The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 2 June 2018 | |
03 June 2018 Bute, Fort William, Kinlochshiel, Kyles Athletic, Lovat and Newtonmore are all through to the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup quarter-finals whilst Kilmallie and Inveraray will replay and Caberfeidh and Kingussie are still to meet following the shinty action on Saturday 2 June 2018.
Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup – Second Round Kinlochshiel 4 Oban Camanachd 1 Kinlochshiel secured a place in this Saturday’s Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup quarter-final draw with a 4-1 victory over Oban Camanachd at Kirkton. Kinlochshiel started Paul MacRae at full centre with Oliver MacRae going to buckshee forward. Ali Nixon dropped onto the bench. Oban Camanachd, in their change strips, were missing Malcolm Clark, David Lafferty and Gavin Stobbart whilst Lorne Dickie and Matt Rippon were working on Barra. However Willie Neilson and Chrissie MacMillan returned and both started whilst there was a place on the bench for Scott MacKillop and young Ross Campbell, joined by Lewis Buchanan. This was a significant hurdle for Johnston Gill’s side as they were knocked out of the competition by Iain Hay’s troops at the same stage last season. This perhaps explained their whirlwind start to the tie and, shooting down the slope, they led 2-0 after just 6 minutes. A clearance out of the Oban defence went straight to Jordan Fraser on 3 minutes and he made no mistake. Just 3 minutes later, ‘Shiel won possession in midfield and Donald Nixon sent a long ball forward and Keith MacRae took the ball past his marker before firing into the top corner of the net. It was not the start Oban Camanachd wanted but they rallied and pulled a goal on 21 minutes following some fine wing play from Willie Neilson and Andrew MacCuish struck a bouncing shot, low into the net past an unsighted Scott Kennedy to make it 2-1. Oban Camanachd went on to enjoy their best period of the game and a teasing ball forward from Scott MacMillan dropped into the D. Finlay MacRae looked as if he would clear but Andrew MacCuish never gave up and his blocking challenge sent the ball spinning across goal but the home defence eventually cleared the danger. A low Aidan MacIntyre effort went just past Kennedy’s right post as the Oban side tried to draw level. There was a much needed water break after 33 minutes as the players sweated in the sweltering heat. The break probably came at the wrong time for Oban Camanachd and ‘Shiel were quicker out of the blocks from the restart and they restored their two-goal cushion on 38 minutes. Jordan Fraser played the ball in low from the left and Keith MacRae allowed the ball to run across his body before shooting low across the keeper into the far corner of the net. Cameron Sutherland then used his body to keep out a John MacRae strike at the expense of a corner. So much of Kinlochshiel’s good play this season has involved Keith MacRae and he completed his hat-trick a couple of minutes before the break. He was first brought down on the ‘Shiel right and when the resultant spot-hit was played low to the far side, John MacRae drove it back into the goal area and Keith MacRae shot into the net to make it 4-1. ‘Shiel’s John MacRae, who suffered a heavy knock late in the first half, was replaced by Scott MacLean at the break. Oban Camanachd created a couple of chances early in the second half without being able to trouble the keeper. Cameron Sutherland made a good save, stretching to his right and using his leg to deny Jordan Fraser at the expense of corner. A delightful Keith MacRae flick played in Scott MacLean but he rifled the ball just the wrong side of Cameron Sutherland’s left post. Oban Camanachd made a double-switch as Scott MacKillop, returning after a lengthy spell out through injury, and young Lewis Buchanan replaced Daniel MacVicar and Willie Neilson. Daniel Cameron was pushed from defence into attack whilst ‘Shiel introduced Ali Nixon at wing centre. ‘Shiel just about managed to scramble another superb Scott MacMillan ball into the D away for a corner. Good play from Oliver MacRae set up a chance for Keith MacRae and although his strike went wide of the keeper’s left post, the move earned applause from the crowd. Another Oban youngster, Ross Campbell, was given a first team debut, taking over from Aidan MacIntyre. There was another water break as the warm weather continued. The young Oban substitutes combined as first Scott Kennedy got his body in the way of a Lewis Buchanan shot from the left. The rebound came to Ross Campbell on the right and he fired goalwards with his first touch of the game but Kennedy again made the save. Lewis Buchanan then got on the end of an Andrew MacCuish knock-down but he tugged the ball just wide of goal. It was an eventful period for Lewis Buchanan who then suffered an injury and had to be withdrawn. The youngster was caught with Mark MacDonald’s caman as the ‘Shiel defender cleared his lines. Kinlochshiel deserved victory and they go into the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup quarter-final draw which will be made at Oban Live this coming weekend.
Skye Camanachd 0 Lovat 3 2017 Scottish runners-up Lovat are safely through to the quarter-finals after they beat Skye Camanachd 3-0 in their noon throw up at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Iain Nicolson returned for Skye and he started in attack with youngster Ruaraidh MacLeod rested to the bench. Kenny Campbell played at full centre despite having 10 stitches from two separate head wounds removed just ahead of throw up. Callum Cruden returned to the Lovat starting line-up having missed the previous week’s league win over Caberfeidh through injury. It was a warm day but, just following throw up, a cooling mist descended over the pitch for most of the match. Lovat broke the deadlock on 26 minutes. Greg Matheson touched a ball forward from midfield into Lorne MacKay’s path and he took a couple of steps forward before slipping the ball outside to Marc MacLachlan who found a yard of space at the left of the D. MacLachlan sent the ball low into the net to make it 1-0. The closest Skye came to a first half goal was a dipping Will Cowie effort from fully 40 yards out which dropped past the junction between post and bar on keeper Stuart MacDonald’s left side. Lovat made a strong start to the second half and Lorne MacKay’s strike following a cross from the left came back off Iain MacLeod’s right post, deflecting behind the keeper and away to safety. Skye goalie MacLeod then did well to save with his foot from Marc MacLachlan before denying Greg Matheson seconds later. Lovat extended their lead from the penalty spot on 68 minutes. Marc MacLachlan slipped the ball into the danger-area where it deflected into Duncan Davidson’s path as he ran into the D. However Davidson went down under Allan MacLeod’s challenge and referee Calum Girvan pointed to the penalty spot after speaking to his goal judge. Greg Matheson cracked the penalty over Iain Macleod’s right shoulder. Lovat killed the tie off straight from the restart as Callum Cruden won possession and fed captain Lewis Tawse. He sent the ball long to the impressive Marc MacLachlan who threaded a low, diagonal ball to Lorne MacKay who was running in on the right. MacKay took a touch before knocking the ball low past the advancing keeper to make it 3-0. Skye had enough possession but they didn’t threaten Stuart MacDonald in the Lovat goal. At the other end, Duncan Davidson sent a flashing shot just past the keeper’s left post whilst Iain MacLeod made a smart double-save 10 minutes from time to deny Marc MacLachlan a second. This was the third meeting between the sides in Portree this season with Lovat winning all three but this was their best performance.
Glenurquhart 1 Kyles Athletic 3 A Roddy MacDonald hat-trick gave Kyles Athletic a 3-1 win over Glenurquhart in their 3pm throw up at Blairbeg. Stuart MacKintosh returned in goal for Glenurquhart who also had Lachie Smith back in defence following a hand injury. Roddy MacDonald and Grant Irvine both recovered from knocks to take up their usual roles in the Kyles Athletic attack. Kyles took the lead on 25 minutes. Glen defender Ally MacKintosh and Roddy MacDonald both stretched for a high shy into the goal area. MacDonald got a touch to the ball and it bounced past Glen keeper Stuart MacKintosh as he tried to clear. It was Roddy MacDonald again on the stroke of half-time to make it 2-0. MacDonald saw his initial shot saved by Stuart MacKintosh but the Scotland forward was on hand to put the rebound into the net. James MacPherson gave Glenurquhart hope when he pulled a goal back after 65 minutes. MacPherson looked as if he had missed the chance to shoot but, as he checked back, he quickly turned and lashed a great shot past John Whyte in the visiting goal to make it 2-1. Roddy MacDonald sealed the win 10 minutes from time. He came deep to the wing centre position to gather the ball and he was allowed to run all the way to the D before slotting the ball past a helpless Stuart MacKintosh. Stuart MacKintosh denied Roddy MacDonald a fourth goal midway through the second half when he used his hand to palm away MacDonald’s penalty. Referee Graham Cameron had pointed to the spot after MacDonald had been felled by Ally MacKintosh following a quick Grant Irvine free-hit from the edge of the D. It was a deserved win for the Tighnabruaich men and, with Roddy MacDonald in this form; no one will fancy facing them in the Scottish quarter-finals.
Lochaber 0 Newtonmore 1 Holders Newtonmore reached the last-eight of the competition with a 1-0 win over Lochaber in their noon throw up at Spean Bridge. Lochaber’s John MacKenzie featured against his former side. Newtonmore missed Glen MacKintosh who has a rib injury whilst Michael Russell served a one-match ban for passing through the disciplinary points threshold. Newtonmore started as favourites but they had to work hard for this one, winning thanks to Steven MacDonald’s goal on the hour mark. It was a tough day for ‘More and they found Lochaber keeper Alistair MacDonald in fine form, especially in the second half.
Fort William 3 Oban Celtic 2 Fort William and Oban Camanachd met for the third successive Saturday, this time back at An Aird. Fort William James Tangney was banned but Oban Celtic’s Craig MacMillan was free of suspension. Andy MacDonald was also free to play but he will miss this week’s league match against Kilmallie after passing through the disciplinary points threshold. Lachie Shaw put Fort William in front on 28 minutes but Oban Celtic’s response was instant; levelling a minute later through Ally McKerracher. Fort William went on to take a one-goal advantage into the break when Victor Smith made it 2-1 with just 5 first half minutes remaining. Oban Celtic countered for a second time when Daniel Madej scored 5 minutes into the second half. Lachie Shaw and Victor Smith both scored for Fort William’s U17 side during the week in their MacTavish Juvenile Cup semi-final win over Skye and Shaw got his second on 63 minutes with what proved to be the winner. Oban Celtic’s Craig MacMillan will miss this Saturday’s match against Kilmallie after being sent off by referee Martin MacLean.
Inveraray 0 Kilmallie 0 Inveraray and Kilmallie will have to do it all over again after their goalless draw at The Winterton. Inveraray’s Garry MacPherson was suspended whilst keeper Scott McLachlan was on holiday. Ally Munro and Colin Campbell were out injured and Allan McDonald was only fit enough to start on the bench. There were call-ups for four-time Scottish Cup finalists Graham MacPherson, Euan McMurdo and David MacPherson. Kilmallie travelled south without Stephen Mcalister, Calum MacDougall and Liam Cameron. Graham MacPherson who was the busier keeper, making some fine stops as Kilmallie made a bright start. However Kilmallie had their goalie Shane Gillies to thank for still being in the draw for the next round. First, Gillies tipped a rocket of shot from the ever-green Euan McMurdo onto the post. The Kilmallie defence struggled to deal with the rebound, conceding a penalty in the process with Robbie MacFadyen penalised for being on the ground. Fraser Watt struck the spot-hit sweetly; with the ball rising towards the top corner of the net but Shane Gillies palmed the ball away. The Inveraray defence was well marshalled by full back John Kennedy who kept a close eye on Kilmallie danger-man Michael Rodger. The replay at The Canal Parks has been scheduled for Saturday 16 June 2018 with a 2pm throw up.
Bute 2 Beauly 0 Marine Harvest South Division 1 side Bute turned in their best performance of the season to beat National Division side Beauly 2-0 at The Meadows. Bute pair Chris Lawrence and Arran Dunn were both free of suspension whilst Beauly travelled without the influential Jack MacDonald. After a goalless first half, Ian McDonald gave Bute a 55 minute lead. A shot towards goal from 20 yards out was deflected by Ian McDonald on the edge of the D, wrong-footing Beauly keeper Josh Grant who was left helpless. The outcome stayed in the balance until 10 minutes from time. Josh Grant made an excellent save but the ball was only partially cleared and young Thomas Morrison hit a well-struck shot from 20 yards which went in at the bottom of the left-hand post just, evading the keeper. The Bute defence played very well throughout with the home keeper only having one save of note during the game Bute’s rebuilding continues and the most satisfying aspect for them was that nine of their fifteen-man squad was aged 17 years or younger, with six of them due to attend the Camanachd association’s Annual Strathallan Summer Training Camp.
Liberty British Aluminium Balliemore Cup – First Round Inverness 1 Glasgow Mid Argyll 3 (after extra-time) Glasgow Mid Argyll had to battle all the way before securing the final place in the Liberty British Aluminium Balliemore Cup second round after beating Inverness 3-1 in their 3pm throw up at The Bught Park. Inverness were without the suspended David Campbell whilst GMA travelled without Ewen Murray. It was a fairly even first 45 minutes in which Inverness lost wing back Davie Glass mid-way through the half with a knee injury. He was replaced by Ewan Neilson. GMA had a chance to take the lead when referee Steven MacLachlan awarded them a penalty. However Allan MacLeod saved Craig Anderson’s spot-hit. The visitors did make the breakthrough on the hour when Allan MacLeod got his hand to Jamie MacFadyen’s long-range shot but the ball found its way into the net. Inverness replied within a couple of minutes with Andy Reid scoring from just inside the box. After the high of scoring, Andy Reid then had to go off, suffering a nasty injury after being hit on the head by the ball. Both sides had chances during the last half-hour but, with no further scoring, referee Steven MacLachlan took the tie to an extra-time period. There was little in it during the first period of extra time but, after that, Inverness seemed to be running on empty and Jamie MacFadyen got his second just 5 minutes into the second extra-time period and Inverness never recovered. Jamie MacFadyen grabbed his hat-trick a couple of minutes later to put a gloss on the win. Inverness were disappointed not to win the game although three weeks without a match was not ideal preparation for such an important game. However they should be encouraged that they pushed GMA hard before eventually running out of steam midway through extra-time. The Glasgow side will consider a semi-final spot as just reward for a battling win which sets up a semi-final tie against Fort William.
Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup – Strachur A Fort William A The tie between the Fort William reserves and Strachur at Strachurmore was postponed late in the game. Iain Wilson had put Strachur ahead in the opening minute and that’s the way it stayed until midway through the second half when Lewis Morrison scored twice, either side of a Mark Fraser goal to give Fort William a 3-1 lead. However the worsening weather conditions left referee Des McNulty with little option but to postpone the match with around 15 minutes remaining. It would be possible for the 3-1 score to stand if both teams agreed. However given the closeness of the score, the more likely outcome is a replay with the Fort having home advantage.
Strathdearn Cup – First Round Inverness 0 Fort William 6 The Strathdearn Cup first round tie between the Inverness and Fort William second teams was rescheduled for Thursday 31 May 2018 with a 7pm throw up. Fort William, who play a division higher than their opponents, ran out 6-0 winners. Padraig McNeil, who featured for Inverness last season, gave the Fort a 6 minute lead. Grant Disher made it 2-0 on the half hour mark with Lewis Morrison adding a third on the stroke of half time. Grant Disher got his second just 3 minutes into the second half whilst Lewis Morrison also got his second on 55 minutes. Greig Kelly rounded off the 6-0 victory on 70 minutes.
Glenurquhart 2 Beauly 0 The Glenurquhart colts beat the Beauly colts 2-0 in their noon throw up at Blairbeg. The fact the first half remained goalless was mainly down to three outstanding saves from Beauly keeper Kyle MacDonald and they all came late in the half. The first of these was a terrific stop from a Lewis MacDonald strike from the edge of the D. The Glen finally went in front on 65 minutes and it took something special to beat the Beauly custodian. The impressive Lewis MacDonald played the ball forward to full forward Ryan Porter who took it out of the air, and, as the ball was dropping, he struck it spectacularly into the net, first-time from the edge of the D. Glen’s Ross MacAulay started at full centre before being withdrawn. He returned to the field of play at half forward and the switch paid dividends in the final minute when a fired a bouncing shot from distance. Kyle MacDonald got his foot to the ball but it went into the net off the post. Glenurquhart first team manager Iain MacLeod played in goal for the Glen and he was joined on the field by his son Charlie MacLeod who made his second team debut. The Glenurquhart seconds will now host the Fort William seconds in the quarter-final ties at the end of the month.
Marine Harvest Premiership Kingussie 4 Caberfeidh 1 Kingussie and Caberfeidh were to meet at Castle Leod in the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup second round. However, with Cabers hosting the popular Ross-shire sixes, the pitch was unavailable. The sides were due to meet at The Dell in the league the following Saturday so the fixtures were switched. And it was Kingussie who recorded an impressive 4-1 win that lifts them to fifth in the table. Louis Munro and James Falconer were missing for Kingussie. Robert Mabon was an injury doubt after coming off in the win over Lochaber a week later and he missed out with what confirmed to be a broken finger. Worse was to follow when keeper Craig Dawson suffered a nasty eye injury in the warm up so Rory MacGregor went in goal. Garry Munro came into the side for the first time this season, starting at full centre. Caberfeidh kept faith with Ian MacColl in goal whilst Scottish international Kevin Bartlett returned to the side. Kingussie got themselves in front on 8 minutes. Savio Genini made a run forward from wing centre and when Ruaridh Anderson played the ball to him, Genini struck a back-hand shot into the bottom left corner of the net. Ruaridh Anderson increased Kingussie’s advantage on 30 minutes. The ball was played to Roddy Young at full forward and Anderson overlapped him before shooting from the right side of the goals, low into the far bottom corner of the goal. Ruaridh Anderson put Kingussie in control with his second goal on the stroke of half-time. This build up was similar to his first and this time he finished with a clean hit higher into the top corner of the net. Savio Genini got his second to make it 4-0 just 5 minutes into the second half with what was almost a carbon-copy of his opener. Again the wing centre surged forward from midfield and this time Roddy Young played the ball off and Genini crashed his shot into the roof of the net. Caberfeidh, now with Ally MacLennan at full forward and Kevin Bartlett at full centre, pulled a goal back on 68 minutes with Malcolm Morrison beating stand-in goalie Rory MacGregor. However it was merely a consolation as the Kings, who brought on Barrie Dallas at full forward for the final 20 minutes, took the points with a 4-1 win.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Newtonmore 5 Kingussie 0 Newtonmore came out on top, winning 5-0 in the reserve team Badenoch Derby against Kingussie at The Eilan. Newtonmore’s Chris Sellar started a two-match ban following his red card against Glenurquhart a week earlier. Calum Stewart on 31 minutes and Cameron McNiven just 4 minutes later made it 2-0 at the break. Craig MacLeod added a third on 53 minutes and Cameron McNiven got his second a couple of minutes after. Paul MacArthur rounded off the win on 69 minutes when he scored for the second successive Saturday. ‘More now go two points clear of second placed Glengarry but they have played two games more.
Skye Camanachd P Aberdeen University P The match between the Skye Camanachd second team and Aberdeen University at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree was postponed. Aberdeen University were unable to raise a team for the match so they have been deducted two points and the game will be rescheduled for a later date.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Tayforth 4 Kilmory 0 Tayforth ran out 4-0 winners against an under-strength Kilmory side in a match which was part of The Meadows Festival in Edinburgh. Finlay Stark gave Tayforth an 8 minute lead and Brendan Duggan got a second on 35 minutes. Finlay Stark’s accurate shooting was making the difference and he went on to complete his hat-trick with strikes on 66 and 69 minutes.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Lochcarron 2 Kilmallie 0 Lochcarron go top of the table after they beat the Kilmallie reserves 2-0 at Battery Park. Lance MacCuish and Liam Arnott got the goals that take Lochcarron a point ahead of the Lovat seconds at the summit with both teams having played nine games.
Lochaber 4 Strathglass 0 The Lochaber colts defeated the Strathglass colts 4-0 in their 3pm throw up at Spean Bridge. Ronalds Freimanis, Ben Delaney and a Max Campbell double won the game for fifth placed Lochaber.
Inverness 0 Lewis Camanachd 3 Lewis Camanachd go three games unbeaten after they overcame the Inverness second team 3-0 in their 12.30pm throw up at The Bught Park. Donald Lamont bagged the opener on 7 minutes when he got on the end of a long corner to the far post and he struck the ball home on the angle. The Islanders doubled their lead on 22 minutes. Two Inverness defenders tried to get the ball off Lewis full forward Seumas Charity but Finlay Calder inadvertently diverted the ball past Colin Fraser in the Inverness goal. The third Lewis goal was a super solo effort from David Cleary as he beat his man on the left wing before rifling a shot into the far corner of the net. Seumas Charity had a goal disallowed for offside by referee Steven MacLachlan and a lack of composure in front of goal, coupled with some outstanding goalkeeping from Colin Fraser, kept the score down. Finlay Calder missed a second half penalty for Inverness.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Oban Celtic 0 Glenorchy 4 Glenorchy now only trail league leaders Strachur on goal difference after they beat the Oban Celtic second team 4-0 in Oban. Connor Sartain put Glenorchy ahead on 10 minutes with what was the only goal of the first half. Connor Sartain got his second just 7 minutes into the second half. Glenorchy added to their tally through John Sartain on 60 minutes and Aaron MacKay on 73 minutes. Although Glenorchy go level with Strachur at the top of the table, they have played two games more.
(All throw ups were at 2.30pm unless noted differently in the match report)
WCA Round Up Badenoch regained top spot in Marine Harvest National Division 1 following the shinty action on Sunday 3 June 2018.
Aberdour 0 Badenoch 12 Badenoch went two points clear at the top of the table following their 12-0 win over Aberdour in their noon throw up at Silversands. Badenoch led 4-0 at the break before scoring eight more times in the second half. Megan Ralph stole the show, scoring seven times. Zoe Reid and Mairi Stewart both hit doubles whilst Klaudia Ordys got the other. Champions Skye are still in a strong position, trailing two points behind in second place but with two games in hand and the sides are still to meet in Portree. Lochaber 11 Ardnamurchan 0 Lochaber were too strong for newly promoted Ardnamurchan, winning 11-0 in their 1pm throw up at Spean Bridge Rebecca Masson was their top scorer with four goals. Kirsty Delaney grabbed a hat-trick, Natalie MacDonald scored twice and Amy Disher and Thea Robertson got the others.
Glasgow Mid Argyll 2 Strathspey 1 Glasgow Mid Argyll beat Strathspey 2-1 at Yoker. Joan Nicolson scored both GMA goals with Lucy Davies countering.
Skye Camanachd P Fort William P The match between Skye Camanachd and Fort William has been rearranged for Saturday 4 August 2018.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Lovat were given a walk-over when the Lochaber seconds were unable to raise a team for their match at Balgate
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Cowal & Bute beat the Ardnamurchan second team 13-2 in their 1pm throw up at the Dunoon Stadium. Roselyn Ritchie and Kirsty Campbell got the Ardnamurchan goals. Glasgow Mid Argyll 5 Oban Lorn 0 Joan Nicholson, who also scored twice for the senior side, notched two GMA goals whilst Katie Mullen got the other. Tayforth 0 Dunadd 7 Dunadd defeated Tayforth 7-0 at the Meadows Festival in Edinburgh. |