The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 29 June 2019 - UPDATED! | |
30 June 2019 Oban Camanachd retained the Scottish Sea Farms Glasgow Celtic Society Cup, Kingussie and Newtonmore reached the Artemis Macaulay Cup semi-finals and Fort William maintained their 100% record in the Mowi National Division following the shinty action on Saturday 29 June 2019.
Scottish Sea Farms Glasgow Celtic Society Cup - Final Kyles Athletic 1 Oban Camanachd 2 (after extra-time) Oban Camanachd retained the Scottish Sea Farms Glasgow Celtic Society Cup, beating Kyles Athletic 2-1 in the final at the Taynuilt Sports Field. Both teams were without important players for this 4.05pm throw up. Robbie MacLeod missed out for Kyles as he served the second game of a two-match suspension. Grant Irvine didn’t make an appearance and former Newtonmore player Paul MacArthur was looking to win a clean sweep of senior medals. Meantime Daniel MacCuish, who has become a key player for Oban Camanachd this term, was sidelined with a broken thumb. The pitch had been like a bowling green the previous evening but was swamped heavy showers ahead of throw up which made for tricky conditions with the surface sticky and splashy in places. After successive wins over Kyles Athletic in their two previous matches, Oban Camanachd manager Stephen Sloss acknowledged that his side were going into the final as slight favourites and they could hardly have got off to a better start. Aidan MacIntyre’s free from just outside the centre circle was cleared by Callum Miller but only as far as Daniel MacVicar who played the ball short to Daniel Cameron. Cameron’s back-hand strike on goal was saved with an outstretched right foot by Kyles keeper John Whyte but Andrew MacCuish got in ahead of Callum Miller to slot the rebound home from inside the D and the Oban side led 1-0 with only 25 seconds on the clock. The Oban Camanachd midfield of Scott MacMillan, Lorne Dickie and Aidan MacIntyre took an early grip of the midfield and Willie Neilson flashed a snap-shot just by the post. Before play restarted, Aidan MacIntyre needed treatment for a calf problem which had been a concern in recent games but he was able to continue. Andrew MacCuish had a chance from Scott MacMillan’s corner on the right on 16 minutes. The ball evaded Callum Miller but MacCuish sliced his back-hand effort from the left of the D and the ball went well wide of goal. Roddy Macdonald, policed by Daniel Sloss, didn’t see much of the ball in the early stages and he jinked to make space on the left but his low effort, following Paul MacArthur’s free-hit, went across the goal and wide of the far post. Kyles were now coming more into the final and when Roddy Macdonald ran onto Thomas Whyte’s pass and played a low diagonal ball across the D, Oban Camanachd keeper Cameron Sutherland did well to come off his line to foil Ross MacRae. Kyles had a great chance to draw level on 22 minutes when referee John Angus Gillies awarded them a penalty. Ross MacRae’s low shot was saved by Cameron Sutherland but Oban Camanachd couldn’t get the rebound away. In the scramble that ensued, Roddy Macdonald went down as he ran away from goal and the referee pointed to the spot. Thomas Whyte took the penalty and he struck the ball well enough but keeper Sutherland made a magnificent save to his left with his stick to keep his side in front. Oban Camanachd went back on the offensive and Kyles defender Neil MacVicar had to help out John Whyte as Andrew MacCuish prevented him clearing away Willie Neilson’s bouncing effort and Daniel Cameron’s shot from the resulting corner rose just over the bar. Daniel Madej put in a perfectly timed challenge to dispossess Colin MacDonald as he broke down the left before Malcolm Clark was next to halt the Kyles skipper with another good tackle. At the other end, John Whyte saved with his feet, low by his right post, to keep out Scott MacMillan back-hand strike in what was the final chance of the first half. George Thomson took over from Innes Macdonald at half-time in the Kyles centre line. Whereas Oban Camanachd started strongly in the first half, it was Kyles who were quick out of the blocks from the restart. First Cameron Sutherland blocked Roddy Macdonald’s strike from the right of the D following Paul MacArthur’s long free-hit from the right. But from Paul Macarthur’s corner from the right, Roddy Macdonald took the ball down and, as he was falling forward, he steered it past the keeper to make it 1-1 with 47 minutes gone. Kyles now had their tails up and Cameron Sutherland saved with his feet as Thomas Whyte stabbed an effort forward. The Kyles defence had to work hard to defend the resultant corner with Garry Lord and Daniel Sloss staying tight on their opponents. Both sides made changes as Conor Kennedy came on for the injured Colin MacDonald for Kyles whilst Oban Camanachd sent Blair MacFarlane on for Aidan MacIntyre. Andrew MacCuish allowed a diagonal ball from Daniel Cameron to run across his body before sending his effort from the left wide of the far post as the final approached the hour mark. Oban Camanachd were dominating again and they almost went back in front when Willie Neilson’s low snap-shot from distance came off keeper Whyte’s left post. A ferocious shot from Blair MacFarlane hit Callum Miller on the side of the head but he was able to play on following treatment although he did go up front shortly after with Roddy Macdonald dropping back into defence with 20 minutes remaining. The teams exchanged chances as Andrew MacCuish sent a drive by the right post before Callum Miller found George Thomson who dragged his shot wide of the keeper’s left post. John Whyte had to come quickly off his line as Andrew MacCuish scooped a free into the danger area and George Thomson saw his shot deflected away to safety by Malcolm Clark. Oban Camanachd made their second change as Ross Campbell replaced Willie Neilson with 8 minutes to go. Oban Camanachd finished strongly and referee John Angus Gillies flashed the first yellow card of the final on 85 minutes when Rupert Williamson chopped down Daniel MacVicar who was on a dangerous run, cutting in from the left. Andrew MacCuish’s shot from the left came off John Whyte’s heel although the goalie knew little about it and Daniel MacVicar went close soon after, under pressure from Andrew King, following a mazy run. Innes Macdonald came back on with a limping Rupert Williamson departing. Oban Camanachd continued to press and they could have won it at the death as MacCuish played in MacVicar but he couldn’t get a shot on target. Roddy Macdonald was key at the back as Kyles weathered the storm and the Tighnabruaich men finished the match with a late flurry with Oban defender Garry Lord taking charge and Malcolm Clark booked for late swing at Conor Kennedy right on the final whistle. It would now take extra-time to find a winner. John Whyte came quickly off line to get to a ball into the D before Andrew MacCuish whilst a long ball forward from Thomas Whyte wasn’t dealt with by the Oban defence and Cameron Sutherland made a stunning reaction save from Conner Kennedy but offside was given. Malcolm Clark came off for Craig Easton who was a late addition to the Oban Camanachd squad after Keith MacMillan was unable to get away from work on Saturday morning. The final now swung Kyles way and they forced a couple of corners. Callum Miller went down with a hamstring injury as the first half of extra-time closed and Colin MacDonald returned to the field of play. Kyles player / manager Dunky Kerr came on for Ross MacRae for the second half of extra-time. Cramp and injury was affecting a number of players but not Daniel Cameron who tried hard to get away from Roddy Macdonald and his back-hand drive went close. There were now just 10 minutes remaining and Oban Camanachd looked the stronger of the two sides. Scott MacMillan collected a yellow card for dissent and the winning goal came with just a couple of minutes remaining. Andrew MacCuish scored both goals when Iain Hay’s Oban Camanachd side took the trophy last year, their first senior success since 2005, and he was the match-winner once more. Daniel MacVicar did really well to keep the ball in play wide on the left and Daniel Cameron turned Roddy Macdonald before slipping the ball inside to Andrew MacCuish in a central position and his deadly finish on his left side beat the keeper low to his left to make it 2-1. Oban finished the contest on the attack and Daniel Cameron drew a late foul in the corner on the Oban left. However there was just enough time for Daniel Sloss to break up one last Kyles foray up the field before referee John Angus Gillies, who was in control throughout, sounded the final whistle and he was given the coveted Jack Asher memorial whistle afterwards. Scott MacMillan worked tirelessly throughout the final, supplying good ball from the right side, and he was awarded the Duncan J McNiven memorial medal as man of the match. Oban Camanachd captain Daniel Cameron stepped forward, for the second successive season, to collect the Glasgow Celtic Society Cup from Donald Fletcher from the Society and sponsors Scottish Sea Farms.
Artemis Macaulay Cup – Quarter-Finals Lovat 1 Newtonmore 2 Lovat and Newtonmore met for the third time this month and the fourth time this season in a 3pm throw up at Balgate. Injury ruled out Lovat pair Martin Mainland and Craig Mainland whilst Danny Kelly and Thomas Fraser were also unavailable. Callum Cruden was free of his three-match suspension and Chris Johnston was Lovat’s only reserve. Greg Matheson played at wing centre and there was a start at full forward for Raymond Rennie who had played 90 minutes for the reserves earlier in the day Glen MacKintosh returned for a strong Newtonmore squad but Duncan Gorman, who did well when he came on at wing centre the previous week, faces a period out with a broken thumb. David MacLean was also still out. Conor Jones returned, taking a place on the bench. Ewen Fraser, who played for the reserves earlier, was an unused substitute. ‘More took the lead through Iain Robinson on 28 minutes. The ball was played out to the right corner to Evan Menzies who spotted Robinson’s run and the youngster sent the ball low into the net from the edge of the box. Lovat levelled on the stroke of half-time. Calum MacAulay picked out Lorne MacKay in space and he ran forward. Rory Kennedy looked to clear but was caught out by MacLachlan who won possession before scoring to make it 1-1 at the break. It was end-to-end in the first half with ‘More keeper Kenny Ross having to make the bigger saves. Newtonmore regained the lead 4 minutes into the second half. Fraser Heath played a free-hit forward from the right of the Lovat defence but the home forwards couldn’t keep possession and the ball was played straight back upfield to Iain Robinson who hit a waist-high shot on the run which gave keeper Stuart MacDonald no chance. Raymond Rennie went close to a leveller with a spectacular effort. ‘More made late changes with Fraser MacKintosh, Conor Jones and Drew MacDonald replacing Jamie Robinson, Owen Fraser and Michael Russell at regular intervals. Michael Russell was booked by referee Calum Girvan for catching Greg Matheson whilst there were also yellow cards for Evan Menzies and Duncan Davidson. Daniel Grieve was solid at the back for Lovat whilst Fraser Heath was excellent at buckshee back. Greg Matheson influenced the game from the centre line whilst the disciplined Callum Cruden and the speedy Calum MacAulay can also be pleased with their contributions. Newtonmore’s best players were in defence where buckshee back Andy MacKintosh was man of the match. ‘More’s bid for a Grand Slam continues but Lovat are now out of all three cups and are five points off the top in the Mowi Premiership.
Kingussie 4 Caberfeidh 3 (after extra-time) Kingussie will meet neighbours Newtonmore in the Artemis Macaulay Cup semi-finals after they edged out Caberfeidh 4-3 after extra-time in their 3pm throw up at the Dell. This tie remained in the balance throughout two exhilarating hours of shinty. Savio Genini put the Kings ahead on 12 minutes and they stayed in front until a minute from time when Ally MacLennan levelled. Kevin Bartlett gave Cabers the lead 6 minutes into extra-time but Ruaridh Anderson made it 2-2 just a couple of minutes later. Cabers regained the advantage when Craig Morrison scored a minute after only for Liam Borthwick to make it 3-3 on 115 minutes. The tie was just a minute away from a penalty shoot-out when Savio Genini got his second to give the Kings a thrilling 4-3 victory.
Mowi Premiership Kilmallie 1 Lochaber 3 Kilmallie played host to Lochaber in Saturday’s intense local derby. With both clubs ensconced at the wrong end of the table, a victory would be vital in hauling either side away from the relegation zone. Despite constant rain, frequent lightning and regular barrages of thunder, shinty remained the day’s most compelling spectacle. Kilmallie would be without both Craig MacIsaac and Calum MacDougall, while Lochaber travelled with a threadbare squad, missing Shaun Nicholson, Donald MacRae, Chris MacRae, Max Campbell, Lachlan Campbell, Ally MacDonald and Stuart Callison. Kilmallie started the game with none of the trepidation normally shown by sides winless in eleven consecutive games, attacking the Lochaber goal with gusto. Daniel Stewart and Liam MacDonald both had early shots turned away by Lochaber’s confident keeper, Callum Macdonald. While Kilmallie certainly enjoyed some early pressure, Lochaber always looked threatening on the counter, with wing-forwards Dillon Brockie and Findlay MacDonald bursting forward in support of the robust Danny Delaney at full forward. The game ebbed and flowed until the 26th minute, Lochaber’s Ben Delaney turned his marker before unleashing a powerful strike beyond Shane Gillies in the Kilmallie goal. This seemed to spark a sense of belief into the Lochaber players and it wasn’t long before their advantage was doubled. After some fine work on the left by Dillon Brockie, the ball eventually found its way to Danny Delaney. Turning onto his weaker left side, Delaney sent a low, well driven shot towards goal that Gillies was equal to. Fortunately for Lochaber, Findlay Macdonald reacted quickest to the rebound and at the second time of asking he found the back of the net to make it 2-0 with 34 minutes played. Lochaber’s tails were up and it looked as though more goals would follow, however referee Ross Brown called a halt to proceedings, fearing that the weather was too dangerous to allow play to continue. After a twenty-minute delay, the storm passed and play continued. The break in play seemed to stifle Lochaber’s game, the home side however showed no adverse effects. Kilmallie seemed rejuvenated by the game’s unexpected break, and proceeded to lay siege to Lochaber’s defence. With 5 first half minutes remaining, Iain Fyfe, who up to this point was an assured presence in the Red’s rear guard, mis-hit a clearance into the path of Liam MacDonald who, for the first time in the game evaded the ever-present Duncan MacKinnon, gathered the ball before calmly slotting low into the Lochaber net. The second half started as the first ended, with Kilmallie in the ascendancy. Lochaber owed their lead thanks to a mixture of defensive bravery, some fine goalkeeping and some erratic finishing from Kilmallie’s forwards. Just after the hour mark, the game’s most crucial moment arrived. Kilmallie’s wing-forward Lewis Birrell broke into Lochaber’s penalty area, where his slotted finish was smartly saved by Callum Macdonald. Some penalty area pinball followed, and in a crowded huddle of bodies, Callum Macdonald was felled with a vicious swing. Confusion reigned, and after some consultation with his goal judge, the referee awarded a penalty to Kilmallie, the consensus being that Callum MacDonald had stood on the ball. Kilmallie’s captain, Liam MacDonald, assumed responsibility. His strike, while powerful, failed to trouble the Lochaber net, whistling five or six feet wide of the target. The miss proved to be the stimulus needed to shake the Lochaber players from the malaise they had found themselves in since the interval. In the centre of the park, Martin Johnstone began so exert himself, providing more ammunition for his forwards and in the 71st minute the game’s final goal came. Ben Delaney again turning his marker before beating Gillies with a twenty-yard strike. The wind seemed to be knocked from Kilmallie’s sails, although they were able to conjure a few more chances before the end of play. Martin Stewart missing from close range when it seemed easier to score and Innes Blackhall seeing a fine strike from distance tipped over the crossbar. Lochaber too had chances yet defender Robbie McFadyen seemed intent on blocking every goal-bound strike. The win imbibes Lochaber with some much-needed confidence before next week’s Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup quarter-final clash with Caberfeidh, while Kilmallie host Kinlochshiel in an attempt to arrest a slump that becomes more alarming with each passing week.
Kinlochshiel 0 Inveraray 2 Inveraray boosted their chances of beating the drop when they won for the second successive match; beating Kinlochshiel 2-0 in their 1pm throw up at Kirkton. ‘Shiel manager Johnston Gill had Scott Kennedy back in goal. John MacRae was passed fit to start whilst Jordan Fraser took a place on the bench. Keith MacRae was also listed amongst the reserves but didn’t feature. Duncan “DA” MacRae dropped into defence to replace David Falconer who was unavailable. There were starts for Colin MacDiarmid at wing centre and Fergus Dobson in attack. Inveraray boss Ruaraidh Graham travelled north with his usual squad on what was a very warm afternoon. There was a minute’s silence ahead of throw up to mark the passing of former ‘Shiel player Innes MacRae. Inveraray opened playing up the slope and they created the game’s first real chance on 7 minutes following young Ruaraidh Graham’s neat run on the right. Graham played the ball inside to Fraser Watt who shot just by the keeper’s left post. Inveraray had to reshuffle their defence on 13 minutes when full back Robert Wood was forced to leave the field after taking a blow to the ribs. Ross Montgomery went to full back with Hamish MacLennan coming off the bench to play at wing back. A lovely turn by Connor Howe in a central position saw him create a shooting opportunity for himself after taking a ball from the right but he just sent his effort over the top. ‘Shiel responded and a blistering John MacRae shot from the right flew across goal and went just wide of the keeper’s right post. ‘Shiel were coming more into it and quick passing between Ally Nixon, John MacRae and Duncan Matheson saw the latter hold off his marker on the left before getting a shot in but the effort went across goal and outside the keeper’s left post. John MacRae and Duncan Matheson combined to set up an opportunity for Fergus Dobson but he shot wide. The home goal survived an incredible escape moments later. Connor Howe skipped past his marker and found Fraser Watt whose shot came back off the crossbar. The rebound dropped for Connor Howe who crashed the ball against the underside of the bar. Inveraray claimed the ball had crossed the line but referee Deek Cameron and the goal judge disagreed. The opening goal came on 35 minutes when some quick thinking caught out the ‘Shiel defence. Inveraray were awarded a free-hit for a “kick” on their left. Garry MacPherson quickly slipped the ball into the danger-area and Connor Howe was first to react as he ran in and steered the ball past the keeper to give his side the lead. Inveraray certainly weren’t playing like a team at the foot of the table and the previous week’s win over Kilmallie, their first points of the season, had given them a boost. Better was to come as they doubled their lead just a couple of minutes after. Garry MacPherson ran in from the left and although Scott Kennedy saved his effort with his foot, Allan MacDonald was on hand to fire the rebound into the net to make it 2-0. Inveraray went for the kill with Allan MacDonald now turning provider as he played in Fraser Watt and his shot wasn’t far away. ‘Shiel tried to cut the deficit late in the half but Inveraray keeper Scott MacLachlan saved with his feet from John MacRae at the expense of a corner. ‘Shiel made a change at the break with Jordan Fraser coming on in attack. Ally Nixon dropped back to wing centre and Colin MacDiarmid was withdrawn. Scott Kennedy got his body behind Garry MacPherson’s shot from the right, playing the ball out for a corner. The hosts suffered a major blow on 54 minutes when full forward John MacRae, who hadn’t been moving freely since the restart, was forced off injured. Martin MacRae came on at wing centre, Duncan “WD” MacRae pushed up to wing forward and Jordan Fraser went to full forward. Fergus Dobson’s shot from the right following a ‘Shiel hit-in was saved with his feet by Scott MacLachlan. Garry MacPherson then fired a fierce shot from the left wide o goal following an Inveraray free on the right of the D. MacPherson was a constant threat and he won possession soon after and played in Connor Howe. Scott Kennedy saved but the home defence couldn’t get the ball away and when Howe fired a second shot goalwards, Duncan “DA” MacRae cleared the ball off the line for a corner. David MacAllister came on at wing centre for Lewis Montgomery, who had worked tirelessly, with 8 minutes remaining. ‘Shiel introduced Andrew MacKenzie for Fergus Dobson. Duncan Matheson’s low shot went wide and when a free-hit was touched to Jordan Fraser, his strike went over the top and it just wasn’t going to be ‘Shiel’s day. Craig Taylor then took over from Allan MacDonald in the Inveraray forward line with just a few minutes remaining. The victory gives Inveraray four points and they are now just a point behind Kilmallie and three points adrift of Lochaber. However Lochaber have played twelve matches, Kilmallie eleven matches whilst Inveraray have only completed nine fixtures. With two teams dropping down to the National at the end of the season, likely from this grouping, there are some interesting fixtures ahead in the coming weeks.
Mowi National Division Fort William 7 Beauly 0 The Fort William juggernaut continued apace as Victor Smith’s men maintained their 100% league record, winning for the ninth successive league match, as the defeated fourth placed Beauly 7-0 at An Aird. Lewis Morrison gave the Fort a 7 minute lead and Lewis Clark made it 2-0 on 12 minutes. Arran MacPhee on 35 minutes and Lewis Morrison on 39 and 41 minutes, completing his hat-trick, made it 5-0 at the break. Arran MacPhee went on to complete his hat-trick with second half goals on 55 and 62 minutes to make it 7-0.
Strathglass 0 Glenurquhart 5 The derby between Strathglass and Glenurquhart at Cannich was brought forward to Friday 28 June 2019 with a 7pm throw up. The switch was requested by Strathglass as their player George Phimister was getting married the following day. The Glen agreed but that’s where their generosity ended as they scored five goals without reply. For Strathglass, Lewis Douglas served the second match of his two-game suspension whilst his his brother Scott Douglas was also missing but both should be back for the Balliemore Cup semi-final tie against Glasgow Mid Argyll at the Dell in a fortnight. Michael Stokes and Hamish Myers returned and Josh Fraser took a place on the bench. Glen’s Andrew Corrigan and Finlay Ralston were unavailable whilst James MacPherson started with Neale Reid on the bench. Home keeper Ally MacAdams got his body behind an early James MacPherson shot which was sign of things to come. With the pre-match temperatures soaring, there were first half water breaks on 15 and 30 minutes but conditions cooled in the second half. Just after the first water break, a Glen shy came to James MacPherson who was behind the penalty spot and he had time to steady himself before sending a low shot into the net to make it 1-0 with 16 minutes on the clock. James MacPherson got his and Glen’s second on 31 minutes. The ball was played up to MacPherson who saw an initial back-hand effort blocked by Jono Price but the ball rebounded to his right side and he shot low into the goal. Darren Reid came on for Colin Birnie on 35 minutes with the Strath man delayed by work commitments. When Ewan Brady’s strike was blocked by a defender on 38 minutes, Connor Golabek lashed the rebound high into the net from a central position to make it 3-0. James MacPherson completed his hat-trick with the goal of the game a couple of minutes into the second half when he pulled a Connor Golabek cross out of the air and, just as the ball was to hit the ground, he fired a rocket shot into the net from more than 25 yards range. Ally MacAdams threw himself to turn away a James MacPherson shot which was heading for the top corner of the net on 62 minutes. James MacPherson’s accuracy in front of goal coupled with his all-round link-up play made him the man of the match and he got his fourth goal of the evening on 71 minutes. Some good pressure from the Glen forwards prevented the home defence from clearing their lines and MacPherson let the ball run across his body before shooting low into the net. Michael Stokes moved from centre to full forward with Darren Reid going in the opposite direction and Stokes forced a late Stuart MacKintosh save with his feet. The Glen were awarded a penalty a couple of minutes from time when referee Calum Girvan pointed to the spot after consulting with the goal judge. However Oliver Black didn’t catch the spot-hit as he’d have liked and the chance was gone.
Glasgow Mid Argyll 3 Skye Camanachd 1 Glasgow Mid Argyll came from a goal down to beat Skye Camanachd 3-1 at Yoker. GMA were without John Don MacKenzie, Nathan Whear and the suspended Jonnie MacAskill. Injury restricted Craig Anderson to a place on the bench. Oliver MacRae had recovered from a broken finger and he started. This was Skye’s second trip to Glasgow this season and they were missing Iain Nicolson, James Pringle and Stewart Grant. However James Morrison returned to the defence. Skye dominated the opening exchanges and they got off to a great start as referee Ewan MacDonald awarded them a penalty after just 4 minutes when a home defender was penalised for obstruction after dropping his caman. Jordan Murchison assumed responsibility and he blasted home from the spot, despatching the ball high into the top right corner of the net. GMA keeper Robert Dunnings got his club to the ball but the sheer force of the shot beat him. The home side began to settle into the match and they were supplying increased supply to their mobile forwards, forcing a number of smart saves from Skye keeper Ryan Morrison and you felt a home goal was coming. GMA player / manager Mark Bain had scored in his last two outings and he equalised on 7 minutes, capitalising on some slack defending as he slotted the ball past Ryan Morrison who was racing off his line. There were chances at both ends with Calum McLay going close for GMA and Jordan Murchison doing like-wise for Skye. The hosts were forced to replace Sorley Fraser just after the half hour mark when he suffered an ankle injury. Conor MacLeod came on in his place. GMA went in front on 34 minutes. Jamie McFadyen a long ball forward from before and a deflection fell kindly for Mark Bain who got past his marker before keeping his composure as he ran through on goal to score. Skye pressed to get back on level terms during the closing stages of the first half and they were not without their opportunities. However a combination of some wayward finishing, some good goalkeeping from Robert Dunnings and some tremendous defending from GMA full back Ryan Harrison meant it remained 2-1 until the break. A more determined Skye emerged for the second half and again created opportunities with the bulk of the play taking place around the GMA goal. The next goal was always going to be crucial and Skye came within the width of the post of levelling as John Gillies took the ball down following a corner but and his volley cracked back off the inside of the post. This was a turning point as GMA seemed to take belief from this whilst Skye seemed to lose theirs and Oliver MacRae saw a shot well-saved by Ryan Morrison whilst Calum McLay shot narrowly wide. GMA sealed the points on 76 minutes when Mark Bain slammed home a nice lay-off to the back to complete his hat-trick and give his side a 3-1 win.
Bute 1 Oban Celtic 4 Oban Celtic recovered from the loss of an early goal to beat Bute 4-1 in their 2.30pm throw up at the Meadows, With their colt teams meeting at the same venue earlier in the, this match was part of a double-header. Bute’s Iain McDonald was banned but Scott Harvey was free of his one-game suspension. Young Stewart Stirling was excellent in the Bute goal in place of Kevin Queen. Oban Celtic travelled without Ally McKerracher, Michael MacKinnon, Lewis Mcphee and Rory Bruce who is likely to miss the remainder of the season with the recurrence of a shoulder injury. Bute took the lead from a corner on 7 minutes. Craig MacMillan slipped on the greasy surface as he went for the ball and Leon McMillan took advantage as he ran to the front post before sending the ball first-time into the net. Ross MacMillan sent two efforts over the bar before he equalised on 37 minutes. The ball was played forward from defence and MacMillan beat his man before shooting low and hard into the net. Daniel MacMillan put the visitors ahead 5 minutes before the break. The ball was played up from the wing to Lennon Campbell, whose hold up play was a feature of the game, and held possession up before playing the ball to the side to Daniel MacMillan who got away from his marker and he took a touch before striking the ball low into the net. Oban Celtic continued where they had left off after the restart Daniel MacMillan got his second on 65 minutes. The ball was sent up to Andy MacDonald who played it across to Lennon Campbell and Daniel MacMillan made a run before hitting a 25 yard shot into the roof of the net to make it 3-1. When Jamie Anderson sent a corner from the right to the back post on 78 minutes, Daniel MacMillan stole in ahead of his marker and he rifled a 25 yard shot into the roof of the net to complete his hat-trick, notching the goal of the game into the bargain. Oban Celtic had a late claim for a penalty when Ross MacMillan got past two players as he cut inside. MacMillan seemed to be taken down late inside the D but referee David Mitchell waved away the pleas.
Strathdearn Cup – Quarter-Finals Lovat 3 Newtonmore 5 The tie of the Strathdearn Cup quarter-finals was the noon meeting between the Lovat and Newtonmore second teams at Balgate. Following a Lovat attack on 6 minutes, a powerful Raymond Rennie shot forced an excellent Calum Grover save, low to his left. However it was ‘More who took the lead on 18 minutes when Ewen Fraser scored. It only took Lovat 4 minutes to draw level. Laura Gallacher played a free-hit on the right to Ryan Ferguson and his shot took a deflection off Ryan Spinks on its way into the net. ‘More replaced Calum MacLeod with Calum Stewart on 28 minutes. Stewart went to full forward with Cameron McNiven going onto the wing. Some great persistence from Laura Gallacher saw her create a shooting chance on 32 minutes but keeper Grover again saved low with his club. Calum Stewart put ‘More back in front on 37 minutes when he beat Fraser Gallacher to the ball and although he didn’t get a clean shot at goal, it took a wicked bounce on the bone-hard pitch as keeper Ronan MacMillan was ushering it out of play to his left and beat the keeper on his right side. Lovat substitute Cameron MacMillan set up Raymond Rennie early in the second half but Calum Grover saved well again, low with his stick. At the other end, Calum Stewart’s shot shaved the keeper’s left post. Raymond Rennie made it 2-2 on 49 minutes to draw Lovat level for a second time. The ball bounced up in front of Rennie who took a touch before spinning round and smashing a chest-high shot into the net for what was the pick of the afternoon’s goals. Newtonmore went back in front on 55 minutes. Ewen Fraser strode forward from midfield before finding Cameron McNiven and he initially went to shoot on his back-hand before switching to his right and scoring from the edge of the D. Cameron McNiven got his second just 60 seconds later. Ewen Fraser won the ball from the restart and a scramble in the Lovat goal area followed with McNiven showing great composure to push the ball into the net from inside the D to make it 4-2. Ronan MacMillan made an excellent save on 70 minutes, turning the ball away for a corner. However when the corner was played in, it took a wicked bounce and hit the unlucky keeper on its way into the net. The players were tiring in the heat and when ‘More failed to clear a ball out of their defence on 75 minutes, Raymond Rennie shot past an unsighted keeper. There was a bizarre moment late in the match when a swarm of bees visited the inside of the Lovat goal Referee Iain Kennedy stopped play and the bees eventually dispersed. Ryan Ferguson was best for Lovat whilst Laura Gallacher was effective on the wing before having to switch inside. Keeper Callum Grover, Ryan Spinks and Declan Brennan shone for ‘More with Ewen Fraser’s pace always causing problems.
Glenurquhart 5 Skye Camanachd 1 The Glenurquhart reserves turned in a sparkling first half performance to beat the Skye Camanachd reserves 5-1 at Blairbeg. Glen’s Bradley Sneddon was free of suspension whilst Murphy Henderson returned in goal for Skye. Daniel MacKintosh was moving the ball around quickly and he scored on 23 and 27 minutes for the hosts whilst David MacLennan, who was physically strong up front, made it 3-0 on 35 minutes. With Eddie Tembo prompting from midfield, Charlie MacLeod added a fourth on 42 minutes. Although Daniel Morrison pulled a goal back 3 minutes into the second half with an effort that deceived Glen keeper Iain Macleod, David MacLennan got his second from the penalty spot on 72 minutes to make it 5-1. Both teams had periods of pressure in the game but Glenurquhart made more of theirs.
Kingussie 3 Fort William 3 (After extra-time – Fort William won 2-0 on penalties) It took penalties to separate the Kingussie and Fort William seconds in their noon throw up at the Dell. Michael Slimon put the Kings ahead on 17 minutes but Donnie Walker levelled a minute later. Eoin Baikie put the Kings back in front on 23 minutes but Cal Brown drew the Fort level for a second time just 3 minutes later. Kingussie took the lead for a third time through Jordan Reid on 96 minutes but Scott Knox made it 3-3 on 109 minutes. With no further scoring in this entertaining encounter, referee Callum Duff took the tie to an extra-time period. When the additional 30 minutes failed to produce a winner, the outcome was decided via a penalty shoot-out. Donnie Walker and Cal Brown converted their spot-hits to give Fort William a 2-0 shoot-out triumph. Fort William keeper Stuart Disher made a great contribution both during the two hours of shinty and the penalty shoot-out that followed.
Boleskine 1 Kilmallie 3 The Kilmallie second team won for the fifth successive match, beating Boleskine 3-1 at Smith Park. Ross MacKenzie gave Kilmallie a 2-0 interval cushion with goals on 18 and 45 minutes. Sandy Fraser pulled a goal back on the hour but, when referee Brian MacKay awarded the visitors a penalty a couple of minutes from time, Ben MacKinnon converted from the spot.
Mowi North Division 1 Caberfeidh 0 Inverness 1 The Inverness first team beat the Caberfeidh colts 1-0 at Castle Leod. Drew McNeil scored the only goal of the game after 38 minutes.
Kinlochshiel P Aberdeen University P The 3.30pm between the Kinlochshiel seconds and Aberdeen University at Kirkton will be rescheduled after the Students were unable to raise a team for their trip west. Aberdeen have been deducted two points and they drop to the bottom of the table.
Mowi South Division 1 Inveraray 3 Ballachulish 3 Ballachulish came from behind to draw 3-3 with the Inveraray seconds in their 1pm throw up at the Winterton. Inveraray’s Andrew McMurdo was banned and both David MacPherson and Coll MacKay were unavailable. Balla’s Cain MacPhee was suspended but Dan MacLean was free of his ban. A good start from Inveraray saw them take the lead after a minute when neat play up front saw Campbell Watt go through on goal and he dribbled forward before slotting the ball past the keeper from close range. Inveraray extended their lead on 25 minutes through Campbell Watt again as he struck the ball from the edge of the D, low and hard into the bottom right to make it 2-0. Ballachulish then began to apply plenty of pressure and they pulled a goal back with 5 minutes remaining of the first half with the goal coming from Duncan MacDonald. A well worked corner on 50 minutes saw Ballachulish score again. A short corner found Conner MacGregor who hit a flowing shot into back of the net and that goal drew Ballachulish level. The game was not level for long though as, on 56 minutes, Campbell Watt completed his hat-trick with his shot from distance finding the bottom left corner of the goal to put Inveraray ahead once again. However, with 10 minutes remaining, Dougie Rankin got Ballachulish back level as he got on the end of a shy into the D which the Inveraray defence failed to deal with and he half-volleyed the ball past the keeper to make it 3-3.
Mowi North Division 2 Strathglass 4 Lochcarron 6 League leaders Lochcarron were back in action and five-goal Gregor Cushnie helped them beat the Strathglass second team 6-4 at Cannich. Sam Cooper gave the hosts a 20 minute lead but Gregor Cushnie netted on 42 minutes to make it 1-1 at the break. Kenny Cushnie put Lochcarron in front for the first time in the match a couple of minutes into the second half and Gregor Cushnie netted on 52 and 55 minutes to complete his hat-trick and make it 4-1. Ally MacAdams pulled a goal back on 62 minutes only for Gregor Cushnie to take his tally to five goals with strikes on 70 and 74 minutes to make it 6-2. Penri Jones on 84 minutes and James Ross a couple of minutes later made the final score 6-4.
Beauly 2 Strathspey Camanachd 0 Second placed Strathspey lost 2-0 against third placed Beauly seconds at Braeview Park. Rory Tuach made the difference with two well-taken goals on 18 and 65 minutes. Strathspey now trail leaders Lochcarron by three points but they have a game in hand. Beauly are now level on points with Strathspey and the have played a game fewer.
Mowi South Division 2 Bute 0 Oban Celtic 0 The Bute seconds and the Oban Celtic seconds drew 0-0 in their noon throw up at the Meadows. This was a good game and both sides were mainly made up from promising youngsters with a few older heads thrown in. Oban Celtic dominated the final half hour but just missed that bit of composure in front of goal.
WCA Round Up There was a full Women’s Camanachd Association programme this weekend.
Mowi National Division Badenoch 3 Skye Camanachd 4 The much anticipated second meeting of the season between Badenoch and Skye Camanachd took place at the Dell. Badenoch were 2-1 winners when the sides met in Portree on the opening day of the season but Skye turned the tables with a 4-3 victory in this one. Skye lead 3-0 at the break before seeing off a second half Badenoch fight-back. Megan Ralph, Zoe Reid and Kirsty Deans scored for the hosts with Sarah Corrigall’s brace and strikes from Lorna MacRae and Emma Gordon giving Skye the win they needed. The result means Badenoch and Skye have now lost one match each this season.
Lochaber 3 Aberdour 2 Lochaber beat Aberdour 3-2 at Spean Bridge. Kirsty Delaney, Mairi Duncan and Caitlin MacDonald got the Lochaber goals whilst Rosie Mulligan and Rianne Cooper netted for Aberdour.
Ardnamurchan 3 Glenurquhart 3 Ardnamurchan and Glenurquhart drew 3-3 in their noon throw up at the astro pitch in Strontian.
Glasgow Mid Argyll 3 Strathspey 1 Glasgow Mid Argyll beat Strathspey 3-1 in their 1.30pm throw up at Yoker. Joan Nicholson scored twice for GMA with Mia Gallanti getting the other. Jane Moodie countered for Strathspey.
Mowi North Division 1 Lovat 9 Inverness 5 There were goals galore as Lovat defeated Inverness 9-5 in their 2pm throw up at Balgate. Fiona Urquhart scored six times for Lovat with Laura Gallacher getting the other three. Katie McMillan’s hat-trick, Aisling Healy and a Holli Sneddon own goal counted for Inverness.
Fort William 1 Glengarry 2 Glengarry edged out the Fort William second team 2-1 in their 1pm throw up at An Aird. Zoe Smith scored for the hosts but Isla Mackay and Moira MacDonald gave ‘Garry victory.
Lochaber 3 Strathglass 2 Thea Robertson’s double and Claire Delaney’s strike gave the Lochaber seconds a 3-2 victory at Spean Bridge. Elenor Mann scored both Strathglass goals.
Kinlochshiel 8 Skye Camanachd 1 Kinlochshiel were too strong for the Skye Camanachd second team, winning 8-1 in their 12.30pm throw up at Kirkton. Beth Murphy scored five home goals, Eilidh MacInnes bagged a brace and Maree MacKenzie got the other. Megan Campbell replied for Skye.
Mowi South Division 2 Oban Lorn 4 Dunadd 3 Oban Lorn beat Dunadd by the odd goal in seven in their 1pm throw up at Ganavan. Nicola Duncan grabbed a hat-trick for the Oban side with Shelley MacCuish also scoring. Eilidh Cameron’s hat-trick counted for Dunadd.
(All throw ups were at 2pm unless the match report states differently) |