The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 25 March 2023 | |
26 March 2023 There were a few fixture reversals and the MacTavish Cup quarter-finalists are known following the shinty action on Saturday 25 March 2023.
cottages.com MacTavish Cup – First Round Newtonmore 2 Kinlochshiel 0 The noon throw up between Kinlochshiel and Newtonmore was reversed to the Eilan on Friday when it became clear that ‘Shiel’s pitch at Rèaraig couldn’t host the match. ‘Shiel were already without injured pair John MacRae and Jordan Fraser whilst These sides finished just behind champions Kingussie in shinty’s top-flight last season, so the unexpected home advantage was a welcome boost for ‘More as they opened in a competition which has been a friend to the record winners who recently lifted the trophy over four successive seasons between 2016 and 2019 with Kinlochshiel the 2021 winners. Newtonmore agreed to ‘Shiel’s request for an earlier throw up so some of the west coast players could attend a wedding and co-managers Norman MacArthur and Evan Cheyne fielded the same starting twelve as seven days earlier with Arron MacBean replacing Tristan Ross on the bench. Kinlochshiel boss Willie MacRae was already without injured attackers John MacRae and Jordan Fraser whilst Jonnie MacAskill began a four-game suspension following his red card against ‘More in the 1-0 defeat the previous week. David Falconer was passed fit to start but Archie MacRae was unavailable and Donald Nixon failed to recover from a knock, so Arran Jack started instead. After an even opening, Newtonmore began to create the better chances. Iain Robinson had to settle for a corner when ‘Shiel keeper Josh Grant saved his shot with an outstretched right foot and Craig Macleod’s strike from distance dipped just over the crossbar with the keeper stretching. Iain Robinson tried his luck again, this time from the right, but goalie Grant saved well above his head. When Craig Macleod shot over from Steven Macdonald’s hit-in on the right, it looked as if the first half might end goalless. However, with just 60 first half seconds remaining, Newtonmore took the lead after some clever play from Craig Macleod. Michael Russell’s corner from the right went over the stretching Iain Robinson and fell for Craig Macleod at the back post. Macleod touched the ball by defender David Falconer to make the angle and he shot low into the net, beating Josh Grant by his right post. Newtonmore keeper Kenny Ross hadn’t much to do but he had to look lively to save with his feet to foil Oliver MacRae before later coming off his line to close down substitute Rory Slaughter. Josh Grant stretched to his right to save from Craig Macleod following a good Craig MacIsaac run down the left and Kenny Ross did likewise to turn away Duncan Matheson’s drive from wide on the right. Another goal was coming and Newtonmore clinched victory on 77 minutes. Steven Macdonald launched a hit-in from the left up-field and Craig Macleod swept the ball infield and when Finlay MacRae missed the chance to push the ball to safety, Iain Robinson got the ball ahead of his marker Mark MacDonald and he played a low weighted pass to Craig MacIsaac at the left of the D. MacIsaac still had plenty to do but he sent a great backhand drive by the keeper to make it 2-0. It was all over bar the shouting although the hosts threatened to extend their winning margin and Josh Grant had to be careful when Struan Ross sent a low drive from distance goalwards from the restart and the keeper then kept out Craig MacIsaac’s shot from the right before stopping another Struan Ross effort from a central position. Defender Iain Richardson, wearing a helmet, was struck on the ear by the ball at close range as he dived to block a shot, but received the all-clear after a trip to Raigmore Hospital. Richardson was part of another fine ‘More defensive performance which has only shipped one goal over the side’s first four fixtures. Steven Macdonald again dominated the midfield.
Lovat 3 Kilmallie 2 An unplayable field at the Canal Parks led to the tie between Kilmallie and Lovat being reversed to Balgate. Many fancied Kilmallie for an upset in this tie and they rattled their hosts, building up a two-goal interval advantage through goals from Martin Stewart on 5 minutes and Lewis Birrell on 15 minutes. Lovat made changes and Marc MacLachlan got them back into it with a goal just 4 minutes after the restart and Greg Matheson made it 2-2 on 67 minutes. Marc MacLachlan’s second goal on 75 minutes proved to be the winner.
Caberfeidh 0 Kingussie 2 Kingussie are safely through to the quarter-finals after scoring twice in the first half to beat Caberfeidh 2-0 in their 3pm throw up at Castle Leod. Cabers were 3-0 winners in their league meeting the previous week, and this was a repeat of last year’s final when Kingussie came from two goals down to win 5-2. The holders welcomed Rory MacKeachan back into their defence which was timely as Calum Grant was unavailable through injury. James Hutcheson, Iain Fraser and Darren Hanlan made up an unchanged bench. Caberfeidh manager Garry Reid was still without Ben MacDonald, and he made one change from the previous week with Connor MacGregor dropping onto the bench though injury, so Russell MacKenzie came into the starting line-up. Caberfeidh danger-man Craig Morrison had scored two goals in all three of his side’s opening matches this season but he was well policed by Robert Mabon with Lee Bain and Rory MacKeachan on hand to help out when necessary. There was an early scare for the Kings when a ball from the right flashed across goal and by the far post but, with Savio Genini on the wing and James Falconer at full forward, they soon settled into their rhythm and, midway through the first half, after a good passing move, Kingussie played the ball across the goal area and Ruaridh Anderson beat keeper Iain McCall from 18 yards out on the angle. Savio Genini made it 2-0 just 5 minutes before the turnaround. Genini’s bullet shot squeezed between the keeper and the post to give the visitors the cushion they wanted. With Roddy Young fully occupying Blair Morrison, this prevented the Scotland international from building from the back whilst Liam Borthwick’s switch to full centre gave Kingussie a grip of the midfield with Kieran Macpherson and Fraser Munro always productive in the wide areas. Kingussie’s Lee Bain had an injury hampered 2022 but he was outstanding again for the side. Caberfeidh couldn’t produce the pinpoint finishing from the previous week, but they again showed that they will be in the mix this season.
Strathglass 1 Beauly 5 Beauly came out on top, winning 5-1 against Strathglass in their 3pm throw up at Cannich. Beauly’s Angus Renwick was free of suspension but unavailable for the match, whilst Andrew Morrison returned after injury. Jack MacDonald took down a high ball forward before smashing a shot high across the keeper from the right to make it 1-0 on 5 minutes but a Penri Jones turn and shot following a free-hit drew Strathglass level on 9 minutes. Jack MacDonald got his second from the penalty spot on 15 minutes and Ross Forbes made it 3-1 at the break when, from the back post, he turned home a cross from the right on 35 minutes. Robbie Brindle added a fourth on the hour after referee Graeme Irvine had awarded a second Beauly penalty whilst David MacLean rounded off the scoring on 75 minutes when he ran onto Jack MacDonald’s low, diagonal ball from the left to score from the right of the D.
Fort William 2 Skye Camanachd 3 (After extra-time) Skye Camanachd, winners of the inaugural MacTavish Cup in 1898, are through to the quarter-finals but it took extra-time to eventually see off Fort William 3-2 at An Aird. Fort William were without Ryan Boyle and Duncan Stevenson whilst Martin Pringle remained on the Skye injury list. Fort William opened with the wind in their favour but it was Skye who dominated the first 10 minutes, having plenty possession and firing shots both on and off target. The Fort then went on to have a good spell, so much so that Ross Gordon’s opener for the Islanders came against the run of play. The goal came from a counter-attack and Jordan Murchison found Ross Gordon at the edge of the D and he smashed a low drive into the bottom right corner of the goal to make it 1-0. Victor Smith drew Fort William level from the penalty spot when referee Alex MacVicar spotted a push inside the box, and it remained all-square until the turnaround. Fort William took the lead on 56 minutes courtesy of Jack Fraser’s low shot from just outside the D and although Skye then went on to enjoy the bulk of the pressure, and with Stuart Disher on top form in the home goal, they couldn’t find the goal they craved until 15 minutes from time when James Pringle turned home a rebound just inside the D after Disher had made another save. With no further scoring, referee Alex MacVicar took the tie to an extra-time period. The goal that sent Skye through came on 112 minutes. The ball was played up to William Mackinnon, who was now playing full forward, and he picked the ball up in a wide position before taking on his marker and dribbling to the bye-line and passing into the D where Sam Stubbs was first to react, and he finished well to make it 3-2.
Mowi Premiership Oban Camanachd 4 Kyles Athletic 0 Oban Camanachd go third in the Mowi Premiership following a comfortable 4-0 win over Kyles Athletic in their 2pm throw up at Mossfield. Oban Camanachd pair Scott MacMillan and Daniel MacVicar were unavailable as they completed suspensions but Blair McFarlane returned to take a place on the bench as his final rugby match was postponed. Kyles were missing injured full back Callum Millar and Donald Irvine whilst former Skye player Will Cowie started in attack alongside Roddy MacDonald who was man-marked by Daniel Sloss. Daniel Maccuish took the lead on 22 minutes when Malcolm Clark, with his back to goal, flicked the ball behind him and Maccuish had made a great run forward and he ran in before slipping the ball by the advancing John Whyte in the visiting goal. Kyles were always dangerous without really testing Cammy Sutherland in the Oban goal. Oban Camanachd were given the opportunity to double their lead from the penalty spot a couple of minutes after the hour. Referee Iain Kennedy pointed to the spot when keeper John Whyte’s high swing caught Malcolm Clark inside the D. Louie McFarlane’s penalty was struck below knee-hight and the ball went high into the net off John Whyte’s shin. Matthew Sloss gave Kyles Athletic defender Murdo MacRae a torrid time and he got the goal he deserved on 81 minutes. Daniel Maccuish’s ball took a deflection and Matthew Sloss ran onto it and he flicked the ball, on the bounce, into the top corner of the net from the edge of the box to make it 3-0. It was a first Oban Camanachd goal for the 15 year old and it put the Oban side out of sight. Louie McFarlane put gloss on the win a minute from time, again from the penalty spot, and Matthew Sloss was involved again. There seemed little danger when Sloss had the ball by the corner flag with two visiting defenders around him. However, he managed to wriggle free of their clutches before darting towards the goal area before being brought down inside the D. Louie McFarlane lashed the resultant spot hit home to make it 4-0. The home side made changes during the game with Blair McFarlane coming on in defence for Alexander MacDonald early in the second half whilst, at the same time, Evan MacLellan limped off with a recurrence of an ankle injury to be replaced by Jamie Forgrieve. Andy MacDonald took over from Daniel Madej with around 20 minutes to go.
Mowi National Division Lochaber 5 Col Glen 1 The venue for the fixture between Col Glen and Lochaber was switched from Glendaruel to Spean Bridge and the hosts took a single goal lead into the break with Brennan MacDonald scoring on 14 minutes. Col Glen levelled though Dan MacDonald on 53 minutes but when referee Craig Scott awarded the home side a penalty on the hour, Ben Delaney stepped up to score from the spot. Lochaber pushed home their advantage, scoring three more times during the final 20 minutes through Findlay MacDonald on 70 minutes, another from Ben Delaney a couple of minutes later and Conor Sweeney on 84 minutes to make the final score 5-1. Lochaber top the table.
Inveraray 0 Oban Celtic 0 Inveraray and Oban Celtic drew 0-0 at the Winterton. Suspension ruled out Inveraray pair Ross MacMillan and Ross Montgomery whilst injury deprived Oban Celtic of the services of Lennon Campbell and Peter Currie but Innes Jackson has joined the club after previously playing for Oban Camanachd. Neither side was able to break the deadlock in what was a bad-tempered affair.
Strathdearn Cup – First Round Beauly 4 Caberfeidh 1 A decision was taken on Friday afternoon that Castle Leod would be unable to take two games so the tie between the Caberfeidh colts and the Beauly colts was switched to Braeview Park. Leon MacLellan gave Beauly a 26 minute lead in this noon throw up with what was the only goal of the first half. Brian Mckain levelled on 56 minutes but Sean Stewart put Beauly back in front just 5 minutes later. Callum MacIver on 74 minutes and Farquhar MacRae just 10 minutes after made the final score 4-1.
Glenurquhart P Inverness P The game between the Glenurquhart reserves and the Inverness reserves at Blairbeg was called off due to an unplayable pitch.
Mowi North Division 1 Glengarry 4 Fort William 2 Glengarry remain the early league leaders after beating the Fort William reserves 4-2 at Craigard. ‘Garry player / manager Scott Bremner was suspended following his sending off the previous week but that didn’t prevent his side getting off to a great start as Raymond Robertson netted in the opening minute. Shaun Nicolson added a second on 29 minutes and he got his second and Glengarry’s third just 4 minutes into the second half. A second from Raymond Roberson on 51 minutes made it 4-0 before the Fort rallied with goals from Campbell Calder-Kerr on 69 minutes and Ewan Campbell on 76 minutes.
Kingussie 4 Skye Camanachd 3 The Kingussie juniors edged out the Skye Camanachd juniors 4-3 at the Dell. George Taylor-Ramsay and Somhairle Fraser recovered from injury to line up for the Kings whilst Skye were missing the injured Alex MacDonald but James Robertson returned. Robert Shiells scored on 31 minutes to put the young Kings ahead but Skye full forward Ruaraidh MacLeod drew his side level on the stroke of half-time, sending the ball low into the net after Taylor Matheson’s effort had been blocked. Archie Millar put Skye in front on the hour, taking the ball to the right before firing low past the keeper but Kingussie fought back and Somhairle Fraser made it 2-2 just 5 minutes after. Peter Dickson made it advantage Kingussie on 74 minutes but a second goal from Archie Millar on 84 minutes, turning home a rebound after Hayden Taylor-Ramsay had made a save, looked to have earned Skye a point. However, with just 3 minutes remaining, Robert Shiells got his second goal; of the game, his fourth of the season, to win the match. The win lifts the Kings to second in the table and, even at this early stage of the season, they are the only side in the division with a 100% record.
Inverness P Newtonmore P The match between the Inverness first team and the Newtonmore second team was postponed on Saturday morning when the Bught Park was ruled unplayable.
Kinlochshiel P Lovat P A Friday afternoon pitch inspection at Rèaraig ruled the field would be unable to host two matches so the 3pm throw up between the Kinlochshiel colts and the Lovat colts was postponed.
Mowi South Division 1 Aberdour 7 Ardnamurchan 0 Aberdour beat Ardnamurchan 7-0 on a heavy Silversands pitch. Just last season, Aberdour were playing in the Mowi National Division whilst Ard’ were competing in Mowi South Division 2 so the hosts started as favourites and David MacDougall scored after 2 minutes to put the hosts ahead. David MacKenzie on 13 minutes and Joseph Burns on 36 minutes made it 3-0 at the break. Eoin Burns on 53 minutes and Angus Thorburn on 65 minutes made it 5-0 whilst David MacDougall completed his hat-trick with late goals on 84 and 88 minutes to make the final score 7-0.
Kyles Athletic P Lochside Rovers P
Ballachulish P Bute P Ballachulish’s match with Bute was postponed as the Jubilee Park was unplayable. Ballachulish held an emergency general meeting at their clubhouse on Sunday to decide whether the club is able to continue fielding a team at senior level this season. Following the meeting, a club spokesperson said: “After today’s meeting, the club has decided to try and give it one last push to continue with senior shinty this season. The club has asked anyone willing to come and play for Ballachulish to get in touch and they can contact the club through their Facebook page.
Mowi North Division 2 Boleskine 2 Kilmallie 5 Martyn Cameron scored four times as the Kilmallie second team beat Boleskine 5-2 at Smith Park. Martyn Cameron’s scoring streak began with goals on 4 and 6 minutes whilst he completed his hat-trick on 41 minutes before making it 4-0 just 3 minutes into the second half. Boleskine fought back and Scott Knox bagged a brace on 54 and 68 minutes to make it 4-2 but Kilmallie’s Cam Ross scored on 71 minutes to make it 5-2.
Strathspey Camanachd 0 Aberdeen University 8 Strathspey Camanachd were to play Aberdeen University at Balgownie on Saturday. However, with some Strathspey players unable to travel due to work commitments, the clubs agreed a fixture reversal to the Grantown Grammar School pitch with a 1.30pm throw up. Jamie Buchan scored on 15 and 17 to give the Students an early advantage and Jack Heath on the half-hour and Joshua Wood just 6 minutes later made it 4-0 at the break. Jamie Buchan completed his hat-trick on 58 minutes and Josh Wood added a sixth on 77 minutes. Cameron McPhail on 81 minutes and Jebby Remegio on 90 minutes rounded off the scoring.
Lochcarron 5 Lewis Camanachd 3 League leaders Lochcarron came from three goals down to beat Lewis Camanachd 5-3 in an epic 1pm throw up at Battery Park. An unmarked Ally Lamont gave Lewis a 5 minute lead with a strike from the font of the D and he turned home a cut-back from between the penalty spot and the D to make it 2-0 on 12 minutes. The Islanders then built up a three-goal advantage through Paul Duke on 31 minutes with a first-time shot across the keeper from the inside left channel. Lochcarron’s Sean MacCuish pulled a goal back a minute before the break and he scored again a couple of minutes into the second half to make it 3-2. The hosts kept pressing and Ian MacKenzie tied the contest on 51 minutes before scoring again on 76 minutes to put Lochcarron ahead for the first time in the match. Crisdean Finlayson made it 5-3 with just 4 minutes remaining, scoring for the fifth time over the last three matches.
Strathglass P Lochaber P The noon throw up between the Strathglass seconds and the Lochaber seconds at Cannich was called off on Saturday morning when it was deemed that the pitch couldn’t take two games.
Mowi South Division 2 Oban Celtic 1 Kilmory 6 Kilmory were too strong for the Oban Celtic colts, winning 6-1 at Ganavan. Kilmory scored two early goals through Euan Gilmour 3 minutes and Bruce Johnstone on 11 minutes, but Celtic rallied and it remained 2-0 until the break. When referee Deek Cameron awarded the hosts a penalty a minute after the restart, Alex Cunningham stepped up to score from the spot. Bruce Johnstone went on to add a quick hat-trick with goals on 50, 55 and 63 minutes before Oban Celtic’s George MacMillan notched a consolation goal on 90 minutes.
Strachur-Dunoon only trail league leaders Kilmory on goal difference after winning 2-0 against Uddingston in their 1pm throw up at the Stepps Playing Fields. Half back Charlie Ferguson was excellent for Strachur-Dunoon and Steven Thomson scored both their goals in the first half with his efforts coming on 32 and 42 minutes. Bute P Inveraray P The Bute seconds and the Inveraray seconds were left disappointed when their 1.30pm throw up at the Meadows was postponed as the pitch was unplayable.
(All throw ups were at 2.30pm unless the match report states differently)
WCA Round Up There were some Women’s Camanachd Association regional matches over the weekend.
Mowi North Division 2 Glenurquhart 0 Kinlochshiel 2 Title hopefuls Kinlochshiel beat Glenurquhart B 2-0 in their 11.30am throw up at Blairbeg on Saturday 25 March 2023. Lexi Mackenzie and Alaina MacLennan scored for ‘Shiel.
Inverness B 9 Skye Camanachd B 2 There was a change of venue for Skye Camanachd B’s WCA Mowi North Division 2 match against Inverness B. The match was to take place at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree on Saturday 25 March 2023 but was instead played at the Bught Park, inverness a day later with a 1pm throw up. The match was played in winery showers and Inverness led 3-0 at the break before running out 9-2 winners. Isla McNeil and Kamryn Hughes both scored four times for Inverness with Naomi MacRae getting the other.
Lovat 2 Glengarry 0 Lovat scored early and late to beat Glengarry 2-0 in their 2pm throw up at Balgate on Sunday 26 March 2023. Chloe MacMillan and Katie MacKinnon were on target.
Strathspey Camanachd 4 Strathglass 3 Strathspey Camanachd defeated Strathglass 4-3 in their 1pm throw up at Grantown Grammar School on Sunday 26 March 2023. Lucy Davies and Charlotte Bisset both bagged braces for Strathspey with Isla Strachan’s double and Cassie Dorrian countering for Strathglass. |