The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 15 July 2017 | |
16 July 2017 Fort William lifted the Balliemore Cup, Newtonmore collected two vital league points and Scotland Ladies were Dublin winners following the shinty action on Saturday 15 July 2017.
Balliemore Cup Final Caberfeidh 4 Fort William 4 (After extra-time – Fort William won 5-4 on penalties) Fort William lifted the Balliemore Cup following an eventual penalty shoot-out win over Caberfeidh after their thrilling Balliemore Cup Final at Blairbeg ended 4-4 after extra-time. There was disappointment for Caberfeidh defender Ryan MacKay who missed out as he served the final match of a three game ban. Defender Ryan Symonds was on holiday. Fort William suffered a blow as Bryan Simpson was sidelined after picking up a knock in the league win over Beauly the previous weekend. Alexander MacMillan remained out with a hand injury. Caberfeidh went into the final as five-time Balliemore Cup winners – a record they share with Bute - whilst Fort William were bidding to lift the trophy for the first time. Although having spent most recent years in the top flight, they rarely played in the tournament. It was first blood to Fort William when Jack Fraser scored a great goal after just 5 minutes. Seamus Gall played the ball in from the right and Fraser did well to win possession and control the ball as he ran across the penalty spot and he drifted the ball from the left over defender Blair Morrison and it dropped into the net to make it 1-0. Caberfeidh had the ball in the net on 17 minutes when Kevin Bartlett did well to keep the ball in play and his cut-back found Craig Morrison who ran in to score. However goal judge Russell Ross flagged as Martin MacDonald was inside the D before the ball so the effort was ruled out for offside. There was plenty of endeavour from both sets of players during the first half but the game never really hit the heights. That all changed when referee Andy MacLean got what was to prove to be a thrilling second half underway. Craig Morrison equalised on 50 minutes when he had time to control a low cross from the right before moving the ball onto his left side and beating keeper Paul MacKay with a swerving shot to make it 1-1. Caberfeidh took the lead for the first time in the final on 54 minutes and it was captain Craig Morrison again who made the difference. Caberfeidh once more worked the ball out onto their right flank and when Kevin Bartlett drove the ball into the danger-area, Morrison stopped the ball and struck it into the net to make it 2-1. The final was now flowing from end to end and Jack Fraser got his second on 64 minutes to make it 2-2. Caberfeidh had a chance to clear the danger but, when they didn’t, Jack Fraser was quickly in to win the ball and he slipped it past the on-rushing Cabers’ keeper Ewan Pilcher. Kevin Bartlett finished off a Caberfeidh move on 75 minutes. However, as the players celebrated, referee Andy MacLean brought play back as goal judge Billy MacLeod had flagged for a Fort William “kick” inside the D so the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Kevin Bartlett kept his nerve to send his spot-hit low into the net, beating the keeper on his left side, to put Cabers 3-2 in front. Fort William fought back though and Lewis Clark made it 3-3 on 82 minutes. A Jack Fraser free-hit asked questions of the Caberfeidh defence and Graham Campbell’s shot was deflected into the path of Lewis Clark on the Fort left. Clarks's initial effort was blocked but he calmly steered the rebound low into the net to the delight of the Fort William support. With no further scoring, referee Andy MacLean, who gave a great display throughout, took the tie into an extra-time period. Fort William took the lead for the second time in the match on 93 minutes. Calum Shepherd took a brilliant touch to take a ball forward onto his right side before steadying himself and sending a glorious shot past the keeper to make it 4-3. However with just 5 minutes of extra-time remaining, Craig Morrison made it 4-4. Morrison’s hat-trick goal came following a Caberfeidh shy on the left and, when Kevin Bartlett found Craig Morrison, he showed good control before blasting the ball past the keeper to level the contest once more. The full-time whistle signalled a penalty shoot-out and the drama continued. Caberfeidh’s hat-trick hero Craig Morrison stepped up first and confidently fired the ball home. Jack Fraser took Fort William’s first penalty and he smashed the ball into the net to make it 1-1. Kevin Bartlett and Arran MacPhee both finished well to make it 2-2. The defining moment came next when Ally MacLennan’s spot-it came off Paul MacKay’s right post and rebounded to safety. As Bobby MacMillan strode forward, he knew he could give his side a vital advantage and he sent the ball high into the net to make it 3-2 in Fort William’s favour. The standard of penalties was top notch and Caberfeidh’s Blair Morrison and Fort William’s Sean Cruickshank both converted to make it 4-3. Caberfeidh’s Gavin Mclachlan had to score - and he did - so Fort William full back Mark Grant had the chance to take the trophy to An Aird. Grant barely broke stride as he marched forward, placed the ball on the spot and thumped it into the roof of the net to win the shoot-out by five goals to four. There were a number of good performances, notably Fort William Mark Grant, who played very well against Kevin Bartlett, and his team mates Sean Cruickshank and Calum Shepherd. Blair Morrison, a tower of strength at buckshee back, and three-goal Craig Morrison were best for Caberfeidh. Fort William did enough to deserve the win and they trophy win is an important achievement as Victor Smith and Adam Robertson look to build a squad to take Fort William back into shinty’s top flight. Fort William captain James Tangney stepped forward to be presented with the Balliemore Cup by Camanachd Association President-elect Keith Loades. Caberfeidh still have plenty to play for this season and the sides meet again this coming Saturday; this time in the Marine Harvest National Division at Castle Leod.
Strathdearn Cup - Semi Finals Skye Camanachd 2 Kingussie 4 A strong first half performance helped the Kingussie colts reach the Strathdearn Cup Final as they beat the Skye Camanachd colts 4-2 at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Skye suffered a blow on the morning of the game when experienced defender Allan MacLeod was forced to call off as he was unwell. Connor Gilpin dropped back into defence with Shockie MacLennan, back after injury, replacing him in the forward line. Kingussie had John Gibson, Rory Fraser and Kevin Thain providing the experience in what was an otherwise youthful side. Conditions were difficult in the lead up to the game with a swirling wind and heavy rain showers. However the pitch was more than playable and referee Iain Kennedy had no hesitation in calling the game on. Kingussie were held up in a queue of traffic following a road accident on the mainland so throw up was delayed by 20 minutes. Kingussie attacked from the start and they took the lead on 21 minutes when James Falconer finished off a fantastic flowing move up the Kings’ right wing. Dylan Borthwick added a second on 30 minutes after Skye goalie Ryan Morrison had made a brilliant save to keep out a Kevin Thain piledriver, parrying the ball above his head with his caman, but Borthwick knocked the rebound home. When Dylan Borthwick got his second on 35 minutes, after playing a one-two with Kevin Thain, Kingussie had one foot in the final. There were harsh words in the Skye dressing room at the interval and the Islanders made a solid start to the second half. Ross Gordon went close following a Kenny MacLeod corner on 50 minutes with Skye knowing they needed to score next. There seemed little danger when Shockie MacLennan ran onto a ball on the left but his early strike flew into the net to make it 3-1 with 67 minutes on the clock. However Kingussie extinguished any home hopes of a Skye comeback when they scored again just 3 minutes later. Rory Fraser played a free-hit forward into the goal-area and Liam Borthwick’s cross from the left picked out Dylan Borthwick and he gave Ryan Morrison no chance, scoring from close in, to complete his hat-trick. Skye pulled another goal back from the penalty spot on 78 minutes. Ross Gordon ran across the Kingussie goal and was bundled to the ground inside the D. Connor Gilpin, who had by this time been pushed forward into attack, thumped the resultant penalty over Kingussie keeper Robert Shiells’ left shoulder to make it 4-2. Ross Gordon was injured in the challenge and Daniel Morrison came on in his place. Kingussie deserved the win and, with an Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup Final already in the diary, they now have a second cup final to look forward to.
Glengarry 4 Newtonmore 5 The Newtonmore reserves eventually overcame Glengarry, running out 5-4 winners in an epic battle at Craigard. Cameron McNiven, who usually plays in the Newtonmore defence, opened the scoring on 3 minutes and he added a second to make it 2-0 on 23 minutes. ‘Garry’s Daniel MacLennan made it 2-1 on 25 minutes but when Cameron McNiven completed his hat-trick on 40 minutes and Duncan Gorman made it 4-1 a couple of minutes later, ‘More looked to have a comfortable half-time lead. However ‘Garry came right back into the tie at the start of the second half and a Nick Dalgety brace on 51 and 54 minutes made it 4-3. However Newtonmore’s Calum Stewart was on target on 65 minutes to stem the fight-back. Daniel MacLennan got his second on 77 minutes to make it 5-4 and set up an exciting finish but Newtonmore stayed in front to reach the final. Newtonmore’s Cameron Binnie was sent off by referee John Wood. The win means the Newtonmore seconds will now play the Kingussie seconds in the Strathdearn Cup Final on Saturday 12 August 2017. The venue has yet to be decided but, given the final is now a derby between the Kingussie and Newtonmore second teams, the clubs may be tempted to request a toss of the coin to decide who hosts the game; a move sure to attract a large number of local supporters.
Bullough Cup - Semi Final Kyles Athletic P Strachur P The Bullough Cup semi-final tie between the Kyles Athletic seconds and Strachur was postponed as an unplayable Tighnabruaich pitch led to a Saturday morning call-off. The tie has been rescheduled for this coming Saturday. The winners will the play the Inveraray seconds in the Bullough Cup Final.
Marine Harvest Premiership Newtonmore 3 Kyles Athletic 1 Newtonmore proved that they remain very much in the title race by beating Kyles Athletic at The Eilan for the second successive Saturday. ‘More were 4-1 winners when the sides met in the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup quarter-finals a week earlier and this week’s 3-1 victory was Kyles first league defeat of the season. Paul MacArthur and Drew MacDonald remained out injured for Paul John MacKintosh’s Newtonmore side. Jamie Robinson was fit enough to take up a place on the bench. Kyles Athletic manager James Perlich was unable to call on injured duo Innes MacDonald and Cammy Keith whilst Grant Irvine didn’t play either. Roddy MacDonald, who has been nursing a shoulder injury, lined up in a strong defence, allowing Andrew King to go to wing back. Newtonmore took the lead on 22 minutes. The goal came from a free-hit and the ball was looped over to the back post where Glen MacKintosh found half a yard to poke the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Newtonmore netted a crucial second goal a minute before the interval. Iain Robinson hit a shot following a corner and the ball deflected to Evan Menzies at the back post and he sent a shot into the bottom left corner of the net to make it 2-0. Kyles gave a much better showing than a week earlier and Sandy MacKenzie pulled the Tighnabruaich men right back into it when he made it 2-1 on 60 minutes. Glen MacKintosh had to go off with a calf problem and he was replaced by Connor Jones. ‘More lost another forward when Evan Menzies was sent off by referee Graham Cameron for two yellow cards. It was left for Connor Jones to settle the game with a goal a couple of minutes from time when he sent the ball past keeper John Whyte from the left of the D. Newtonmore have now come through two tough games against Kyles Athletic and we now have a genuine title race on our hands. The reigning champions seem to have always been missing two or three players each week since the start of the season but they are now nearing full strength and, if they can stay clear of injuries and suspensions, they could peak at exactly the right time. The big games keep coming for both sides. Newtonmore travel to neutral Braeview Park this coming Saturday to play Lovat in the Artemis Macaulay Cup semi-finals whilst Kyles Athletic face Oban Camanachd at Mossfield in the last-four of same competition.
Oban Camanachd P Kilmallie P The game between Oban Camanachd and Kilmallie at Mossfield was postponed shortly before throw up as referee Lachie Wood ruled that the heavy pre-match rain had left the pitch water-logged. The pitch passed a Saturday morning inspection but the wind and rain that followed would have made for farcical playing conditions and, with puddles forming on the pitch, referee Wood was left with no option but to call the game off. Remarkably, this was to be Oban Camanachd’s first game at Mossfield since Saturday 8 April 2017 when they beat Glenurquhart 5-0. They have played eleven consecutive matches away from their home patch since then. Oban Camanachd will try again for a home fixture this coming Saturday when they have an Artemis Macaulay Cup semi-final meeting with Kyles Athletic at Mossfield. Camanachd didn’t do themselves justice when the sides met in the Gregor Cameron Glasgow Celtic Society Cup Final so they have an early opportunity to put on a better showing. Gary McKerracher, Matt Rippon, who would have missed the Kilmallie clash, will return, as will Marc MacCallum but, with the Kilmallie game postponed, Garry Lord’s suspension carries forward a week.
Kingussie 5 Lochaber 2 Kingussie stay third in shinty’s top flight after they beat Lochaber 5-2 at The Dell. Lee Bain scored the only goal of the first half with his effort coming 5 minutes before the break. Lee Bain got his and Kingussie’s second just 3 minutes into the second half but Zandz Ferguson pulled a goal back with 55 minutes played. Kingussie manager Dallas Young’s decision to switch Lee Bain to the forward line is paying dividends and he completed his hat-trick on 71 minutes. Lochaber were never out of it though and Stuart Callison made it 3-2 just a minute later. However Kingussie pulled away as Ruaridh Anderson on 74 minutes and Ryan Borthwick on 81 minutes rounded off the 5-2 win. Kingussie are just a point behind Kyles Athletic and Kinlochshiel but they have played three games more.
Kinlochshiel P Glasgow Mid Argyll P The match between Kinlochshiel and Glasgow Mid Argyll at Kirkton was postponed as the wet weather on Saturday morning left Kirkton unplayable. GMA had reached Fort William before the mid-morning call-off.
Marine Harvest National Division Beauly 3 Strathglass 1 Beauly go fourth in the Marine Harvest National Division after they defeated Strathglass 3-1 in their noon throw up at Braeview Park. The start time was brought forward to allow both clubs the chance to attend the near-by Balliemore Cup Final later in the afternoon. Beauly manager Alan MacRae went into the game without Marc MacLachlan, Ross Forbes, Liam Girvan and Barrie MacDonald but Jack MacDonald, Robbie Brindle and keeper Josh Grant were amongst those who returned after missing the previous week’s defeat at Fort William. Strathglass boss Dave Balharry was again without Lewis Douglas whilst Michael Stokes and Darren Reid were also unavailable. There was an early goal-rush and Beauly’s Sandy Elrick caught out visiting keeper Ally MacAdams with a shot from far out with only around 10 seconds played. Strathglass responded in the best way by levelling with only 65 seconds on the clock when Josh Fraser turned and hit a dipping shot which dropped just inside Josh Grant’s left post. The end to end nature of the early exchanges continued and Beauly went back in front on 10 minutes when Sean Stewart threw himself to scoop home a rebound off the keeper’s chest to make it 2-1. And that’s the way it stayed until 3 minutes into the second half when Daniel Lamont and Sean Stewart combined to create a chance. The Strathglass defence cleared the ball but it fell for Sandy Elrick, who’d lost his marker, and he blasted the ball high into the net; giving the keeper no chance. Strathglass created chances before the end and it took a couple of brilliant stops from Beauly keeper Josh Grant to preserve his side’s two-goal advantage. There was a late red card for Strathglass defender George Phimister with referee Willie MacDonald sending him off following a challenge on Jack MacDonald.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Aberdeen University P Beauly P The game between Aberdeen University and the Beauly seconds at Balgownie was postponed as the visitors were unable to raise a team. Beauly have been deducted two points and the match will be rescheduled for a later date. This is the second time this season that Beauly have been unable to fulfil this particular fixture.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Lochside Rovers P Taynuilt P Lochside Rovers missed the chance to bounce back from the previous weekend’s surprise Strathdearn Cup semi-final defeat to the Inveraray colts when their match against Taynuilt at Ganavan was postponed shortly before throw up because of an unplayable pitch.
Col Glen P Kilmory P The meeting between Col Glen and Kilmory was postponed on Saturday morning because the pitch was deemed unplayable.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Boleskine 1 Lovat 3 The Lovat colts won their third game in a row; beating Boleskine 3-1 at Smith Park. Boleskine’s Craig Pirrie and Keith Nicolson were both banned for this encounter. Lovat included former Inverness player Chris Johnston at wing centre. It looked as if it would be an uphill task for Lovat when James Fraser was sent off by referee Martin MacLean with only around 5 minutes gone. A Darren MacLeod goal on 35 minute gave the hosts gave a 1-0 interval lead. Raymond Rennie equalised 5 minutes after the restart and Rory Campbell made it 2-1 on the hour. Raymond Rennie sealed the win when he made it 3-1 on 74 minutes.
Lewis Camanachd 1 Strathspey Camanachd 1 Lewis Camanachd move off the bottom of the table at Boleskine’s expense after they drew 1-1 with Strathspey Camanachd at Shawbost. Both teams had chances before Donnie Ross gave Strathspey a 25 minute lead with Lewis claiming for a foul in the lead up to the goal. Lewis Camanachd equalised 7 minutes after the restart when a corner fell for Craig MacLeod and he flicked the ball into the net to make it 1-1.
Kilmallie A Lochaber A The game between the Kilmallie second team and the Lochaber second team at The Canal Parks started but referee Graham Fisher was left with little option but to abandon the match as the conditions worsened.
(All throw ups are 2.30pm unless the match report states differently)
WCA Round Up The ladies focus was on their Shinty / Camogie international against Dublin County Ladies at Na Fianna, Dublin on Saturday 15 July 2017.
WCA Challenge Match Dublin County Ladies 10-19 Scotland Ladies Scotland Ladies returned from Dublin with the win they wanted after beating the Dublin County Ladies Select 19-10 in their latest Shinty / Camogie clash; a 2pm throw up at Na Fianna, Dublin. This was the second game of a three match series and the Dubs were convincing winners in Inverness last year. Two goals from Skye Camanachd captain Lorna MacRae and had the Scots 7-4 ahead but the Dubs fought back to draw 7-7 at the interval. When Lorna MacRae scored for a third time, Scotland led 11-8 and they stayed in front with Lovat’s Laura Gallacher and Badenoch’s Zoe Reid also finding the back of the net before referee Karl O’Brien’s final whistle confirmed Scotland’s 19-10 win. A strike over the bar from Kirsty Deans and three more points from Lorna MacRae, taking her tally to an impressive twelve points, also counted for the Scots. The player of the match honour was shared between Dublin captain Louise O’Hara and Scotland’s Katy Smith. Scotland captain Katy Smith was presented with the trophy by Dublin Camogie Chairman Patrick Martin. If this proves to be Head Coach Stuart Reid’s last match in charge, then he is certainly going out on a high and the 2018 meeting between the teams in Inverness will decide the outcome of this three match series. |