Oban Camanachd and Lovat secured the final two Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup quarter-final places whilst Kyles Athletic extended their lead at the top of the Marine Harvest Premiership following the shinty action on Saturday 3 June 2017.
Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup – Second Round (Replays)
Oban Camanachd 1 Kinlochshiel 0
An Andrew MacCuish goal made the difference as Oban Camanachd beat Kinlochshiel 1-0 in their Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup second round replay at the Taynuilt Sports Field.
The sides played out a goalless draw at Kirkton a week earlier and the replay was switched to Taynuilt as Oban Camanachd’s Mossfield pitch was hosting the Oban Live concert.
Oban Camanachd defender Scott McKillop suffered a shin injury in the first game but made it for the replay. Scott MacMillan was working but Willie Neilson was able to start after coming on as a substitute a week earlier.
Oban Camanachd manager Iain Hay went with something different in attack as he switched Aidan MacIntyre and Lorne Dickie up front with Andrew MacCuish and Malcolm Clark on the wings.
Kinlochshiel boss Johnston Gill didn’t have his selection problems to seek. JohnMacRae’s red card a week earlier saw him suspended. PaulMacRae was out with a broken finger, KeithMacRae and Duncan “DA”MacRae were unavailable and ScottMacLean picked up a knee injury in the first match whilst OliverMacRae andGordie MacDonald were also out. Jordan Fraser was their only regular first team forward, starting up front with Calum MacLean, Neil Fraser and youngster WD MacRae.
Oban Camanachd had numerous chances to wrap the game up in the first half but, by the interval, they only had one goal to show for their efforts.
The goal came on 36 minutes when a free-hit was played on to Andrew MacCuish and he dribbled the ball past the keeper Scott Kennedy before tapping it over the line to make it 1-0.
A mixture of wasteful finishing and some good goal keeping from Scott Kennedy, particularly one superb double-save, kept ‘Shiel in it.
The second half was more even although Camanachd still had chances to add to MacCuish’s goal.
However Oban Camanachd’s slender lead meant Kinlochshiel were always a threat and Gavin Stobbart had to make a couple of good stops.
Kinlochshiel threw everyone forward for the final minutes of the game in an attempt to force a replay but the Oban Camanachd defence stayed strong.
Kinlochshiel’s Conor Cormack was sent off just after the final whistle. There were around twenty players in and around the Oban Camanachd D and when Camanachd cleared the danger. Conor Cormack made a late challenge on Craig MacDougall and a number of players got involved and referee Deek Cameron sent Cormack off and showed yellow cards to each team.
Kinlochshiel’s cup form hasn’t matched their excellent start to their league campaign. They are now out of shinty’s three major cup competitions so will now focus their attentions on the Premiership where they have won all five of their matches so far. They head for Blairbeg this Saturday to play Glenurquhart.
Oban Camanachd now travel to The Winterton to play Marine Harvest National Division side Inveraray in the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup quarter-finals on Saturday 8 July 2017. Next up for Iain Hay’s side though is an Artemis Macaulay Cup semi-final against Oban Celtic at Ganavan on Saturday 17 June 2017.
Lovat 3 Glenurquhart 0
Lovat will play Kilmallie at the Canal Parks in the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup last-eight after they beat Glenurquhart 3-0 in their 3pm throw up at Balgate.
A Michael Fraser goal and a Greg Matheson penalty had the sides tied at a goal apiece in their second round encounter at Blairbeg just seven days earlier.
This was the fourth meeting between the sides this season with Lovat yet to record a win.
An army of volunteers mobilised to clear stones from the surface ahead of throw up as maintenance work on the Balgate pitch during the week, which included spreading coverings of top-soil, had left some small stones on the surface. Referee Martin MacLean carried out a pre-match inspection and declared the field playable.
As with other matches across country, there was a minute’s silence ahead of throw up to remember Kilmallie player and Scotland cap Duncan Rodger who passed away earlier in the week.
Daniel Grieve returned for the home side after suspension and indeed injury.
James MacPherson was back for the Glen, also after injury, and he started on the bench. Callum Smith and David MacLennan remained out and James Hurwood was also missing.
Glenurquhart made a bright start and Neale Reid sent a shot just past the post after just 15 seconds.
The game then flowed from end-to-end and a fierce Greg Matheson shot from 18 yards out hit Glen keeper Stuart MacKintosh and the keeper recovered sufficiently to clear the danger.
Lovat took the lead on 9 minutes. Greg Matheson’s shot was saved by keeper MacKintosh but Lewis Tawse steered the rebound home to make it 1-0.
A Danny Kelly strike from distance was stopped by Stuart MacKintosh and Greg Matheson went down under an Andrew Corrigan challenge on the edge of the D with the home side appealing in vain for a penalty.
Craig Mainland came on for a limping Martin Mainland on 27 minutes.
Lorne MacKay made it 2-0 on 30 minutes. MacKay collected the ball with his back to hold and held off two heavy challenges before lashing a venomous shot from 25 yards out, low into the net.
There was more delight for the home support on 33 minutes. A long-range Ryan Ferguson effort was parried by MacKintosh but Greg Matheson was quickly in to dispatch the loose ball into the net.
Lovat were well worth their 3-0 interval lead and visiting boss Iain MacLeod made changes with James MacPherson replacing full centre Arran MacDonald. MacPherson joined the attack, Connor Golabek dropped back into defence and Fraser Heath went to centre.
The Lovat defence never really looked like losing a goal with Drew Howie again outstanding against John Barr and he was ably assisted by fellow defenders Daniel Grieve, Callum Cruden and Craig Mainland.
Lovat had a chance to extend their lead on 52 minutes. Ryan Ferguson knocked down a Glenurquhart clearance and the ball dropped into the D where Stuart MacKintosh was penalised for a kick. Greg Matheson struck the penalty well enough but MacKintosh made a fantastic save with his caman; high above his head.
The tie turned tousy towards the end with John Barr and Fraser Heath amongst those finding their way into referee Martin MacLean’s book.
Glenurquhart are now out of all three cup competitions and they will focus on finishing as high up the league as possible.
Lovat might have been fortunate to get away with a draw from the first tie but they were terrific in the replay and if they can carry this form forward into their remaining cup matches, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
Teenagers Danny Kelly and Scott MacKenzie, along with the more experienced Ryan Ferguson, were dominant in midfield, providing plenty of ball for the forwards.
Fraser Gallacher’s Lovat side now travel to The Canal Parks to play MacTavish Cup finalists Kilmallie in the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup quarter-finals.
Balliemore Cup – Quarter Finals
Skye Camanachd P Fort William P
The Balliemore Cup quarter-final tie between Skye Camanachd and Fort William at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree was postponed at Fort William’s request following the sad passing of former player Duncan Rodger.
Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup – Quarter Finals
Newtonmore 8 Glengarry 3
This Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup quarter-final tie brought together the league leaders from both Marine Harvest North Division 1 and North Division 2 at The Eilan.
In the end, holders Newtonmore progressed over their lower league opponents; winning 8-3.
Evan Menzies continued his return to action with a goal after 19 minutes.
John MacKenzie made it 2-0 on 23 minutes and Evan Menzies got his second on 27 minute.
Menzies completed his hat-trick a couple of minutes later but Daniel MacLennan pulled a goal back on 36 minutes to make it 4-1 at the break.
‘More’s Duncan Gorman and ‘Garry’s Daniel MacLennan traded goals on 55 and 58 minutes and ‘Garry’s Stuart Gregory made it 5-3 with an hour played.
Evan Menzies netted his fourth goal of the afternoon on 68 minutes and second goals from both John MacKenzie on 75 minutes and Duncan Gorman on 82 minutes rounded off the 8-3 victory.
Newtonmore will now play Fort William or Kingussie in the Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup semi-finals.
In a warm gesture, the Newtonmore and Glengarry supporters contributed £640 in a collection for the family of Duncan Rodger, Kilmallie.
Fort William P Kingussie P
The Fort William second team were granted a postponement of their tie against the Kingussie second team following the passing of former Fort player Duncan Rodger.
Marine Harvest Premiership
Kyles Athletic 3 Kingussie 1
Kyles Athletic took the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Marine Harvest Premiership, beating Kingussie 3-1 in their 3pm throw up at Tighnabruaich.
This was the weekend’s only top flight match and table toppers Kyles Athletic had a one point advantage over second placed Kingussie going into the game.
Kyles Athletic manager James Perlich was without Donald Irvine, Dunkie Kerr and Sandy MacKenzie.
James Hutchison returned at full back for Dallas Young’s Kingussie and Lee Bain was deployed at full forward. However James Falconer, who is fit following injury, was on holiday and youngsters Roddy Young and Ruaridh Anderson were on a school trip. Martin Dallas has opted not to play again this season. Dylan Borthwick, who made a substitute appearance against Skye a week earlier, was given his first senior start.
Grant Irvine gave Kyles the lead on 21 minutes when he got the better of his marker out wide on the left and, with the referee playing advantage; Irvine sent a rocket shot from a tight angle into the top corner of the net.
Roddy MacDonald made it 2-0 on the half hour mark. MacDonald came deep to gain possession and his brilliant run with the ball took him past two defenders and into the box where he tapped the ball past helpless keeper Craig Dawson.
Kingussie pulled a goal back on 51 minutes when Lee Bain held the ball up before flicking it to wing forward Lee Riddoch and he smashed a shot through the keeper’s legs and into the net.
However Innes MacDonald sealed the win on 76 minutes. Roddy MacDonald carried the ball out past his man, dragging Innes MacDonald’s marker wide in the process and Roddy MacDonald then touched the ball to his unmarked brother at the front post and Innes MacDonald slipped it into the far side of the goal to make it 3-1.
This was a hard fought win for Kyles who are now three points clear at the top of the table. They have only dropped one point from eight league fixtures but they will be aware that Kinlochshiel have five wins out of five so far.
Newtonmore P Kilmallie P
The MacTavish Cup Final rehearsal between Newtonmore and Kilmallie was postponed earlier following the passing of Kilmallie player Duncan Rodger.
Marine Harvest National Division
Strathglass 1 Inveraray 2
Inveraray knew that it was crucial to their title push that they took both points against Strathglass at Cannich and they did just that with a 2-1 win.
Inveraray were without centre line maestro Garry MacPherson and experienced defender Douglas Dando but former 'Aray stalwart David Robertson came out of first team retirement to make his first senior appearance of the season, starting on the bench alongside Robert Wood and Kenneth Kirkhope.
The pitch was in excellent condition and the visitors made a strong start with captain Lewis MacNicol once again dominating the centre line and challenging for every loose ball.
Spurred on by their captain’s efforts, Inveraray started to control the game and what seemed like the inevitable visiting goal came on 13 minutes when a break from the centre line ended on the stick of 18 year old Lewis Montgomery who slotted home the yellow and blacks’ opener.
As the first half continued, Strathglass slowly edged their way back into the game but Inveraray’s mixture of youth and experience earned them a second on goal when Allan MacDonald doubled their lead with 34 minutes played.
It was a much more determined Strathglass side that started the second half, challenging every free ball and not giving Inveraray any time in possession.
The visitors seemed to struggle in the passenger’s seat for the first time in the game and Darren Reid pulled a goal back on 57 minutes, turning the tempo of the game up once again.
Both sides had their fair share of chances with Inveraray hitting the post but they couldn’t find a way past Strathglass keeper Ally MacAdams who was on fine form.
Inveraray, having already swapped player / manager Ruaraidh Graham for David Robertson, made two further changes, bringing young guns Robert Wood and Kenneth Kirkhope off the bench. Both players made positive contributions, especially Wood who did well to hold the ball up front in an attempt to run the clock down.
This was a clean game played in good spirit with little need for intervention from referee Andy MacLean.
The win lifts Inveraray to fourth in the division and they will now seek revenge on Oban Celtic in the Balliemore cup quarter-final this coming Saturday after the Oban side’s Artemis Macaulay Cup win at The Winterton at the end of April.
Beauly 5 Inverness 1
Beauly came from a goal down to beat Inverness 5-1 in their 3pm throw up throw up at Braeview Park.
Inverness were without Dougie Rankin who was suspended following his sending off against Oban Celtic the previous Saturday.
James Cameron gave Inverness the lead on 35 minutes but two goals late in the half turned the match Beauly’s way.
Craig Rankin made it 1-1 with a goal on 44 minutes and Jack MacDonald gave the hosts the lead when he scored on the stroke of half time.
Beauly were playing well and Jack MacDonald got his second on 53 minutes and Craig Rankin went on to complete his hat-trick with goals on 66 and 70 minutes.
Marine Harvest North Division 1
Beauly 2 Aberdeen University 8
Aberdeen University bounced back from the previous weekend’s defeat to league leaders Newtonmore by beating the Beauly second team 8-2 in their noon throw up at Braeview Park.
Robbie Tuach gave Beauly a 3 minute lead but Alex Duncan equalised on
9 minutes.
Gregor Cushnie put the Students ahead on 12 minutes and Elliot Moir drew Beauly level on 21 minutes but that was as good as it got for the hosts.
The Aberdeen side went on to lead 5-2 at the break through another from Alex Duncan on 38 minutes, Ewan Fraser on 41 minutes and a second Gregor Cushnie goal on 44 minutes.
Ewan Fraser got his second on 53 minutes and Alex Duncan completed his hat-trick on 70 minutes.
Jamie Beaton made 8-2 when he found the back of the net on 77 minutes.
Aberdeen University are now just a point behind third placed Kingussie reserves and they have a couple of games in hand.
Kinlochshiel 0 Skye Camanachd 9
Skye Camanachd came out on top in their reserve team derby against the Kinlochshiel second team; winning 9-0 at Kirkton.
With the Kinlochshiel first team having a number of absentees for their Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup second round replay against Oban Camanachd. Jonnie MacAskill, Colin MacDiarmid, Corrin Campbell and WD MacRae were amongst the second team players called up whilst Scott MacLean was injured.
With the Skye seniors idle, second team manager Kenny MacLeod resisted the temptation to load his squad with first team players although he was able to include Ally “Cleodi” MacLeod and Iain MacLellan – both of whom have recently been covering first team absences – with MacLellan starting on the bench. However Iain Nicolson did start to get more game time at the request of first team manager Willie Cowie as his recent first team appearances have been limited.
Skye played down the slope in the first half and they immediately went on the attack, going in front after 10 minutes. Ross Gordon made space at the back post to let a cross from the left drop and he crashed the ball home to open the scoring.
Connor Gilpin then scored an eight-minute hat-trick with goals on 15, 22 and 23 minutes before being later substituted.
Iain MacLellan came on in Gilpin’s place and he scored on 32 minutes to make it 5-0 at the break.
Skye passed up some chances after the restart before Iain MacLellan got his second on 66 minutes.
Another Ross Gordon strike on 72 minutes was arguably the goal of the game. Gordon jinked on the left to make enough space to send a blistering shot over keeper Raymond Gillies’ left should to make it 7-0.
John Angus MacInnes slotted home an eighth on 77 minutes after Connor Gilpin’s effort had come back off the post and Gilpin, who came back on during the second half, made it 9-0 a minute later.
Ross Gordon had the ball in the net towards the end but the goal judge flagged for offside.
The win extends Skye’s unbeaten run to six matches and they go second in the table although they have played more games than the teams round-about them.
Marine Harvest South Division 1
Tayforth 1 Aberdour 1
Tayforth missed out on a chance to top the Marine Harvest South Division 1 when they drew 1-1 with Tayforth in their match at The Meadows Festival, Edinburgh.
This match formed part of a full weekend’s shinty action, including fixtures and coaching sessions, at The Middle Meadow Walk area of The Meadows.
This event was the first of its kind in Edinburgh and proved popular with all those who took part.
Aberdour had the better of the first half and they took the lead through Angus Thorburn on 37 minutes.
The second half belonged to Tayforth though and Brendan Duggan levelled a couple of minutes into the second half.
Bute 4 Kilmory 2
Bute made it three successive league wins when they beat Kilmory 4-2 at The Meadows.
Craig Fisher gave the Islanders a 3 minute lead and Robert Walker made it 2-0 on 33 minutes.
Roberto Zavaroni, back with Bute after a spell with Kyles Athletic made it 3-0 on 42 minutes and Bute took that lead into the interval.
Roberto Zavaroni got his second on 69 minutes and this goal seemed to finally spark Kilmory into life.
Ian Robertson pulled a goal back a minute later and Alister MacArthur made it 2-0 on 78 minutes.
Bute stayed in from though and the win lifts them off the bottom of the table.
Ballachulish 3 Glenorchy 2
Ballachulish were 3-2 winners against Glenorchy in a ding-dong encounter at The Jubilee Park.
Balla’ got off to a great start with Alan Clack scoring after just 2 minutes. The ball was played forward to Clark and he took a touch before driving the ball home.
Glenorchy were awarded a penalty on 15 minutes when referee Ronnie Campbell penalised a challenge inside the D and Graham Morrice stepped up to fire the ball into the bottom left corner of goals.
However Lorne Brown restored Balla’s lead just 5 minutes later. A long ball from the Balla’ defence was controlled by Brown who took a touch before hitting a shot towards the bottom corner of the goals which found its way into the net.
The home side took the 2-1 advantage into the break but the hosts were reduced to eleven players after the restart. The ball was played into the Balla D and keeper Donald Pearce came out to clear his lines but a Glenorchy forward managed to get a touch first resulting in a foul and a red card for the keeper. Lorne Brown took the keeper’s jersey and Graham Morrice stepped up to take his second penalty of the day. Morrice went for power but his shot went high over the bar.
Balla’ made a short period of pressure count when the ball fell for Alan Clark who got his second to make it 3-1 with 58 minutes played.
With the game now in the final quarter, Glenorchy won a free-hit on the edge of the Balla’ D. The Ballachulish defence managed to clear the ball but Glenorchy continued to pile on the pressure, having thrown their spare man into the forward line, and Kieran Gallacher found just enough time to send a thunderous shot into the top corner of the net to make it 3-2 with 17 minutes remaining.
Both teams created chances during the closing stages of the game but with no further scoring, Balla’ took the points to go fourth in the league.
Kyles Athletic 2 Col Glen 2
The Kyles Athletic colts and Col Glen drew 2-2 in their noon throw up at Tighnabruaich.
Neily MacNaughton put Col Glen ahead with the only goal of the first half on 16 minutes. A waist-high ball from midfield found MacNaughton on the edge of the D and he delightfully flicked the ball over the keeper and into the net.
Conor Guidici drew Kyles level on 63 minutes and Kyle Mcmartin put the home side in front on 71 minutes.
However a Jamie MacVicar goal on 83 minutes earned Col Glen a point. A ball from the wing was controlled by Finan Kennedy and he found MacVicar who tucked the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner of the net.
Col Glen stay fifth but sixth placed Kyles are just a point behind with four games in hand.
Marine Harvest North Division 2
Lewis Camanachd 1 Lochaber 11
Lewis Camanachd’s wait for a home fixture is over with a strong Lochaber seconds visiting Shawbost and coming away with both points following a convincing 11-1 victory.
Keith Neville on 5 minutes and Lachlan Campbell on 7 minutes made it 2-0 with Sam Lees on 10 minutes and Ben Delaney just 60 seconds later making it four.
A debut David Cleary goal on 43 minutes made it 4-1 at the break.
Ben Delaney a couple of minutes after the restart and second goals from both Keith Neville and Lachlan Campbell on 48 and 50 minutes saw the Spean Bridge side pull away and Campbell completed his hat-trick just a minute later to make it 8-1.
Youngster Max Campbell on 78 minutes, and hat-trick goals from both Keith Neville and Ben Delaney on 84 and 90 minutes rounded of the 11-1 win.
Lovat P Boleskine P
The noon meeting between the Lovat second team and Boleskine at Balgate was postponed under unusual circumstances.
Some maintenance work on the Balgate pitch during the week included spreading coverings of top-soil. However there were stones in the top soil which rested on the surface and referee Scott McNeil ruled the pitch unplayable for player safety reasons with the players on the pitch.
This was the second time Boleskine have visited Balgate this season only for the game to be called off. Their fixture on the first day of the season was also a late call-off because of heavy rain on the Saturday morning.
Kilmallie P Inverness P
The meeting between the Kilmallie and Inverness second teams was also postponed following Duncan Rodger’s passing.
Strathspey Camanachd P Strathglass P
The match between Strathspey Camanachd and the Strathglass second team at Grantown Grammar School will be rescheduled.
Marine Harvest South Division 2
Inveraray 2 Oban Lorn 1
It took two late goals to give league leaders Inveraray reserves a 2-1 win over second placed Oban Lorn as they met for the second successive Saturday, this time at The Winterton.
The sides drew 1-1 at Ganavan a week earlier and this was another tight affair.
David Robertson and Kenny Kirkhope were called up to the Inveraray first team and the experienced David MacPherson, Andrew MacMurdo, Scott Robertson and John Smylie were all added to the young Inveraray squad.
Oban Lorne scored a well-worked goal through Daniel MacKinnon on 40 minutes after the Inveraray defence failed to clear their lines.
Inveraray had opportunities to level but they found Brian Logan in inspired form in the Oban Lorne goal.
Inveraray manager Graham MacPherson made a few tactical changes in the second half and he brought on the youthful, energetic Coll MacKay.
This sparked the Inveraray forward line and they equalised on 75 minutes when Coll MacKay showed excellent movement and he made enough space to fire home.
Inveraray found another gear and, with 5 minutes remaining, captain Allan Cameron launched a shot from fully 35 yards which found the net and that proved to be the winner.
Inveraray youngster Campbell Watt played beyond his years, turning in a man of the match performance.
This was a second outing in charge of a competitive match for new Camanachd Association referee Graham Fisher.
Strachur 10 Bute 0
Strachur put ten goals past the Bute reserves at Strachurmore.
Ian MacLennan and Angus Campbell recorded hat-tricks whilst Ian Wilson, Steven Wilson, Rhys Campbell and Alan Paterson got the others.
Aberdour 0 Glasgow Mid Argyll 7
The Glasgow Mid Argyll colts defeated the Aberdour colts 7-0 at Silversands.
An early Calum McLay double on 4 and 6 minutes followed by an 11 minute Angus MacInnes goal gave GMA a 3-0 cushion.
Calum McLay took his tally to four goals with strikes on 19 and 22 minutes.
Andy McGhee added his name to the scoresheet, making 6-0 a minute before the break.
Calum McLay got his fifth goal of the game with the only goal of the second half just 5 minutes after the restart.
(All throw ups are 2.30pm unless stated differently in the match report)
(The picture from the Marine Harvest National Division match between Strathglass and Inveraray comes courtesy of Donald Cameron)
WCA Round Up
The ladies shinty focus was on Marine Harvest National Division 1 on Sunday 4 June 2017.
Marine Harvest National Division 1
Glasgow Mid Argyll 3 Lochaber 4
League leaders Lochaber kept their title push on track with what could yet prove to be a crucial 4-3 win over Glasgow Mid Argyll in their 1.30pm throw up at Yoker.
Lyndsay Michie, Katie Drain and Lucy McNulty all scored for GMA but a Kirsty Delaney hat-trick and a Stephanie Walsh goal gave the Spean Bridge side the win.
Lovat 0 Badenoch 6
Badenoch beat newly promoted Lovat 6-0 at Balgate.
An Eilidh Ross treble, Zoe Reid, Megan Ralph and an own goal all counted for the visitors.
Aberdour 0 Skye Camanachd 14
The Skye Camanachd Ladies were too strong for Aberdour Ladies, winning 14-0 in a match which formed part of The Meadows Festival in Edinburgh
Lorna MacRae was Skye’s top scorer in this 1.30pm throw up with six goals.
Sarah Corrigall netted four times with Caitlin MacLean grabbing a hat-trick whilst Izzy Law got the other.
Marine Harvest North Division 2
Inverness 2 Glengarry 8
Glengarry and Inverness met at The Bught Park for the second successive Sunday.
And just as they did in the Marine Harvest Challenge Cup, ‘Garry ran out winners; this time 8-2.
Chloe Mutch and Melissa Mackay netted for Inverness but four-goal Margaret Jane Malcolm, an Elaine Cameron hat-trick and a Leona Falconer goal gave ‘Garry the win.