The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 13 June 2015 | |
14 June 2015 Glenurquhart lifted the first major shinty silverware of the season on Saturday 13 June 2015.
RBS MacTavish Cup Final Newtonmore 1 Glenurquhart 3 Glenurquhart won the RBS MacTavish Cup for the first time when they beat Newtonmore 3-1 at the Bught Park. Newtonmore boss Paul John MacKintosh gave a start at wing centre to captain Cameron Binnie following his recovery from a broken hand. Jamie Robinson started at full centre with Rory Kennedy in attack. Newtonmore U17 starlet Iain Richardson was rewarded for some fine performances this season with a place on the bench. Glenurquhart co-managers Billy MacLean and Dave Menzies were without Billy Urquhart who has a hand injury. Ally MacKintosh started at full centre and Ewan Brady was back in attack following a calf muscle injury. Eddie Tembo and Arran MacDonald both started on the bench. John Barr was given an early marking job on Glen MacKintosh. After enjoying warm weather throughout the week, it was a wet and blustery Highland Capital which greeted the players and this meant for a greasy surface. There was a minutes silence ahead of throw up as a mark of respect for Charles Kennedy, whose funeral took place in Fort William a day earlier. Glenurquhart, with the wind at their backs, started well and when the ball broke to Conner Golabek on the left after 4 minutes, he sent in a great shot towards the top corner of the net but the ball came off Michael Ritchie’s left post. A bouncing ball on the left of the Glen D caused problems in the Glen defence on 14 minutes and Paul MacArthur flicked the ball across the face of the goal but there were no takers in the blue and white hoops. One of the final’s major incidents came on 18 minutes. Jamie Robinson was caught on the head by a trailing caman in a challenge with Ally MacKintosh. Robinson reacted by having a wild lash which caught MacKintosh on the thigh and he was shown a straight red card by referee MacRae. Glen played with the spare man at buckshee back and Newtonmore moved Rory Kennedy to full centre in Robinson’s place. A long ball from Ewan Brady took a wicked bounce in front of Michael Ritchie but the keeper palmed the ball away for a corner. ‘More never properly cleared Iain MacLeod’s resultant corner from the right and when an Andrew Corrigan ball into the goal area was stabbed into the path of Fraser Heath on the Glen left by Neale Reid and Heath smashed the ball over Ritchie’s left shoulder to give Glenurquhart a 25 minute 1-0 lead. Newtonmore would have had the elements in the second half but the wind seemed to drop and both sides resisted the temptation to make any half-time substitutions. Fraser Heath was causing the Newtonmore defence all sorts of problems and he was impeded by Norman Campbell on the Glen left on 54 minutes. Newtonmore replaced Fraser MacKintosh with Chris Sellar before the free-hit was taken. The resultant set-piece from Neale Reid was missed by Ewan Brady but Fraser Heath knocked the ball home from the right. However Brady was ruled offside and it remained 1-0. However Glenurquhart got their second goal on 70 minutes when Andrew Corrigan cut the ball back to Neale Reid. Reid’s shot was saved with his feed by Michael Ritchie but Ewan Brady rushed in to slot the rebound into the net to make it 2-0. Newtonmore showed their mettle a minute later when a Steven MacDonald corner from the right found Paul MacArthur and he turned before sending a blistering drive across keeper Stuart MacKintosh into the net to make it 2-1. However Glen were not to be denied and Neale Reid gathered a Ewan Brady cross from wide on the right on 73 minutes, and he controlled the ball before rifling it into the net to make it 3-1. Referee Evan MacRae’s final whistle signalled joy in the Glenurquhart camp whilst Newtonmore were left to reflect on what had gone wrong. Glenurquhart full centre Ally MacKintosh was named man of the match for his midfield performance although Fraser Heath, who had a 21st Birthday to remember, must have run him close. Glenurquhart were second favourites going into the final and they deserve great credit for their approach to the game. They were quickest out of the blocks at the start of the final and they won their individual battles in most areas of the park. There wasn’t a prouder man than Glenurquhart captain Andrew Corrigan, who has travelled so many miles to play for his side this season, as he lifted the RBS MacTavish Cup.
Artemis Macaulay Cup – Quarter Final Oban Camanachd 13 Ballachulish 0 Oban Camanachd swept aside Ballachulish 13-0 in their Artemis Macaulay Cup quarter-final tie at Mossfield. This clash was brought forward to Thursday 11 June 2015 with a 6.30pm throw up. Oban Camanachd field a strong side although defender Gary McKerracher was missing, whilst Balla’s absences included Alan Clark and John MacDonald. Early goals from Aidan MacIntyre on 6 minutes and Lorn Dickie a minute later gave the home side a 2-0 advantage. Aidan MacIntyre’s second on 21 minutes and an Andrew MacCuish goal on 23 minutes made it 4-0. Aidan MacIntyre completed his hat-trick on 36 minutes and Andrew MacCuish’s second a couple of minutes later made it 6-0. It seemed whenever Oban Camanachd scored, another goal would almost immediately after and Aidan MacIntyre on 42 minutes – with his fourth goal of the first half - and Connor Howie just 60 seconds later made it 8-0 at half-time. The extraordinary scoring pattern continued into the second half with Connor Howe’s second on 51 minutes and Lorn Dickie’s second a couple of minutes later taking the home side into double figures. Malcolm Clark got in on the act with a 67 minute strike and Lorn Dickie completed his hat-trick just 3 minutes afterwards to make it 12-0. Andrew MacCuish completed the third hat-trick of the match 15 minutes from time to round off the 13-0 win. Indeed had it not been a terrific goalkeeping display from Balla’ custodian Cameron Sutherland, who is developing into one of the top young keepers in the game, the winning margin could have been greater. Oban Camanachd will now play the winners of next weekend’s quarter final tie between Inveraray and Kyles Athletic in the last four of the competition.
Balliemore Cup – Quarter Finals Bute 0 Kilmallie 2 Kilmallie reached the last four of the Balliemore Cup but they needed two late goals to beat Bute 2-0 at the Meadows. Bute, who beat Skye Camanachd in the previous round, fielded a strong side and they are always difficult opponents on their own pitch. Kilmallie had Liam MacDonald back in the side after he missed last weekend’s win over Kinlochshiel. He replaced the unavailable Liam Cameron in midfield and the visitors were also without Peter Carmichael, Alan MacDonald and Bryan MacKay. Bute defended well in the first half; doing everything they could to block Kilmallie efforts on goal. Neither team were able to break the deadlock until, with just 6 minutes remaining, John Stewart gathered the ball with his back to goal around the penalty spot. Stewart turned and he sent a low shot into the net, in-off the inside of the post to make it 1-0. And it was Stewart who would get his and Kilmallie’s second just a couple of minutes later. It was almost a replica of his opener as he collected the ball in a similar position before turning and sending the ball past Bute goalie Kevin Queen to make it 2-0. Bute played well during the match and they made it difficult for Kilmallie. They could certainly hold their own at a higher level if they were able to get their strongest team out every week. Kilmallie will be pleased to have safely negotiated this hurdle with so many players missing. They will now play Beauly at Invergarry in the Balliemore Cup Final this coming weekend with a place in the final at stake.
Marine Harvest Premiership Lovat 0 Kinlochshiel 2 Kinlochshiel beat Lovat 2-0 in their clash at Balgate. Lovat were at full strength with Fraser Gallacher, Euan Ferguson and Danny Kelly on the bench. Scott Kennedy was back in goal for the visitors and Paul MacRae returned from injury at full back. However an injured Keith MacRae was an unused fourth substitute. Gordie MacDonald started at wing centre with Oliver MacRae at wing forward. This scheduled 1pm throw up was 20 minutes late in starting as referee Billy Wotherspoon was delayed by heavy traffic on his journey from Oban. ‘Shiel suffered an early blow when wing back Nathan Whear had to go off after 11 minutes to receive seven stiches after taking a blow to the chin. Duncan “Ach” MacRae came on in his place. Lovat and Scotland goalie Stuart MacDonald saved well from both Fraser MacVicar and Jordan Fraser as the visitors looked the more likely side to score. And they did just that on 37 minutes. Full centre Mark MacDonald was allowed to break forward unmarked from midfield and he collected a ball from the right around the penalty spot before firing home a rare goal which made it 1-0. There were many interruptions in play which meant there was very little flow to the game and when tested in the first half, both keepers made good reflex saves including a brilliant Scott Kennedy stop with his caman from a Greg Matheson rocket. Lovat’s Danny Kelly made only his second senior team appearance when he replaced a limping Martin Mainland on 53 minutes. There was a key moment in the game on 67 minutes. Lovat’s Lewis Tawse took a pass from Lorne MacKay and rounded keeper Scott Kennedy before hitting the ball goalwards. ‘Shiel full back Paul MacRae raced back and managed to clear the ball off the line. However referee Billy Wotherspoon awarded a penalty after consulting his goal judge. Kevin Bartlett took the spot-hit but Scott Kennedy saved with his legs before clearing the danger and the chance was gone. There was more frustration for Lovat on 79 minutes when Lewis Tawse held off a Finlay MacRae challenge and slotted the ball home. However home celebrations were halted as referee Wotherspoon’s whistle had gone to penalise MacRae’s challenge and Lovat had to settle for a free-hit which came to nothing. Lovat had plenty pressure but their midfield was joining the attack which left them a bit crowded up front. Fraser Gallacher replaced Lorne MacKay for the home side on 74 minutes. It was not all one-way traffic in the second half and ‘Shiel were very dangerous on the counter-attack. And they scored a second clinching goal 4 minutes into stoppage time to make sure of the points when substitute Duncan “Ach” MacRae crashed a shot into the net, with Jordan Fraser in close attendance, to make it 2-0. There were six bookings in the game – three for Lovat in the first half and three for Kinlochshiel in the second half. ‘Shiel edged the first half whilst Lovat were more in command after the break However the Kirkton side did enough to take the points and the win means they jump to fifth place in shinty’s top division.
Lochaber 0 Kingussie 0 Lochaber and Kingussie shared the points in a goalless draw at Spean Bridge. Lochaber were without Lachlan Campbell, Neil MacDonald and Zandz Ferguson was still out injured. There was no Louis Munro or John Gibson in the travelling Kingussie squad. The Kings played with the wind at their backs in the first half and the play ebbed and flowed from end to end. Lochaber had more pressure in the second half and created chances but they were unable to take them. The sides meet again this coming Saturday at the Dell in league action in what will be their fourth meeting already this season.
Inveraray 0 Fort William 1 Fort William continued their climb up the table as they beat Inveraray 1-0 in their 3pm throw up at the Winterton. Inveraray were without defender John Kennedy who is in the USA whilst forward Euan McMurdo, a Shinty Development Officer with the Camanachd Association, was on duty at the Youth Macaulay Sixes in Oban. Grant Griffin was injured. Fort William were without Arran MacPhee. The only goal of the game came on 32 minutes and it was another important strike from Alexander MacMillan which gave the An Aird side a 1-0 lead. This developed into a stop-start game which suited the team in front. Inveraray threw everything at Fort William in the second half but a combination of missed chances and an inspired Paul MacKay in the Fort goal meant there was no further scoring. Inveraray will be disappointed not to have taken something from the game and they miss having a consistent goalscorer. Fort William are a battling team who don't give up. They are on a great run at the moment and this was their fifth successive league win. The win lifts them into third place in the table and they are level on points with second place Lovat and they have a game in hand. Their run will be put to the test next weekend when league leaders Newtonmore visit An Aird.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Kinlochshiel 1 Fort William 3 League leaders Fort William seconds maintained their 100% record when they came from behind to beat the Kinlochshiel seconds 2-1 at Kirkton. Kinlochshiel were without regular keeper Iain Cameron. Scott Knox was free of suspension for Fort William but Mark Lawrie served a one game ban following his sending off against Skye Camanachd a fortnight earlier. After an even opening to the match, Kenneth Loades gave ‘Shiel the lead after only 20 minutes. It was a well-worked goal with which started when Colin MacDiarmid broke down the wing. He found Neil Fraser who teed up Kenneth Loades and he tucked the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-0. Allan MacDiarmid and Fergus Dobson had chances for the home side but it was to be Duncan Rodger who would draw Fort William level on 35 minutes as his shot from distance took a vicious bounce in front of ‘Shiel goalie Raymond Gillies and the ball ended up in the roof of the net. Young Fort forward Grant Disher put the Fort in front for the first time in the match 5 minutes before the break with the ball again taking a bounce of the fiery surface. The clinching goal came 10 minutes into the second have with Duncan Rodger again the difference as he has been so often this season and he tucked a rebound off keeper Gillies into the back of the net to make it 3-1. With half their league programme complete, Fort William lead second place Newtonmore reserves by six points but ‘More have a game in hand.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Strachur 0 Lochside Rovers 5 Lochside Rovers continued on their winning ways with a 5-0 victory over Strachur at Strachurmore. Strachur’s Alan Paterson started his two-match ban for his red card against Aberdour on 23 May 2015. Michael MacDonald put the table toppers in front on 9 minutes and Iain MacMillan made it 2-0 on 36 minutes. Craig MacDougall made it 3-0 just 6 minutes into the second half. Chris MacMillan on 64 minutes and Brian MacCallum on 72 minutes completed the scoring to make it 5-0. Lochside Rovers remain a point clear of the Inveraray seconds at the top of the table and they also have a game in hand. Strachur, who had Andrew Wilson sent off by referee Euan Pearson late in the game, stay bottom of the table with just one league win.
Oban Celtic 7 Glenorchy 1 Oban Celtic made it four league wins out of four when they beat an under-strength Glenorchy at 7-1 at Ganavan. Oban Celtic’s Neil Carmichael was unavailable as he served a one-match ban for a bookings points accumulation. Boss Davy Hamilton missed the game but his team’s good league run continued. The visitors were only able to call on three first team regulars with a number of their squad away at a stag-do whilst Duncan Smith was banned because of a bookings points accumulation. Several players from the second team were drafted in including a stand-in goalie. Donald Campbell was the Oban side’s top scorer with a hat-trick, Daniel Madej scored twice with Lee Askew and Allan McKee getting the others. Oban Celtic stay fourth but they and Lochside Rovers are the only sides in the division with a 100% record. Glenorchy are second bottom with just two points but they have only played three matches.
Inveraray 3 Aberdour 0 The Inveraray second team stay second in the league after they beat Aberdour 3-0 in their noon throw up at the Winterton. Inveraray’s Scott Robertson served the second match of a two game suspension. Neil Campbell struck on 5 and 35 minutes to give Inveraray a 2-0 interval lead. Niall Shaw sealed the win with a 65 minute strike.
Taynuilt 2 Kilmory 1 Taynuilt came from a goal down to edge out Kilmory 2-1 at the Taynuilt Playing Field. The visitors went in front on 10 minutes with Calum McKinven- getting the goal. David Campbell levelled just 5 minutes later and that’s the way it stayed until a minute from time when Taynuilt’s Jamie MacFarlane grabbed the winner. Taynuilt move up to sixth place with what was their second league win of the season. Kilmory drop to seventh place.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Lochaber 7 Kilmallie 1 Lochaber took the honours in their reserve derby meeting with Kilmallie at Spean Bridge on Friday 12 June 2015. Lochaber’s Jamie MacIntyre was free of his one game ban. Ryan Toal helped himself to a Lochaber hat-trick, Danny Delaney scored twice and Stuart Callison and Marcus Ross were also on target. Ewan Mowat got Kilmallie’s only counter and their cause wasn’t helped as Andrew MacAllister and Jordan MacPhee were both sent off by referee Archie Ritchie. Lochaber stay fifth and Kilmallie stay sixth.
Caberfeidh 0 Lewis Camanachd 1 Lewis Camanachd followed up last weekend’s win over the Inverness seconds with an impressive 1-0 win over the Caberfeidh reserves at Castle Leod. The result was all the more remarkable given that Caberfeidh had beaten Lewis 6-1 at Shawbost a fortnight earlier. The winning goal came after only5 minutes and it was a superb move from one end of the field to the other from the visitors. Lewis wing back Daniel Gallagher won a tackle in defence and he played a great pass up the wing to Donald Lamont. A neat pass from Lamont found Paul Duke and he launched a 40 yard ball over the Cabers defence for Will Church to run onto and Church finish superbly to make it 1-0. Church also hit the frame of the goal before Caberfeidh piled the pressure on the Lewis defence as they went in search of an equaliser. However some phenomenal defending limited the home side to few clear cut chances due to. Cabers had a great chance to level when referee John Matheson awarded them a first half penalty. However Lewis keeper Graham Cay saved Gavin MacLachlan’s spot-hit. It was then Cabers turn to hit the woodwork and it just seemed it wouldn’t be their day. It wasn’t all Cabers though and Lewis midfielder Paddy Sinclair missed a penalty 10 minutes from time. However Lewis saw out the remainder to the game to inflict only Cabers second league defeat of the season. The win takes Lewis up to seventh in the table.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Glasgow Mid Argyll 7 Oban Lorn 0 The Glasgow Mid Argyll seconds return to the top of the table after they defeated Oban Lorn 7-0 at Yoker. Calum McLay gave GMA a 7 minute lead and Lewis Miller doubled their advantage on 31 minutes. Jack Berg on 35 minutes and Angus MacInnes on 43 minutes gave GMA a comfortable 4-0 lead at the break. Calum McLay took his tally to four goals when he scored three more times in a 5 minute period. His second half strikes came on 62, 63 and 66 minutes and they increased GMA’s lead to 7-0. GMA now lead Col Glen on goal difference although they have played a game more.
Aberdour 4 Tayforth 9 There were goals galore at Silver Sands as Tayforth returned home with both points after they beat the Aberdour second team 9-4. Finlay Stark put Tayforth ahead on 17 minutes but Aberdour’s Marcus Galanti levelled just 4 minutes later. Former Glenurquhart player Ewan Menzies put Tayforth back in front on 29 minutes and there was a flurry of goals just before the break. Jamie MacDonald made it 3-1 on 41 minutes but Chris Bowerman reduced the deficit a minute later. However Brendan Duggan found the back of the net a minute before the interval to give Tayforth a 4-2 half-time lead. Finlay Stark’s second on 47 minutes and a Steve Thomson strike on 50 minutes gave Tayforth a 6-2 cushion. Back came Aberdour and Conor MacLeod made it 6-3 a couple of minutes later. Neil Shearer on 71 minutes and Lee Fleming on 74 minutes took Tayforth’s total to eight goals. John Kay pulled another Aberdour goal back a minute later to make it 8-4. The scoring eventually ended with Brendan Duggan’s second goal just 5 minutes from time to make it 9-4. Third place Tayforth are just a couple of points off the top of the table.
Ballachulish W/O v Bute The Bute reserves were unable to raise a team for their match against the Ballachulish reserves at Jubilee Park. Balla’ were awarded the customary 5-0 win.
(All throw ups were at 2pm unless stated differently) (These reports will be updated as more information becomes available) |