. Ex-Beauly player Sandy Tulloch turned out for Lovat but Alan MacPherson was injured and Martin Mainland was left out as he was to be on first team duty the following day. The sides tested eachother out in the early part of the game with neither team able to get their noses in front. However two late first half goals from Conor Ross gave the home team the advantage. First a fiercely struck 37 minute drive from Ross flew inside the post to give Beauly a 1-0 lead. Then the same player got his and Beauly’s second when he started, and finished, a move from a free-hit 15 yards from goal. A terrific Kyle MacDonald save from an Iain Nicolson shot prevented Lovat pulling a goal back before the interval. Lovat lost Iain Nicolson at the break with a hamstring problem. Both keepers were called into action after the break as Lovat custodian Chris MacCallum denied Conor Ross his hat-trick whilst at the other end; Kyle MacDonald again showed his class by turning away a shot through a ruck of players which he must have seen late. Beauly, for whom MacKay Murray was excellent in defence, finished the game strongly and McCallum saved well from Neil Brindle. The Greens sealed the points when Robbie Brindle found the unmarked Barrie MacDonald on 84 minutes and the Beauly play-maker cut in on goal before unleashing a powerful shot which left MacCallum with no chance. Just a couple of minutes later, Beauly substitute Ross Forbes ghosted in at the back post to get on the end of a Conor Ross shy to make it 4-0.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Taynuilt 3 Kyles Athletic 5 The match between Kyles Athletic and Taynuilt was switched to the Taynuilt’s Playing Field as a pitch inspection deemed that Tighnabruaich could only take one game. And it’s Kyles who stay out in front after they beat their hosts 5-3 following an entertaining encounter. There was no sign of the goal deluge that was to follow when the first 41 minutes passed by without a goal. Then David Boyle gave Kyles a 42 minute lead with the only goal of the first half. Willie Neilson drew Taynuilt level a minute after the restart but Roddy MacColl restored Kyles 60 seconds minute later. Ewen Mitchell made it 3-1 on 61 minutes but again Taynuilt fought back and Steven Parr made it 3-2 just 4 minutes later. There were still plenty goals to come though and Scott MacDonald put Kyles 4-2 in front on 74 minutes only for Willie Gillies to pull it back to 4-3 a couple of minutes later. Ewan Mitchell settled Kyles’ nerves with an 83 minute strike to clinch both points. Kyles open u a five point lead at the top of the table although they have played more matches than all their title rivals.
Lochside Rovers 5 Aberdour 2 Lochside Rovers climbed to sixth in the table after they beat Aberdour 5-2 at Mossfield. A Lorn Dickie hat-trick and efforts from Aidan MacIntyre and Jonathon Will counted for the home side with an Aberdour responding with an Angus Thorburn double.
Oban Celtic 1 Kilmory 2 Kilmory returned from Oban with both points following a narrow 2-1 win over Oban Celtic at Ganavan. Kilmory’s Scott Bradley scored the only goal of the first half after 15 minutes. Innes Meikle made it 2-0 on 68 minutes. Oban Celtic’s Kenny Wotherspoon pulled a goal back a minute from time but it wasn’t enough. Referee Robert Baxter sent off Oban Celtic’s Neil Carmichael and Alex Cunningham from Kilmory.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Glengarry 3 Aberdeen University 2 League leaders Glengarry stay a point ahead at the top of the table after a 3-2 win over bottom side Aberdeen University at Craigard. Full back Stuart Gregory was missing for Glengarry because of work commitments. Willie Hunter was free to play for the Students but he will sit it out when the sides meet at Balgownie next weekend because of a points accumulation. Daniel MacLennan gave ‘Garry an 11 minute lead but a Mark Fraser goal on 39 minutes ensured the sides went in to the interval on level terms. Daniel MacLennan got his and his side’s second goal on 52 minutes and Ken Henderson scored a crucial third on the hour mark. Kinnon Dear reduced the deficit to a single goal when he made it 3-2 just 4 minutes later but Glengarry held out for the win.
Lochaber 2 Fort William 4 Fort William were 4-2 derby winners against Lochaber at Spean Bridge. Kevin Ferguson and Pat Toal were on target for the home side but two goals from Ryan Campbell and efforts from Graham Campbell and Jay MacLeod gave Fort William the spoils. Although Fort William trail leaders Glengarry by a point, they do have a game in hand.
Skye Camanachd 4 Lochcarron 2 The Skye Camanachd second team had a 4-2 derby victory over Lochcarron at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Ally “Cleodi” MacLeod returned for Skye and started in defence. Lochcarron had a few absentees including Michael MacMillan. Gregor Cushnie has been Lochcarron’s main goal threat this season and he put his side ahead on 23 minutes with a turn and low shot following a David MacCuish corner on the left. A second half John Angus MacInnes goal on 55 minutes, which seemed to come off keeper Peter MacKenzie’s foot, and an Iain MacLellan brace on 75 and 79 minutes left Skye 3-1 to the good. Gregor Cushnie smashed home his and Lochcarron’s second on 85 minutes before Skye substitute Kyle Pirie rounded off the win with a goal a minute from time to make it 4-2.
Kinlochshiel 6 Boleskine 1 Kinlochshiel picked up a welcome two points with an impressive 6-1 win over Boleskine at Kirkton. Duncan “DA” MacRae and Michael Morrison each bagged doubles whilst Davie Glass and U17 player Chris Townsend got the others. Darren MacLeod was on target for Boleskine.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Inveraray 7 Glasgow Mid Argyll 1 Second place Inveraray were 7-1 victors in their 11.30am throw up against Glasgow Mid Argyll at the Winterton. Inveraray included Ruairidh Graham whilst David MacPherson played for an hour and ran a 10K the following day on his recovery from a leg break. Doubles from Fraser Watt and Iain MacDonald as well as goals from Ross Anderson, Ewan Fyfe and Niall Shaw counted for the home side with Liam McLoone getting a consolation strike for GMA. Inveraray are now just a point behind leaders Tayforth with both sides having played nine fixtures.
Ballachulish 1 Col Glen 3 Ballachulish went down 3-1 against Col Glen at Jubilee Park. Patrick MacLean counted for the home side with a Willie MacVicar double and a Steven MacKellar strike giving Col Glen both points. Col Glen remain third top whilst Ballachulish are three from the bottom of the table.
Glenorchy 4 Aberdour 1 The Glenorchy and Aberdour second teams had a noon meeting at Mart Park. The sides occupy the bottom two places in the table and it was Glenorchy who picked up their second league win with a 4-1 victory. Steven Turner put Glenorchy ahead on 12 minutes whilst Sandy Leiper added a second just 3 minutes later. Steven Turner got his second and Glenorchy’s third on 22 minutes and he completed his hat-trick on 34 minutes to leave the home side 4-0 ahead and in control. Both sides fielded several younger players and Aberdour featured two 12 year olds - Iain Fullerton and Finlay Duncan – in attack. And it was Iain Fullerton who marked his Aberdour debut with a consolation goal on 73 minutes.
Bute P Tayforth P The clash between Bute and leaders Tayforth was postponed on Saturday morning as the Meadows failed a pitch inspection.
Marine Harvest North Division 3 Caberfeidh 5 Lochbroom 1 League leaders Caberfeidh and were too strong for second place Lochbroom, winning 5-1 at Castle Leod. Lochbroom’s Sandy Urquhart started a two game suspension following his sending off against Inverness last weekend however Cameron MacKenzie was free of his ban. Colin MacLennan gave Cabers a 12 minute lead whilst Andrew MacMaster made it 2-0 just 10 minutes later. Colin MacLennan got his second on 35 minutes to make it 3-0 and Andrew MacMaster added a fourth on the stroke of half time. Lochbroom’s Mark Dorrian pulled a goal back but there was to be no comeback as Andrew MacMaster completed his hat-trick to make it 5-1 on 75 minutes. So Cabers go five points clear at the top of the table although they have played a game more than second place Lochbroom.
Kilmallie 4 Strathspey Camanachd 3 Kilmallie beat Strathspey Camanachd 4-0 in their noon clash at the Canal Parks. Kilmallie raced into a 4-0 lead thanks to a Ross MacKenzie hat-trick and a goal from Craig MacIsaac. However the last half hour saw Strathspey, prompted by captain Tom McKeand, reduce the home side’s advantage to a single goal. Andy Hay and a Matthew Davis brace narrowed the score to 4-3 but Kilmallie held on to take the points.
Lewis Camanachd 2 Inverness 1 Lewis Camanachd earned their first home league win of the season when they beat Inverness 2-1 at Shawbost. Eoghan Stewart returned for Lewis and the big Gaelic teacher was in domineering form in defence. Paul Bowman competed a two match ban for Inverness. Inverness club stalwart Peter Gow made a substitute appearance for the visitors after just 10 minutes and he set up the opening goal for Ruairidh MacLennan on 37 minutes. Inverness took their lead into the break but a fine volley from Donald Lamont on the hour levelled the contest. The winning goal came on 67 minutes when Paul Duke dribbled the ball forward before scoring to make it 2-1. Lewis narrow the gap on third place Strathspey to a single point and the Islanders have a game in hand. |