The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 22 August 2015 | |
23 August 2015 Newtonmore lifted the 2015 Artemis MacAulay Cup following the shinty action on Saturday 22 August 2015.
Artemis MacAulay Cup – Final Inveraray 1 Newtonmore 3 Newtonmore lifted the 2015 Artemis MacAulay Cup with a 3-1win over Inveraray in their 3.15pm throw up at Mossfield. Inveraray had selection problems and they went into the match without the injured John Kennedy, Chris Crawford and Grant Griffin. However David MacPherson had recovered sufficiently from a hamstring problem to take up a place on the bench. Euan McMurdo also returned to the side after missing the previous weekend’s defeat to Oban Camanachd and there was a place on the bench for Ally Munro who suffered broken toes in that match. Newtonmore’s Michael Russell was free of suspension after he missed last weekend’s SSE Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup semi-final defeat to Kyles Athletic and he started in defence which allowed Steven MacDonald to be pushed into the forward line. Captain Cameron Binnie started in midfield and Scott Campbell and Craig Ritchie dropped onto the bench. Inveraray’s Graham MacPherson was first keeper to be called into action when he saved a Glen MacKintosh shot with his hand before clearing the ball for a corner after MacKintosh had taken down a cross from the right. Glen MacKintosh then rattled Graham MacPherson’s left post with a shot from the left a minute later. It was all Newtonmore and the opening goal came after just 8 minutes. A poor Graham MacPherson goal hit went to Glen MacKintosh who got away from Andrew McMurdo and ran in on goal. MacPherson dashed off his line and dived into a challenge which upended the onrushing ‘More forward. However Newtonmore punished their opponents from the free-hit. Steven MacDonald, with his back to goal, slipped the ball to his left and Evan Menzies lost his marker and bulleted the ball over MacPherson’s shoulder into the net to make it 1-0. Glen MacKintosh had the ball in the net from the restart but his effort was ruled out for offside. Newtonmore were threatening to run away with the game and Graham MacPherson saved from Fraser MacKintosh whilst Glen MacKintosh’s bouncing shot from the rebound came back off the post with 15 minutes played. For all Newtonmore’s pressure, they were still only 1-0 ahead and Inveraray came closed to equalising on 25 minutes when a Euan McMurdo shot was blocked, the rebound came to Lewis MacNicol but Michael Ritchie saved with feet but the ball fell for Fraser Watt inside the D but Ritchie did really well as he threw himself to the ground to save with his caman. Graham MacPherson made a brilliant double save just after the half-hour mark as he first stretched to keep out a Glen MacKintosh drive and he then kept Steven MacDonald’s effort from the rebound out with his feet. Newtonmore finally doubled their advantage on 34 minutes with a goal following a terrific passing move. Cameron Binnie and Paul MacArthur played the ball out of midfield. Fraser MacKintosh collected possession and slipped the ball to Evan Menzies who found Glen MacKintosh on the left and he crossed for Steven MacDonald who turned and sent a shot just inside Graham MacPherson’s left post to make it 2-0 with 34 minutes played. Newtonmore cemented their dominance a minute before the break. Glen MacKintosh picked up a clearance out of the Inveraray defence wide on the right and his cross found Steven MacDonald in space at the back post and he slipped the ball low into the net from close-range to make it 3-0 at the break. Inveraray substitute David MacPherson was booked by referee Lachie Wood on 58 minutes for a late swing which caught Glen MacKintosh on the leg. Graham MacPherson saved with foot from Steven MacDonald’s fee-hit from just outside the D. Newtonmore continued to dominate without being able to add to their tally. Michael Ritchie did well to come off his line and block a Lewis MacNicol drive at the back post following a David Robertson free-hit on the left with 72 minutes played. Inveraray pulled a goal back on 79 minutes. Andrew McMurdo chested down the ball following a Newtonmore corner from the right and he sent the ball forward to David Robertson in midfield. Garry MacPherson played Robertson’s pass to Lewis MacNicol and MacPherson ran wide on the left to collect MacNicol’s return ball. MacPherson looked up before picking out Lewis MacNicol on the penalty spot and he fired a low shot which took a deflection past an unsighted Michael Richie into the corner of the net to make it 3-1. The goal gave Inveraray a boost and although they had more of the ball around the ‘More goal, they weren’t able to get the second which would have set up a grand-stand finish. Referee Lachie Wood’s final whistle sounded just 12 seconds into stoppage time and Newtonmore captain Cameron Binnie collected the coveted silver mounted caman and lifted the MacAulay Cup, presented by Graham Mitchell from sponsors Artemis. Inveraray goalkeeper Graham MacPherson, who was playing his last match for the Winterton side after 29 years as a first team player, was deservedly awarded with the Man of the Match Quaich.
Marine Harvest Premiership Lovat 1 Glenurquhart 3 Lovat and Glenurquhart met for the second successive weekend, this time in a 6.45pm throw up at Balgate on Friday 21 August 2015. The match was brought forward from the Saturday at Glenurquhart’s request to allow their players to attend the Glenurquhart Highland Games the following day. The sides drew 1-1 at Blairbeg the previous Saturday and it was Glenurquhart who took the honours second time around with a 3-1 win with all the goals coming in the second half. Lovat were able to field defenders Craig Mainland and Michael MacKenzie as their one-game suspension for exceeding the disciplinary points threshold did not take effect until the following day so they will miss next weekend’s home meeting with Inveraray. Injury continued to rule out Greg Matheson and Lorne MacKay but Fraser Gallacher, who came on at half-time and Jamie Matheson at full forward were included. Lovat defender Callum Cruden missed out after the recurrence of an injury in last week’s game. Glenurquhart welcomed Ewan Brady and Neale Reid back from suspension and both players were to make a significant contribution. John Barr remained on the Glen injury list whilst captain Andrew Corrigan was unavailable as was keeper Stuart MacKintosh so David MacFadyen was between the sticks. Michael Brady was missing so James Hurwood started in defence. Iain MacLeod was at full forward with James MacPherson and Neale Reid on the wings and Eddie Tembo at buckshee forward. The first half ended goalless. Lovat had more of the play but they were restricted to long-range efforts which were well dealt with by David MacFadyen. However the Glen looked the more dangerous when they forced play into their opponents goal-area. Two goals in three minutes gave Glenurquhart the advantage. Neale Reid, who had a good game throughout, put his side ahead on 62 minutes and Ewan Brady made it 2-0 on 65 minutes. Ryan Ferguson fired a shot through a ruck of players, past an unsighted David MacFadyen to make it 2-1 on 73 minutes but just a couple of minutes later, Neale Reid scored following good work from Ewan Brady and Reid fired a low shot under keeper Stuart MacDonald’s feet, into the net to make it 3-1. Glenurquhart were worthy winners and they moved into second place ahead of the Saturday fixtures.
Kinlochshiel 0 Kyles Athletic 1 Kyles Athletic beat Kinlochshiel 1-0 in their 3pm throw up at Kirkton. Kyles boss Colin Fraser had a strong squad to choose from and his side were determined to fare better than the 10-0 defeat they suffered against Kyles at Tighnabruaich just a few weeks earlier. James Perlich and Kenny MacDonald travelled North with a Kyles side minus regulars David Zavaroni, Roberto Zavaroni as well as Dunkie Kerr. Grant Irvine started at full centre. The Kirkton pitch had cut up in parts following a youth match on the Friday evening and the noon meeting between the Kinlochshiel second team and Lochcarron. Kyles had concerns but referee Innes Wood ruled that the match should go ahead. ‘Shiel started well and John MacRae flashed an early shot just wide of Kyles’ keeper John Whyte’s right post following a corner on the right. The visitors suffered a scare when Roddy MacDonald had to come off with a knee injury to be replaced by Christopher Blair. MacDonald suffered a cut knee after falling on a stone but he was able to return to the pitch on the half-hour mark after treatment and he played the rest of the game. Whilst ‘Shiel started well, Kyles finished the first half strongly with Roddy MacDonald coming closest to a first half goal following an Innes MacDonald corner on the left. Kinlochshiel made a good start to the second half, pinning the visitors back and it took a great John Whyte save to keep out a Jordan Fraser shot. However Kyles gradually got themselves back into the game and ‘Shiel keeper Scott Kennedy stretched high to brilliantly tip away a Grant Irvine drive which was heading for the top right-hand corner of the keeper’s net. Kennedy then made a fine save with his feet from a Roddy MacDonald drive and a Kyles goal seemed inevitable and it came from the resultant corner. Robbie MacLeod played the ball across goal and the ‘Shiel defence passed up more than one opportunity to clear the danger and Matthew MacColl took advantage as he crashed a back-hand shot into the top right corner of Scott Kennedy’s net to make it 1-0. The Tighnabruaich side came close to doubling their lead on 69 minutes when Roddy MacDonald latched onto a ball wide on the right but his powerful shot cannoned back off the inside of the far post and away to safety. Play switched to the other end a couple of minutes later and John Whyte saved a John MacRae shot with his chest before clearing the ball out for a shy on the ‘Shiel right. Kinlochshiel claimed for a penalty on 82 minutes when John MacRae went down under a challenge from Callum Miller as he closed in on goal but referee Innes Wood correctly waved away their claims. Kyles finished the game on the attack and a great run from substitute Scott MacDonald, who replaced scorer Matthew MacColl, saw him cut in from the left, with the youngster holding off a couple of challenges, but Scott Kennedy turned his shot away for a corner. The final whistle gave Kyles both points with Matthew MacColl making the difference and they reclaim second spot in the league.
Fort William 1 Oban Camanachd 1 Oban Camanachd and Fort William shared the points following a 1-1 draw in their noon clash at An Aird. Throw up had been brought forward to mid-day to allow the visiting players to head back to Mossfield afterwards to watch the Artemis MacAulay Cup Final between Inveraray and Newtonmore. Fort William bosses Victor Smith and Adam Robertson were without banned duo Steven Stewart and Ewan Campbell. Oban Camanachd manager Iain Hay had a couple of long-term injuries to contend with so he included three substitutes from the Oban side’s second string, Lochside Rovers. Scott MacMillan served the second game of a two-match suspension for Oban Camanachd. There were no goals in the first half with the visitors missing a few chances during that first 45 minutes. Oban Camanachd took the lead on 53 minutes. Aidan MacIntyre had a shot from 20 yards out and the ball came off a defender’s foot and broke across the D to Malcolm Clark who put the ball in the back of the net to score for the second game in a row. Oban Camanachd were playing well but they couldn’t score the clinching second goal to kill the game. Oban Camanachd introduced forward Lorn Dickie, who has been out with a broken elbow, for the last 15 minutes. It looked as if the Oban side would collect two valuable points in their battle against relegation. However they were denied a point when Gordie MacKinnon scored with seconds remaining to make it 1-1. Oban Camanachd remain second bottom, in the relegation play-off spot. However the point means that they are now just three points behind Kingussie with four games in hand. Fort William move up to fourth place in the league.
Marine Harvest National Division Inverness 3 Caberfeidh 0 The match between Inverness and Caberfeidh was brought forward to Friday 21 August 2015 at the request of the home club and Caberfeidh’s agreement allowed several of the Inverness players to attend the Groove Festival in Dores the following day. Somhairle MacDonald returned to the Inverness line-up after missing the summer fixtures whilst Caberfeidh’s Ally MacLennan served the second match of a two-game ban. James Cameron gave Inverness the lead in this 7pm throw up with a 30 yard rocket shot which gave Ewan Pilcher in the Cabers’ goal no chance. A Charlie MacDonald goal on the strike of half-time – his third goal in his last three matches - made it 2-0 at the break. Somhairle MacDonald won the ball in midfield and played it up the line to Charlie MacDonald who beat the full back before sending a low, hard, back-hand shot into the net. Cabers tried hard to get back in the match at the start of the second half but Inverness keeper Adam MacMaster was equal to their efforts. In fact the visitors enjoyed long periods of pressure but Inverness broke away on 79 minutes and forced a corner. Cabers were hit with a sucker-punch as James Cameron scored his second goal of the evening from the set-piece to make it 3-0. The final whistle signalled the Highland Capital side’s second league win of the season and they are just a point behind fifth place Caberfeidh although they have played a couple of game’s more. Inverness play their final match of the season next weekend when they host title-hopefuls Kilmallie. Next up for Caberfeidh is a home meeting with Beauly this coming Saturday.
Ballachulish 0 Skye Camanachd 13 Skye Camanachd stay top of shinty’s second tier when they beat Ballachulish 13-0 in their 3pm throw up at Jubilee Park. Ballachulish were without David Campbell who started a three game ban following his red card in the team’s last outing – a 6-1 defeat to Caberfeidh on Saturday 25 July 2015. Cain MacPhee returned after serving a two game ban for exceeding the disciplinary points threshold but Scott MacDonald started a four game ban after his red card in the defeat to Glasgow Mid Argyll in the team’s last outing. Skye boss John MacLeod was working so second team manager Davie Pringle and Donnie MacDonald looked after the squad. MacLeod made three changes to the squad which beat Kilmallie in the league the previous weekend. Kenny MacLeod and Will Cowie missed out through injury whilst Gilleasbuig MacDonald was working. Neil MacVicar and Iain Nicolson returned to the squad and there was a call up for John Gillies who started on the bench. Kenny Campbell put Skye ahead in the opening minute and Jordan Murchison made it 2-0 a minute later. Kenny Campbell got his second on 14 minutes and Jordan Murchison did like-wise a couple of minutes later to leave Skye 4-0 ahead. A Shockie MacLennan goal on 29 minutes gave Skye a 5-0 half-time lead. Danny Morrison scored three times on 47, 56 and 78 minutes to make it 8-0. Jordan Murchison then took his tally to five goals with strikes on 79, 82 and 85 minutes with Danny Morrison getting his fourth in amongst that scoring burst on 83 minutes and Skye lead 12-0. There was still time for John Gillies to get a first goal at senior team level with 3 minutes remaining.
Kilmallie 6 Beauly 0 Kilmallie bounced back from last weekend’s 4-2 defeat to Skye Camanachd when they beat Beauly 6-0 at the Canal Parks. Beauly knew that a win would take them into the mix for title but they travelled with a weakened team. Marc MacLachlan missed out with injured ribs. Jamie MacLennan and Barrie MacDonald were also missing. Beauly fell behind to an early Liam MacDonald brace on 14 and 17 minutes. Indeed MacDonald scored twice more on 34 and 44 minutes to leave Kilmallie four goals to the good at the break. Kilmallie talisman John Stewart made it 5-0 a minute after the restart and a late Liam Cameron strike, 7 minutes from time, rounded off the 6-0 win. So it is as you were at the top of the table with Skye holding a two-point lead over Kilmallie. They each have three matches remaining. Skye are to host Glasgow Mid Argyll and Beauly whilst Kilmallie travel to play Inverness and Ballachulish with the sides still to play a crucial encounter at the Canal Parks.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Beauly 1 Fort William 3 The Fort William second team extended their lead at the top of the table with a 3-1 triumph over the Beauly seconds at An Aird. Fort William defender Cameron Grant made a return from injury in the reserve side. Daniel Lamont put Beauly ahead on 5 minutes but Astie Cameron equalised 4 minutes before the break. When referee John Angus Gillies awarded Fort William a penalty on 57 minutes, Seumas Gall stepped up to convert. Padraig McNeil sealed the 3-1 win with a 63 minute goal. The Fort William seconds now lead the Newtonmore seconds by four points but the ‘More colts have two games in hand and a much better goal difference. The sides are still to meet at the Eilan.
Kinlochshiel 3 Lochcarron 0 Lochcarron beat the Kinlochshiel second team 3-0 in their noon derby at Kirkton. Lochcarron made the short journey west with just twelve players. Lochcarron keeper Matthew Young produced a brilliant save to keep out a Neil Fraser shot on 10 minutes. In fact young went on to make a number of top-class saves as the home side enjoyed most of the first half pressure. The first half looked to end goalless until Neil Fraser made a mazy run through the Lochcarron to give ‘Shiel the lead a minute before the break. Scott MacLean made it 2-0 a minute into the second half when he forced an Alasdair Nixon ball over the goal line despite the best efforts of the visiting defence. Matthew Young continued to defy the ‘Shiel forwards but he couldn’t keep out a second from Neil Fraser to make it 3-0 on 68 minutes.
Lovat 2 Kingussie 0 The Kingussie second team suffered a surprise defeat, going down 2-0 to the Lovat reserves at Balgate. Lovat had Fraser Gallacher full back with Jamie Matheson at full forward and both players continued to find their fitness in the hope of securing a SSE Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup place. Youngster Danny Kelly was also included. Kingussie travelled without Kevin Thain but there were places for Scotland U17 trio Callum Grant, James Falconer and Robert Mabon. Jamie Matheson gave Lovat a 29 minute lead when he sent a rasping shot from wide on the right, high into the net to make it 1-0. Rory Campbell made it 2-0 on the hour mark. Campbell started the move as he played a ball from the left into the goal area. Rory Fraser and Jamie Matheson battled for possession and the ball broke to Rory Campbell who flew in to score, picking up an injury in the process. Kingussie had periods of pressure but they lacked a cutting edge up front. Lovat move off the bottom of the table at Lochcarron’s expense.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Oban Celtic 5 Strachur 2 Oban Celtic beat Strachur 5-2 in their noon throw up at Ganavan. David Duffy and Lee Askew each scored twice for the Oban side with Neil Carmichael getting the other. Duncan Smart and Iain Wilson countered for Strachur. The win means Oban Celtic move up to second place whilst Strachur fall to eighth spot.
Kilmory 1 Lochside Rovers 3 Fourth place Lochside Rovers are still in the title race as they defeated Kilmory 3-1 in their noon throw up at MacRae Park. Craig Taylor gave Kilmory the perfect start when he gave them an opening minute lead. Lochside Rovers responded in the best possible way when Evan MacLellan levelled a minute later. Two goals in a couple of minutes gave Lochside the advantage. Scott Dempster put them in front on 18 minutes whilst Evan MacLellan got his second and Lochside’s third just 60 seconds later to make it 3-1.
Kyles Athletic 1 Aberdour 4 The Kyles Athletic second team lost 4-1 to Aberdour in their 1pm throw up at Tighnabruaich. Kyles were without Christopher Blair and Scott MacDonald who were on first team duty. Goals from Robin Bremner on 13 minutes and John Martin Philips on 38 minutes gave Aberdour a 2-0 lead at the break. Craig Girvan made it 3-0 on 62 minutes and although Peter Mobeck pulled a goal back 5 minutes later, Daniel Neilson completed the 4-1 win with a goal 7 minutes from time. The win means Aberdour climb to seventh place in the table.
Bute P Glenorchy P Bute missed the opportunity to try and cut the Inveraray reserves’ lead at the top of the table when their 1pm throw up against Glenorchy at the Meadows was postponed as the visitors were unable to raise a team. The match will be rescheduled and Glenorchy have been docked a point which means they drop to the bottom of the table.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Strathspey Camanachd 1 Skye Camanachd 3 The Skye Camanachd second team extended their lead at the top of the table with a 3-1 win over Strathspey Camanachd in their Marine Harvest North Division 2 encounter at Grantown Grammar School on Saturday 22 August 2015. Goals from Angie MacDonald and James Pringle had Skye 2-0 ahead within the first half hour of this 1.30pm throw up. A goal from each side – Ruairidh MacLeod for Skye and Matthew Davis for Strathspey – meant Skye ran out 3-1 winners. Skye are now six points ahead of second place Glengarry who have a couple of games in hand.
Caberfeidh 1 Lochaber 3 The Caberfeidh and Lochaber second teams met at Castle Leod with the visitors taking the points thanks to a 3-0 win. Ben Delaney put Lochaber ahead on 15 minutes and Finlay MacDonald added a second a couple of minutes later. Lochaber, who had Patrick Toal in goal, benefited from an own goal 3 minutes after the restart and although Andrew MacMaster pulled a goal back for Cabers just a minute later, Lochaber stayed in front to take the points. Caberfeidh’s Declan Wilson was sent off by referee Andy MacLean. Lochaber stay in fifth place in the league but they are just a point behind fourth place Aberdeen University and they have a couple of games in hand.
Inverness 3 Kilmallie 0 The Inverness seconds beat the Kilmallie seconds 3-0 at the Bught Park. Stuart MacRae put Inverness ahead with the only goal of the first half on 21 minutes following good link-up play from their forwards and Stuart MacRae ran wide and hit a shot with his back-hand into top left hand corner to make it 1-0. Stuart MacRae made it 2-0 when he scored his and Inverness’ second goal on the hour mark. MacRae, who was now switched to full forward, darted behind the full back to get on the end of a through ball before and slotted it past the goalie to score. Colin Fraser made it 3-0 when he collected a nice lay-off from Stuart MacRae and Fraser rocketed a shot past the helpless Kilmallie keeper. The win lifts Inverness off the bottom of the table at Strathspey’s expense.
Lewis Camanachd 4 Boleskine 5 Boleskine came from two-goals down to beat Lewis Camanachd by the odd goal in nine in a ding-dong match at Shawbost. Lewis were still without defender Eoghan Stewart who is recovering from a broken thumb. Ewen Fraser gave Boleskine the lead but the Islanders came rolling back. A deft chip from Duncan MacIntyre levelled the game. Peter Gomez put Lewis ahead before Donald Lamont finished off a good passing move to make it 3-1 when he netted from close range. Lewis boss Iain Sinclair would dearly loved to have taken the two goal advantage into the break but Neil Hope pulled a goal back to narrow the deficit before the half time whistle. Neil Hope got his second and Boleskine’s third to level the contest shortly after the restart. Paul Duke lifted Lewis spirits with a long-range effort to put his side 4-3 in front. However it was to be Boleskine’s day and a quick-fire double from Ewen Fraser completed his hat-trick to give Boleskine a 5-4 win. Boleskine stay sixth whilst Lewis stay two places behind in eighth spot.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Ballachulish 3 Tayforth 3 Second top Tayforth dropped a point in their quest to win the Marine Harvest South Division 2 title when they drew 3-3 with the Ballachulish second team in their noon throw up at Jubilee Park. Finlay Stark gave Tayforth an 11 minute lead. However Malcolm Watson on 19 minutes, Lewis Bryson on 24 minutes and a second from Malcolm Watson a minute later gave the Balla’ colts a 3-1 lead. Davie Arnott narrowed the deficit on the half-hour mark to make it 3-2 at the break. Hamish Anderson earned Tayforth a point with a goal 15 minutes from time. League leaders Col Glen are now two points ahead of Tayforth at the top of the table and both sides have just one match remaining. Col Glen travel to play the Bute seconds whilst Tayforth host the Glenorchy seconds.
(All throw ups were at 2pm unless stated differently) (These reports will be updated as more information becomes available) |