The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 4 March 2023 | |
05 March 2023 The new shinty season got underway on Saturday 4 March 2023.
Mowi Premiership Oban Camanachd 1 Newtonmore 1 A late penalty from Newtonmore’s Iain Robinson denied Oban Camanachd an opening day victory as the sides drew 1-1 at Mossfield. Oban Camanachd manager Gareth Evans was without Blair McFarlane and suspended pair Scott MacMillan and Jamie Forgrieve. However, Evan MacLellan declared himself fit following an ankle knock and Andy MacDonald, recently signed from neighbours Oban Celtic, was given a place on the bench alongside David Lafferty, Matthew Sloss and Andrew MacDonald. Daniel MacVicar played at full centre. Newtonmore co-managers Norman MacArthur, Evan Cheyne and David Cheyne were missing the banned Steven Macdonald and the injured Conor Jones as well as Fraser MacKintosh. Oban Camanachd started well and they came closest to opening the first half scoring when Daniel Madej, with his back to goal from 20 yards out, turned quickly but his shot, which was heading to the top corner of the goal, was superbly touched away with his caman by Kenny Ross in the visiting goal. Oban Camanachd had a penalty claim in the first half when Daniel Cameron felt the excellent Rory Kennedy had shoved him in the back but referee Deek Cameron waved away the claims. The home side had to make a change at the break with Evan MacLellan again troubled by his ankle injury, so David Lafferty took over. Oban Camanachd got the goal their play deserved on 63 minutes. Malcolm Clark ran out to control David Lafferty’s hit-in from midway inside the ‘More half and, from 18 yards out, Clark’s good first touch created the shooting opportunity and he spun as he crashed the ball high into the net, giving the keeper no chance. Daniel MacCuish went close on a couple of occasions in a match which was physical but not nasty and it looked as though the one goal may win it. Andy MacDonald made his Oban Camanachd debut, replacing Louie McFarlane who had a knuckle injury. Young Matthew Sloss was also introduced and he looked dangerous, producing three shots on goal, one of which forced a good Kenny Ross save with his feet. The game was physical but not nasty and it looked as though Clark’s goal may settle it. However, late in the match, Scott McKillop stumbled inside the D when trying to clear a ball across the box, just as ‘More’s Craig Macleod was in the act of shooting. McKillop fell by the ball and Deek Cameron had no option but to point to the spot. Iain Robinson struck the penalty low to Oban keeper Cammy Sutherland’s left to make it 1-1. There were around 8 more minutes played but neither side could win it. A Daniel MacVicar booking moves him closer to a suspension.
Kinlochshiel 1 Skye Camanachd 0 They had to work hard but Kinlochshiel eventually edged out their newly promoted neighbours Skye Camanachd 1-0 in a west coast derby at Rèaraig. New ‘Shiel boss Willie MacRae was without the injured John MacRae as well as Duncan “WD” MacRae who doesn’t return from abroad until the end of the month. There were places for Oliver MacRae and Jonnie MacAskill, both back from Glasgow Mid Argyll, with the latter starting on the bench. Skye boss Kenny MacLeod missed the injured Martin Pringle and James Morrison who had flu so Ross MacKinnon and Sam Macphee started in the wing back roles. John Gillies recovered from an ankle knock to play. It was a first half of few chances with Ross Gordon’s low shot, comfortably saved with his feet by ‘Shiel keeper Josh Grant, the only attempt on target. The closest ‘Shiel came to scoring was Jordan Fraser’s shot from a central position which rose over the junction between post and bar. The goal that made the difference came on 62 minutes. Donald Nixon’s measured ball forward picked out Keith MacRae on the right. MacRae had plenty to do but he spun inside, away from Sam Macphee, before playing a tantalising ball low across goal and an unmarked Jordan Fraser made no mistake at the back post. Skye came close to a leveller near the end when Kenny Cushnie’s snap-shot was heading for the top corner of the net but Josh Grant jumped to his left to tip the ball away. It got tousy towards the end, as derby matches are prone to do, but referee Graham Cameron kept control with the use of some yellow cards.
Glasgow Mid Argyll 0 Kyles Athletic 5 Kyles Athletic made a storming start to the season, beating Glasgow Mid Argyll 5-0 at Peterson Park. Kyles set an early marker with Scott MacDonald stretching just ahead of the keeper in the opening minute. Roddy MacDonald added a second on 16 minutes, turning home a dropping ball after Will Cowie had closed down a defender. It was Roddy MacDonald again on 24 minutes, turning home a rebound, with Scott MacDonald getting his second just 5 minutes before the half-time whistle when he controlled an Innes MacDonald corner before finishing well. GMA fought back after the restart and Kyles pulled Roddy MacDonald back into defence to stem the tide. With the match seven minutes into stoppage time, Will Cowie, who was making his competitive debut following his switch from Skye to Kyles, made it 5-0. Cowie gathered Somhairle Thomson’s pass and he caught the ball well on his backhand from around the penalty spot and the ball went a couple of feet off the ground as it flew into the corner of the net.
Caberfeidh 3 Lovat 1 Caberfeidh came from a goal down to beat Lovat 3-1 at Castle Leod. Lovat led through Greg Matheson on 20 minutes but Cabers went into the break ahead through Kevin Bartlett on 37 minutes and Craig Morrison on 44 minutes. Craig Morrison got his second a couple of minutes after the hour to make it 3-1 and give new Caberfeidh manager Garry Reid a winning start.
Mowi National Division Fort William 2 Glenurquhart 2 After a goalless first half, John Barr put the Glen ahead on 63 minutes. Graham Campbell turned the match Fort William’s way with efforts on 73 and 85 minutes. However, with 92 minutes on the clock, David MacLennan popped up to earn Glenurquhart a point.
Strathglass 2 Kilmallie 5 Johnny Morrison’s return as Kilmallie manager began with a 5-2 win against Strathglass at Cannich. Kilmallie built up a two-goal lead through Lewis Birrell on 12 minutes and Calum MacDougall on 17 minutes but Penri Jones halved the deficit a couple of minutes later and Ruaraidh Strachan made it 2-2 on 28 minutes. It stayed that way until 73 minutes when Innes Blackhall put Kilmallie back in front and Martin Stewart on 80 minutes and Michael Rodger on 89 minutes ensured Strathglass would not come back again.
Col Glen 1 Oban Celtic 1 Newly promoted Col Glen drew 1-1 with Oban Celtic at Glendaruel. Oban Celtic, with Bob MacIntyre in their defence, took the lead through Lennon Campbell on 35 minutes. This is Col Glen’s first season at national level and Dan MacDonald, who was closely marked throughout, won his side an opening day point with a goal on 70 minutes.
Inveraray 0 Lochaber 2 Inveraray’s Allan MacDonald was suspended, and Coll MacKay was injured. Stuart Callison has returned to the Lochaber ranks and he put his side ahead on just 7 minutes. Ben Delaney made it 2-0 on 35 minutes to record a fine victory.
Mowi North Division 1 Glengarry got their league campaign off to a great start, beating the champions, Newtonmore seconds, 3-2 at the Eilan. Newtonmore were without quartet Craig Macleod, Ritchie Irvine, Charlie Ferguson and Brodie MacBean who were all on first team duty. Scott Chisholm, Xavio Vastano and Keith Callum were also unavailable. Glengarry may have lost Rhuairaidh MacDonald to Kinlochshiel during the close season, but they finished third in the table last year and they made the perfect start with the vastly experienced Steven Cameron scoring after just 2 minutes. Steven Cameron was to the fore again on 18 minutes when he made it 2-0 and the second half was just a couple of minutes old when ‘Garry’s Shaun Nicolson scored what was to prove to be a crucial third goal. ‘More fought back though and substitute Darrin Fowler, playing his first match since suffering a nasty head injury on the opening day of last season, pulled a goal back following a goalmouth scramble on 64 minutes. ‘More pushed Cameron McNiven up front as they went all out for a second goal and he made it 3-2 with a bullet shot on 85 minutes, but time ran out before the home side could find a leveller. Some terrific goalkeeping from Glengarry’s Gordon MacDonald prevented Newtonmore from taking something from the game.
Glenurquhart 1 Fort William 2 Two-goal Jack Kearney helped the Fort William second team to a 2-1 victory over the Glenurquhart reserves at Blairbeg. Youngster Kearney broke the deadlock on 9 minutes and notched another on 65 minutes. Neale Reid pulled a goal back for the Glen on 85 minutes but it wasn’t enough.
Kinlochshiel 2 Skye Camanachd 3 The Skye Camanachd seconds and the Kinlochshiel seconds were to meet at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree but an unplayable pitch led to a venue switch to Kirkton. ‘Shiel included Rhuairaidh MacDonald, signed from Glengarry. Ruaraidh MacLeod’s return has boosted Skye this season and he gave his side a 15 minute lead but ‘Shiel veteran Paul MacRae levelled on 23 minutes. Skye regained the initiative through Archie MacDonald on 29 minutes and a second goal of the game from Ruaraidh MacLeod on 73 minutes gave Skye a 3-1 advantage. The hosts pulled a goal back a minute later with Lewis MacVicar making it 3-2 but Skye stayed in front to take the points.
Lovat 0 Inverness 4 The Inverness first team, who finished second in the division last season, made a flying start with a 4-0 triumph over the Lovat colts at Balgate. Lorne Hughes gave the visitors a 5 minute lead with the only goal of the first half whilst Steven Bellshaw opened his account on the hour. Steven Bellshaw again just 4 minutes later and a strike from former Uist Camanachd and Beauly player Ewan Campbell just 3 minutes from time made the final score 4-0.
Mowi South Division 1 Ballachulish 0 Glasgow Mid Argyll 6 Cailean MacLeod gave GMA a 16 minute lead with what was the only goal of the first half whilst former first team manager Mark Bain added a second on 52 minutes. 2022 GMA second team player of the year Ross Brown made it 3-0 on 55 minutes after referee James Munro awarded the visitors a penalty. Angus MacInnes on 57 minutes and Connal MacDiarmid just 10 minutes later made it 5-0. Cailean MacLeod, who started the goal-rush, completed the scoring with just 20 minutes remaining.
Kyles Athletic 0 Aberdour 5 David MacKenzie gave Aberdour a 33 minute lead and David MacDougall doubled their advantage just 3 minutes before the break before a second from David MacKenzie on 44 minutes made it 3-0 at the turnaround. David MacDougall got his second on the hour with David MacKenzie completing his hat-trick on 71 minutes.
Bute P Lochside Rovers P
Mowi North Division 2 Kilmallie 5 Strathglass 0 The Kilmallie colts beat the Strathglass colts 5-0 at the Canal Parks. Kilmallie raced into an early 3-0 lead with Cam Ross on 5 minutes, Scott Campbell on 9 minutes and David Robertson on 12 minutes all netting. Martyn Cameron scored on 38 minutes to make it 4-0 at the break with Scott Campbell adding a fifth on 52 minutes.
Lochaber 2 Lochcarron 3 Lochcarron came from two goals down to beat the Lochaber second team 3-2 at Spean Bridge. Lochaber led through David Langan on 10 minutes and Kenny Forsyth just 5 minutes after. Sean McCuish pulled a goal back on 31 minutes and a Crisdean Finlayson goal on 40 minutes made it 2 -2 at the break. Crisdean Finlayson proved to be an unlikely match-winner when he scored his second goal of the game on 72 minutes to complete the 3-2 victory.
Strathspey Camanachd 0 Lewis Camanachd 8 Strathspey Camanachd had team selection difficulties, fielding a mixture of club stalwarts and young players to make up their numbers, against Lewis Camanachd their 12.30pm throw up at Grantown Grammar School. Paul Duke gave Lewis a 7 minute lead with Ally Lamont on the half-hour and Callum MacRitchie just a couple of minutes later making it 3-0 at the interval. Paul Duke got his second to make it 4-0 just 3 minutes into the second half and Callum MacRitchie added a fifth on 50 minutes. Donnie MacRae then took centre stage as he grabbed a hat-trick with goals on 63, 82 and 87 minutes.
Aberdeen University 0 Boleskine 3 Aberdeen University marked their return to their home at the Balgownie Playing Fields with a match against Boleskine, but it was the visitors who took the points following a 3-0 win. Liam Girvan’s 36 minute goal gave the visitors a single goal advantage at half-time with late goals from Conor Aubrey on 77 minutes and Ross Anderson on 87 minutes, completing the 3-0 triumph.
Inverness 0 Caberfeidh 6 The Inverness second team went down 6-0 to their Caberfeidh counterparts in their noon throw up at the Bught Park. Cabers led though Scott MacPhail on 27 minutes with Logan Beaton adding to their tally on 39 minutes, making it 2-0 at the break. Inverness struggled to contain Scott MacPhail and he took his tally to five goals with further efforts on 49, 53, 56 and 85 minutes.
Mowi South Division 2 Kilmory 4 Inveraray 3 Kilmory took charge of the contest with three quick goals on 12, 15 and 22 minutes, giving Alex Cunningham a hat-trick. However, Inveraray reorganised with changes in both defence and midfield, and they showed character to fight back with Ewan Donnan on 47 minutes, Neil Campbell on 56 minutes and Ewan Donnan again on 77 minutes making it 3-3. With just 6 minutes remaining, Kilmory’s Euan Gilmour scrambled the ball past home keeper Scott Robertson to score what proved to be the winner.
Oban Celtic 2 Tayforth 5 Tayforth, relegated from Mowi South Division 1 at the end of last season, got their new campaign off to a great start by beating the Oban Celtic second team 5-2 at Ganavan. Brendan Duggan on 6 minutes and a Donald MacInnes brace on 9 and 13 minutes gave Tayforth a three goal cushion. Scott Burnett pulled a goal back on 20 minutes and Alan MacKie converted from the penalty spot on 49 minutes, awarded by referee John MacRitchie, to make it 3-2. However, Jack Hughes on 58 minutes and Brendan Duggan on 80, put Tayforth out of sight.
Strachur-Dunoon 4 Bute 0 Strachur-Dunoon deservedly beat the Bute seconds, who won the division last season, 4-0 at Strachurmore. Ian MacLennan on 29 minutes and Sam Bulloch just 3 minutes later made it 2-0 at the break. Ian MacLennan got his second on the hour with Sam Bulloch doing likewise on 68 minutes.
Aberdour 6 Uddingston 1 The Aberdour seconds were too strong for Uddingston, winning 6-1 at Silversands. David Murray gave Aberdour a 23 minute lead but Bobby Sagar equalised on 32 minutes. Martin Campbell scored on 39 minutes to ensure Aberdour went into the interval ahead. The second half began to Aberdour and David Murray got his second goal of the afternoon a couple of minutes after the restart. Kieran Burns on 54 minutes and Robin Bremner on the hour made it 5-1 with Logan Black increasing Aberdour’s advantage on 83 minutes.
(All throw ups were at 2.30pm unless the match report states differently)
WCA Fixtures The Women’s Camanachd Association regional leagues also got underway with most matches taking place on Sunday 5 March 2023.
Mowi North Division 2 Badenoch 8 Glengarry 0 The Badenoch second team defeated Glengarry 8-0 in their 1pm throw up at the Market Stance. Orla Olds and Kirsty Grant both scored twice with Catrin MacLeod, Gabi Nagle, Grace Fraser and Ellie Miller getting the others.
Strathspey 5 Lovat 9 Lovat were 9-5 winners against Strathspey in their 1pm throw up at Grantown Grammar School. It was a close first half as Lucy Davies bagged a brace with Charlotte Bisset and Amy Low also netting for Strathspey but Laura Gallacher found the net five time to give the visitors a 5-4 advantage. Laura Gallacher and Charlotte Bisset exchanged goals after the restart to make it 6-5 but Lovat then pulled away with another from Laura Gallacher taking her haul to seven goals whilst efforts from Chloe MacMillan and Jennifer Mair rounded off the 9-5 win. Emma Sanderson had a fine game for Strathspey whilst Karen Mangan made her debut.
Glenurquhart 0 Inverness 2 The Inverness seconds beat the Glenurquhart seconds 2-0 at Blairbeg on Saturday 4 March 2023. Isla McNeil and Kamryn Hughes got the goals.
Kinlochshiel W/O v Strathglass Kinlochshiel were given a walk-over when Strathglass were unable to raise a team for their match at Rèaraig. ‘Shiel arranged a friendly against Skye instead and goals from Catherine Robertson and Rhianna Kirk gave the Islanders a 2-1 win.
Mowi South Division 2 Oban 2 Ardnamurchan 6 The Ardnamurchan second team were 6-2 winners at Oban. Caroline Smith and Katie Mackay scored for the hosts, but five-goal Hannah MacDonald and Katie Connolly gave Ard’ victory.
Dunadd 7 Glasgow Mid Argyll 2 Dunadd beat the Glasgow Mid Argyll second team 7-2 in their 2pm throw up at MacRae Park. Eilidh Cameron scored six times for Dunadd with Kyra Robertson getting the other. Kirsty Gray and Kirsty Rodger replied.
Tayforth 1 Uddingston 1 Tayforth and Uddingston shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Peffermill. Iona McCulloch found the net for Tayforth with Alison McVicar replying. |