The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 1 August 2015 | |
03 August 2015 Lovat are through to the SSE Scottish Hydro Camanachd semi-finals following the rain-affected shinty action on Saturday 1 August 2015.
SSE Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup – Quarter Finals (Replay) Fort William 0 Lovat 2 Lovat are through to the SSE Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup semi-finals after they scored a goal in each half to beat Fort William 2-0 in their last eight replay tie at An Aird. Brothers Niall MacPhee and Arran MacPhee were missing for Fort William. The former was working abroad whilst the latter remains on the injury list. Ewan Campbell started a four match suspension following his red card in the league win over Kingussie last weekend and a disciplinary points accumulation. However Gordie MacKinnon and Bryan Simpson both returned and Steven Stewart was back in the starting line-up after being on the substitute’s bench against Kingussie because of injury. Lovat, with James Gallacher and Fraser Gallacher still in charge as John MacRitchie was still on holiday, suffered a blow ahead of the tie with the news that Greg Matheson was sidelined after suffering a knock against Newtonmore last weekend. Euan Ferguson started in his place. Lewis Tawse was back after missing last weekend’s Artemis MacAulay Cup semi-final defeat to Newtonmore but he started on the bench. The tie beat the weather thanks to a number of volunteers who brushed most of the surface water off the pitch to allow the match to go ahead. It still left a heavy playing surface for the players to contend with. The Fort won the toss and they went with the wind in the first half. Duncan Rodger almost scored within the first 5 minutes but Lovat keeper Stuart MacDonald pulled off a good save. Lovat went ahead on 14 minutes when a Lorne MacKay shot was saved by Paul MacKay but the rebound fell to Calum Cruden who rounded the keeper before slotting the ball into the empty net to make it 1-0. Fort William defender Steven Stewart was booked for dissent by referee John Angus Gillies on 23 minutes and a significant moment in the tie came on 27 minutes when Steven Stewart was sent off following a wild swing in a challenge with Ryan Ferguson. Now a man short, Fort William struggled to press the Lovat defence in an attempt to get an equaliser before the end of the first half. There were chances for both sides from the start of the second half with both Paul MacKay and Stuart MacDonald making good saves. Lovat went 2-0 ahead with 20 minutes remaining. Martin Maitland hit a shot into the heart of the Fort defence and James Tangey stretched out his leg and inadvertently deflected the ball into the Fort William net. Both team served up a good match despite the heavy conditions but over the 90 minutes, Lovat kept their shape and discipline and deserve to be going into the first SSE Scottish Hydro Camanachd semi-final against Inveraray, also at An Aird, this coming Saturday. Billy Wotherspoon will be the match referee.
Marine Harvest Premiership Inveraray P Kyles Athletic P The derby between Inveraray and Kyles Athletic was scheduled for a 7pm throw up on Wednesday 29 July 2015. However the match was postponed 24 hours earlier as the wet weather left the Winterton unplayable. This was to be a last match for Kyles’ defender Donald Irvine before he moves abroad to work.
Kingussie 0 Newtonmore 1 A Glen MacKintosh goal a couple of minutes before the interval settled the Badenoch Derby between Kingussie and Newtonmore which took place on Friday 31 July 2015 with a 6pm throw up. The game was broadcast live on BBC ALBA and as well as two crucial points, the teams also played for the inaugural Sir Thomas Macpherson Cup. Sir Tommy, who died recently, was an honorary Vice-president of Newtonmore, Chieftain of the Clan Macpherson and he had an outstanding military record in World War 2. His family home was at Glentruim, near Newtonmore. The match took place on the eve of the Newtonmore Highland Games where the Clan Macpherson gathers each year. Sir Tommy Macpherson’s widow and son - Lady Jean MacPherson and Angus MacPherson - accompanied the teams as they were piped onto the pitch. Kingussie co-managers Russell Jones and Davie Anderson were without defender Rory MacKeachan who suffered a back injury whilst playing for the Scotland U17 side against Dublin U17 during the week. John Gibson started after being on the bench in the previous week’s defeat to Fort William but Garry Munro was out through injury. Newtonmore boss Paul John MacKintosh was without the injured Paul MacArthur. Rory Kennedy started at buckshee forward. The Kings enjoyed most of the early territory but the first real threat on goal came after 9 minutes when a Glen MacKintosh collected a long diagonal ball from Rory Kennedy and his shot from the right rose over the junction between bar. Kingussie keeper Craig Dawson came off his line to halt a marauding Evan Menzies run down the ‘More left after good link-up play between Andy MacKintosh and Rory Kennedy. Menzies found space and took the ball just inside the D where Dawson came off his line to clear for a corner with 12 minutes played. Michael Ritchie saved a back-hand Fraser Munro shot from distance on 14 minutes and he swept the ball to safety as Kingussie threatened. Craig Dawson did well to tip away a Craig Ritchie drive from left midfield which dipped just under his crossbar on 20 minutes. With the rain getting heavier, Rory Kennedy tugged a shot wide of goal a couple of minutes later after good play from Evan Menzies. Moments later, Kingussie’s Scotland U17 player Robert Mabon pulled a shot wide of Michael Ritchie’s right post at the other end. A Barrie Dallas ball into the D from the Kingussie left on 26 minutes asked questions of the ‘More defence but there were no takers for the home side. Chris Sellar replaced Michael Russell for ‘More after 27 minutes. Sellar joined the attack and Rory Kennedy dropped back into defence to take over from Russell. Chris Sellar made an early impact when he sent a shot just past Craig Dawson’s left post on 29 minutes as the rain made it difficult for the players to hold their camans. When Scotland U17 cap Calum Grant missed his hit on the left of the Kings’ D, keeper Craig Dawson covered for him with a brilliant reflex save above his head from Glen MacKintosh’s shot from the ‘More right of the D on 33 minutes. Kingussie responded and Barrie Dallas came deep and chipped a shot just over the top on 36 minutes. Kingussie full back James Hutchison deflected a Glen MacKintosh drive from a ‘More free-hit on the right but keeper Dawson was again at his best to turn the ball away for a corner with 38 minutes played. There was a half chance for Savio Genini on 41 minutes but he sent the ball over the top of the bar. Newtonmore took the lead on 43 minutes. Chris Sellar latched onto a long ball forward from Craig Ritchie and he played a ball in from the left. Kings’ James Hutchison took a touch and seemed to have the situation under control. However the veteran defender slipped on the greasy surface and Glen MacKintosh capitalised and crashed the ball across keeper Dawson form left of the D to make it 1-0. Louis Munro caught Chris Sellar with seconds of the opening 45 minutes remaining but Sellar was able to continue after receiving treatment from Iain MacKintosh. Chris Sellar sent a shot into side-netting from resultant free-hit with the last chance of the half. ‘More attacked from the restart and Craig Dawson prevented the visitors doubling their lead when he came off his line to block Chris Sellar as he took an Evan Menzies flick inside the D. Dawson then made a great save above his head to deny Evan Menzies before Menzies then passed up a good chance to make it 2-0 when Sellar knocked down a Jamie Robinson shy from midfield. All this happened within the opening couple of minutes of the second half. It was Dawson to the rescue again on 53 minutes when he used his caman to parry a Glen MacKintosh shot from the left and Evan Menzies put the rebound past the keeper’s right post. Newtonmore made another change on 55 minutes with Scott Chisholm coming on for Craig Ritchie. Another sweeping ‘More move saw Glen MacKintosh find Fraser MacKintosh and he found Evan Menzies who wasn’t too far away with a 57 minute snap-shot. Conor Jones replaced an injured Chris Sellar on 58 minutes as the heavy rain continued to fall. Savio Genini almost levelled on 61 minutes when he gathered a deep free-hit 15 yards out and he turned and shot on his back-hand but Michael Russell saved with his feet. When Savio Genini gathered the ball on the Kings left moments later and he played the ball across goal but James Falconer was unable to get a shot on target. Genini then won the ball on the Kings left and his cross picked up Barrie Dallas at the back post but he failed to take the chance. Newtonmore somehow missed an opportunity to make it 2-0 on 64 minutes. Evan Menzies set-up Fraser MacKintosh in front of an open goal but James Hutchison slid in to stop a certain goal with his legs. Kingussie defender Calum Grant had to leave the field through injury on 67 minutes with Chris Holleysong given the nod as his replacement. Scott Chisholm received the game’s first booking on 71 minutes when he was picked-up by referee Billy Wotherspoon for speaking out of turn. A back-hand strike from Fraser MacKintosh hit Craig Dawson’s right post a minute later. Dawson then turned a low Glen MacKintosh shot onto the post from ‘More’s next attack. Craig Ritchie came back on for an injured Conor Jones on 73 minutes as the Kingussie goal continued to live dangerously. The last real chance of the game fell to Kingussie as Robert Mabon found Chris Holleysong on the right and Michael Ritchie did well to palm away Holleysong’s shot with just 7 minutes remaining. This derby meeting didn’t hit the heights although the players will rightly cite the wet weather and slippery surface as mitigating factors. Newtonmore merited the win although Kingussie might have pinched a point at the end. Craig Dawson was deservedly named man of the match; the choice of BBC ALBA pundit and Lochaber first team manager, Ally Ferguson. Lady Jean MacPherson presented medals to both sets of players and the Sir Tommy MacPherson Memorial Trophy to Newtonmore captain Cameron Binnie.
Lochaber 1 Kyles Athletic 6 Kyles Athletic go second in the table on goal difference after they beat Lochaber 6-1 at Spean Bridge. Shaun Nicolson was still out for Lochaber with a broken finger. Barry MacDonald was free to play for Lochaber but he will miss their next match because of a disciplinary points accumulation. Lochaber’s pre-match plans were disrupted when they lost goalkeeper Calum MacDonald prior to the match as he had not recovered from an operation on his toe during the week. Defender Brennan MacDonald took the goalkeeper’s shirt and although he did well, it was not the best game to be thrown in between the sticks. Kyles Athletic started life without Donald Irvine who has moved to Australia to work for a year. However fellow-defender Andrew King was back in the side. Kyles took the lead after just 5 minutes with Gordon Whyte getting the goal. Roddy MacDonald made it 2-0 on 29 minutes but a Stuart Callison strike on 35 minutes gave Lochaber hope, making it 2-1, and that’s the way it stayed until the interval. Kyles were strong, very fit and quick and they streaked ahead early in the second half. Roberto Zavaroni made it 3-1 a minute after the restart and he notched his second 4 minutes later to make it 4-1. Only 6 more minutes elapsed before Roberto Zavaroni got his second to make it 5-1 to effectively decide the outcome. Gordon Whyte got his second 11 minutes from time to make it 5-1. Whilst Lochaber weren’t at their best, Kyles certainly deserved the win and have now score twenty goals in their last three league matches, conceding only twice. Kyles, who are ahead of third place Glenurquhart and fourth place Lochaber on goal difference, trail leaders Newtonmore by five points but they have a game in hand. The Tighnabruaich side host Kingussie this coming weekend before the all-important SSE Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup semi-final against Newtonmore a week later. One concern for them will be that talisman Roddy MacDonald limped off to be replaced during the match at Spean Bridge and he will only face Kingussie if fully fit.
Glenurquhart 4 Inveraray 2 Glenurquhart recorded their second successive victory when they beat Inveraray 4-2 in their 1.30pm throw up at Blairbeg. The sides met at the same venue in the SSE Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup second round at the end of May with Inveraray winning 2-1. Brothers Ewan Brady and Michael Brady returned from holiday although the former served a one-match ban as he had passed the disciplinary points threshold. Captain Andrew Corrigan travelled back from Dublin to take his place in the home line-up after missing last week’s league win over Lochaber but John Barr was still out with a hamstring injury. Glenurquhart included second team player Bradley Sneddon and they were without keeper Stuart MacKintosh so David MacFadyen came in between the sticks and he didn’t let the side down, turning in a fantastic performance with some fine saves. Inveraray’s Garry MacPherson was free of suspension but Douglas Dando was missing whilst Chris Crawford was still out with a shoulder injury and David MacPherson was sidelined; troubled with an on-going hamstring problem. The home side were quicker out of the blocks although stand-in Glenurquhart goalie made a brilliant point-blank save to prevent Euan McMurdo giving Inveraray the lead. Neale Reid was free to play for the Glen but he will miss his team’s next outing as he has also passed the disciplinary points threshold. However he made the most of this weekend’s game time when he opened the scoring after 20 minutes. Fraser Heath, who was quick and skilful throughout, added a second just 3 minutes later which gave Glenurquhart a 2-0 lead at the break. Inveraray lost John Kennedy with a fractured figure at the start of the second half which is a blow ahead of this weekend’s SSE Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup semi-final meeting with Lovat. Lewis MacNicol pulled a goal back on 66 minutes but Glenurquhart were delivering a lesson in clinical finishing and Neale Reid got his second to make it 3-1 on 68 minutes. Glenurquhart continued to show their ruthlessness up front and Neale Reid completed his hat-trick on 78 minutes to make it 4-1. Whilst Glenurquhart dominated the first half, it was a more even second 45 minutes and Euan McMurdo scored for the third successive match a couple of minutes from time to make it 4-1. Glenurquhart only trail third place Kyles Athletic on goal difference. Second bottom Inveraray’s focus will now turn to this weekend’s Scottish semi-final against Lovat. However they have a crucial league encounter with bottom side Oban Camanachd at the Winterton the week after as they look to amass enough points to ensure top flight survival.
Kinlochshiel P Oban Camanachd P The heavy Saturday morning rain meant the 3pm throw up between Kinlochshiel and Oban Camanachd was a late casualty as Kirkton failed a pitch inspection. Kinlochshiel had put off their second team’s noon throw up with Lochcarron at Kirkton to give the senior match the best chance of going ahead. Oban Camanachd had travelled as far as Fort William when they became aware that the match was under serious threat. Iain Hay’s side waited for 30 minutes but the match eventually fell foul of the weather. Invergarry was suggested as an alternative but the game will now be rescheduled for a later date. The Oban Camanachd squad took in the SSE Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup quarter-final tie between Fort William and Lovat at An Aird.
Marine Harvest National Division Caberfeidh 1 Kilmallie 1 League leaders Kilmallie dropped their first point of the season when they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Caberfeidh at Castle Leod. Cabers’ Iain MacColl was still injured, Ruairidh MacLennan was on holiday and Ally MacLennan started a two game ban following his red card against Ballachulish last weekend. Former Lochbroom player Patrick Wilson and Cabers second team captain was given a start. Liam MacDonald returned for Kilmallie after missing last weekend’s 7-0 win over Glasgow Mid Argyll but started on the bench. There were no goals in the first half and Kilmallie took Liam MacDonald on for the second half. Liam Symonds gave Caberfeidh the lead with a low drive into the net after 56 minutes. However they were unable to hold on to the lead as Kilmallie charged up the park from the restart and John Stewart thumped the ball high into the net a minute later to make it 1-1. Kilmallie had the better chances but Ewen Pilcher in the Cabers goal was on fine form whilst brothers Blair Morrison and Craig Morrison were also excellent for the home side. Kilmallie are now two points ahead of Skye at the top of the table but the Islanders have a game in hand.
Skye Camanachd P Beauly P The match between second place Skye Camanachd and third place Beauly was postponed on Saturday morning as the heavy overnight rain left the Pairc nan Loach pitch unplayable.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Kingussie 7 Glenurquhart 0 The Kingussie second team were convincing 7-0 winners over the Glenurquhart second team at the Dell. Keeper David MacFadyen and Bradley Sneddon were missing for the Glen as they were on first team duty. Kingussie included Robert Mabon who also played for the Kings first team the night before in their 1-0 defeat against Newtonmore. Chris Hollysong gave the hosts the lead after 11 minutes and a double from Robert Mabon bagged a brace with goals on 28 and 42 minutes to make it 3-0 at the break. Kingussie full forward Kevin Than put the outcome beyond doubt by scoring a hat-trick in just 14 minutes. The veteran scored on 47, 52 and 61 minutes to make it 6-0. Chris Hollysong started the scoring and he ended it too, netting a minute from time to round off a fine 7-0 win. Fifth place Kingussie are now just a point behind fourth place Glenurquhart and the Kings have two games in hand.
Beauly 2 Lovat 1 Beauly were 2-1 winners in their reserve team derby with Lovat at Braeview Park. The home side ran up a 2-0 first half advantage thanks to goals from young guns Robbie Brindle and Sandy Elrick. Sandy Elrick was the provider as he broke down the Beauly right on just 3 minutes. The Lovat defence failed to clear the danger and Robbie Brindle shot home, low into the net, to make it 1-0. The impressive Sandy Elrick made it 2-0 just 3 minutes before the break when he gathered possession, unmarked, 25 yards from goal before sending a great shot into the net. Lee Dunbar replaced Kyle MacDonald in the Beauly goal at half-time. Another promising youngster, Lovat’s Cameron MacMillan, set up a grand-stand finish when he darted in to capitalise on confusion in the Lovat defence to pull a goal back 6 minutes from time. However Beauly saw out the closing minutes to take the points. Beauly stay sixth in the table with Lovat still in bottom spot, behind Lochcarron on goal difference.
Kinlochshiel P Lochcarron P The noon derby between the Kinlochshiel second team and Lochcarron was postponed as Kirkton was unable to take two matches and the ‘Shiel first team were scheduled to play Oban Camanachd later in the day.
Fort William P Strathglass P The noon encounter between the Fort William second team and Strathglass was postponed as it was deemed that An Aird was unable to host two matches.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Oban Celtic 4 Aberdour 0 Oban Celtic go second in the league after they beat Aberdour 4-0 in their 3pm throw up at Ganavan. Oban Celtic’s Lee Askew served a one game ban for passing the disciplinary points threshold. The first half looked as if it might end goalless until Oban Celtic’s Alan Mackie popped up to put his side ahead a couple of minutes before the break. Daniel Madej made it 2-0 on 67 minutes and a late brace from Kenny Wotherspoon on 79 and 86 minutes rounded off the 4-0 win. It is congested at the top of Marine Harvest South Division 1. Second spot Oban Celtic are four points behind leaders Inveraray seconds but they have three games in hand. Third place Bute are just a point behind Oban Celtic but they have played a game fewer. Fourth place Lochside Rovers are level on points with Bute but they have played a game more.
Strachur 3 Taynuilt 4 Taynuilt edged out Strachur by the odd goal in seven at Strachurmore. Strachur’s Ross MacDonald served the second match of a two game ban for served a one game ban for passing the disciplinary points threshold. His teammate Ian Wilson was free of suspension after serving a two-game ban following his red card against Glenorchy five weeks earlier. Steven Bulloch put Strachur ahead after 25 minutes only for Willie Gillies to equalise just 3 minutes later. Duncan Smart put Strachur back in front on the half hour mark but Willie Gillies levelled for a second time just 5 minutes later. In a crucial couple of minutes late in the first half, Willie Neilson scored to 40 and 42 minutes to give Taynuilt a 4-2 advantage at the break. Strachur’s Iain Wilson pulled a goal back 15 minutes from time to make it 4-3 but Taynuilt kept their noses in front to take the points. Taynuilt stay in sixth place in the table. They have closed the gap on the fifth placed Kyles Athletic seconds to a single point but they have played two matches more.
Inveraray P Bute P It was to be first plays second as the Inveraray second team hosted Bute at the Winterton. However the match was postponed because of an unplayable field.
Glenorchy P Lochside Rovers P The 3pm throw up between Glenorchy and Lochside Rovers was postponed on Friday evening as Mart Park was unplayable.
Kilmory P Kyles Athletic P There was Saturday morning disappointment for Kilmory and the Kyles Athletic second team as an unplayable pitch put paid to their clash at MacRae Park.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Inverness 2 Aberdeen University 2 Aberdeen University returned from the Highland Capital with a point after drawing 2-2 with the Inverness second team at the Bught Park. Stuart MacRae put Inverness ahead but a Stuart Cameron double gave the Students the advantage. However Colin Fraser scored to make it 2-2 which ensured Inverness got a share of the points. This was just a second point of the season for the Inverness reserves and they remain bottom of the table. Aberdeen University stay in fifth spot. The sides are scheduled to meet at Balgownie in the league this coming weekend.
Glengarry W/O v Caberfeidh Third place Glengarry were awarded a walk-over as second place Caberfeidh seconds were unable to raise a team for their match at Craigard. Glengarry were awarded the customary 5-0 win and Caberfeidh were deducted a point which means ‘Garry now leap-frog Cabers into second place in the league. Glengarry trail leaders Skye Camanachd seconds by two points and both sides have six matches remaining.
Kilmallie P Lochaber P The local derby between the Kilmallie and Lochaber second teams was postponed on Saturday morning as the Canal Parks was unplayable.
Boleskine P Strathspey Camanachd P The match between Boleskine and Strathspey Camanachd at Smith Park has been rescheduled for Saturday 15 August 2015.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Oban Lorn 1 Glenorchy 3 The visitors took the points thanks to a 3-1 win as Oban Lorn and the Glenorchy second team met in a noon throw up at Ganavan. Alan Duffy missed out for Oban Lorn as he started a two game ban for his red card against Aberdour a couple of weeks earlier. Glenorchy player / manager Gerry Kilmurray had to watch from the sidelines as he was also suspended. Glenorchy took the initiative from the outset and when referee Alan Harrison pointed to the penalty spot after 7 minutes, Sandy Leiper stepped up to make it 1-0 from the spot. Andrew MacMillan levelled for Oban Lorn on 17 minutes but a goal from Saul Ormiston on 29 minutes gave Glenorchy a 2-1 lead at the break. James Livingstone made it 3-1 on 55 minutes and that’s the way it stayed so fifth placed Glenorchy now close the gap on fourth place Oban Lorn to two points and they have a game.
Bute P Col Glen P The meeting between the Bute second team and Col Glen was postponed as the Meadows was unplayable.
(All throw ups were at 2.30pm unless stated differently) (These reports will be updated as more information becomes available) |