The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 4 May 2019 | |
05 May 2019 The Artemis Macaulay Cup first round took centre stage on Saturday 4 May 2019.
Artemis Macaulay Cup – First Round Col Glen v Oban Camanachd W/O Oban Camanachd were the first team into the Artemis Macaulay Cup quarter-finals when it was confirmed on Friday afternoon that South 1 side Col Glen were unable to raise a team for their match at Glendaruel.
Kilmallie 1 Newtonmore 5 Newtonmore are through to the next round after beating Kilmallie 5-1 in their 3pm throw up at the Canal Parks. Kilmallie’s Martin Stewart completed his two-game suspension whilst Liam MacDonald served a one-match ban. Arran Sandison was also missing. Newtonmore’s Jamie Robinson was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Kilmallie were winners when the sides met in the league at the start of the season but Glen MacKintosh on 15 minutes and Michael Russell just 3 minutes later made a repeat result seem unlikely. Iain Robinson made it 3-0 on 23 minutes and a second from Glen MacKintosh on 32 minutes made it 4-0 at the break. Kilmallie’s Calum MacDougall pulled a goal back on 54 minutes but, when referee Des McNulty awarded the visitors a 58 minute penalty, Conor Jones stepped up to score from the spot.
Bute 3 Oban Celtic 1 Bute edged out a spirited Oban Celtic side 3-1 at the Meadows. Oban Celtic’s Ross MacMillan served the final game of his three match ban and Ally McKerracher and Rory Bruce were amongst the other absentees but Andy MacDonald returned at centre. Indeed Oban Celtic travelled with just thirteen players but they created an early chance with Neil Carmichael volleying just past the post. It was Bute who took the lead on 15 minutes when a long ball down the middle was collected by Iain McDonald and his low 20 yard shot beat the keeper to his right. The Oban side went back on the attack and Neil Carmichael beat his man to win the ball and he went through on goal but was taken down by Scott Harvey just outside the D. Craig Fisher gave Bute a 2-0 interval lead when he finished well with just 5 first half minutes remaining. Oban Celtic pulled a goal back 10 minutes into the second half. John Douglas battled to win the ball deep on the left. Douglas took a touch before finding Neil Carmichael who beat his man and slipped the ball past keeper Kevin Queen to make it 2-1. Carmichael took a nice touch to beat his man again and was brought down at the edge of the D for a second time by Scott Harvey who this time was shown a yellow card by referee Robert Baxter. Jamie Anderson sent the ball over from the resultant free-hit. Full centre John MacCallum and attacker Iain McDonald were good for Bute and the clinching goal came just 10 minutes from time when Willie Boag’s 20 yard shot on the angle from the left was misjudged by keeper Iain MacFarlane and the ball sneaked into the net.
Kinlochshiel 2 Lovat 3 Artemis Macaulay Cup holders Kinlochshiel are out of this year’s competition after losing 3-2 against Lovat at Kirkton. ‘Shiel keeper Stuart MacRae was unavailable from the start of the game, although he did arrive in the second half to take a place on the bench. Scott Kennedy came out of retirement to take his place between the sticks. Finlay MacRae remained sidelined but John MacRae and Keith MacRae both started. Youngster Duncan Matheson was unwell although he took a place on the bench so Duncan “WD” MacRae came into the midfield with Ali Nixon pushing forward to join the attack. Lovat’s Calum MacAulay failed to recover sufficiently from a wrist injury but Lorne MacKay was free of suspension so he started at full centre with Callum Cruden coming in at wing centre with Fraser Heath switching back into the attack. Chris Johnstone retained his place in midfield and Duncan Davidson, along with brothers Graeme MacMillan and Cameron MacMillan, made up their bench. It was a great day for shinty and ‘Shiel opened playing down the slope and they created the game’s first real chance when John MacRae closed down Daniel Grieve’s clearance and the ball broke for Keith MacRae but he missed his hit from 22 yards and the opportunity was gone. Lovat went ahead on 6 minutes. A good Lorne MacKay ball forward was fed to Greg Matheson on the left and he shot into the bottom corner of the net to make it 1-0. Kinlochshiel drew level just 4 minutes later. Keith MacRae was too fast for the for the Lovat defence as he made a powerful run down the right and his fierce shot on the run flew across the keeper, going in off his right post. Most of the chances were now falling to ‘Shiel who were unlucky not to be ahead at half-time with Jordan Fraser and Keith MacRae both going close. However Lovat’s Marc MacLachlan almost put the Balgate side back in front late in the half but Scott Kennedy saved well with his stick. Kinlochshiel did find the net a couple of minutes into the second half when Keith MacRae leathered the ball home after Stuart MacDonald had denied John MacRae. The lead only lasted 6 minutes. Fraser Heath and Marc MacLachlan combined to prevent the ‘Shiel defence clearing their lines and when the ball broke to Greg Matheson, who ran in at pace, his low shot few past the keeper before he could react and it was now 2-2. A rasping Keith MacRae shot on the run on 62 minutes produced an excellent Stuart MacDonald stop and although the rebound came to Jordan Fraser, MacDonald did just enough to stop him scoring. Good work from Keith MacRae on 68 minutes set up Jordan Fraser one-on-one with the keeper but MacDonald was quickly off his line to block Fraser’s effort. ‘Shiel continued to create the better chances but Lovat got the upper hand towards the end of the game and Marc MacLachlan notched what proved to be the winning goal with just 8 minutes remaining. MacLachlan got by Paul MacRae before running into the D and, with little back-lift, his powerful shot gave the keeper no chance. Kinlochshiel made desperate efforts to get back on level terms but they were rushed in front of goal. The closest they came was a back-hand effort from John MacRae which went just past Stuart MacDonald’s left post. A good strike from Marc MacLachlan was saved by Scott Kennedy and whilst Kinlochshiel will feel hard done to, it’s Lovat who go through to the next round. Lovat will be concerned at an arm injury suffered by Greg Matheson. ‘Shiel’s Conor Cormack was influential at buckshee back and Lovat found it difficult to get by him whilst Keith MacRae is close to being back to his best. Lovat’s Lorne MacKay played a key role in the win and his stick work was very good throughout. This was a physical game at times but it was well-refereed by Deek Cameron who kept his cards in his pocket during the 90 minutes. The win sets up a great tie in next month’s quarter-finals as Lovat meet Newtonmore at Balgate.
Lochaber 1 Kingussie 5 It’s not so long ago that Kingussie were ruing a cup record that saw them exit several major tournaments at the first round stage. It’s been different this year though and the Kings ran out 5-1 winners against Lochaber at Spean Bridge. Injury ruled out Lochaber’s Barry MacDonald and Kingussie pair Fraser Munro and Alexander Michie. Kingussie led 2-0 at the break with Ruaridh Anderson finding the net on 28 and 42 minutes with two good finishes. Lochaber’s Martin Johnstone pulled a goal back on 65 minutes but two goals in two minutes from Ryan MacWilliam on 74 minutes and Liam Borthwick a minute later had the visitors 4-1 ahead. Liam Borthwick got his second a couple of minutes from time to round off the 5-1 win.
Inveraray 0 Kyles Athletic 3 Kyles Athletic were 3-0 derby winners against Inveraray in their 4pm throw up at the Winterton. A big crowd gathered for this game and Thomas Whyte’s strike on 13 minutes was the only goal of the first half. Inveraray had their share of pressure during the first 45 minutes but Roddy Macdonald was mopping everything up everything they had to offer in the Kyles defence. Colin MacDonald made it 2-0 just 5 minutes into the second half. Kyles Athletic wing centre Paul MacArthur sent off by referee Ross Brown for a reckless swing but the hosts didn’t take advantage of the extra man and George Thomson added a third goal on 74 minutes, finishing off a counter attack move. Kyles Athletic are now off to Mossfield to play Oban Camanachd in the last-eight of the tournament.
Caberfeidh 4 Skye Camanachd 2 Premiership side Caberfeidh beat National Division Skye Camanachd 4-2 in their 3pm throw up at Castle Leod. Skye were the only National Division team in the north to qualify for this year’s tournament and they started brightly with Iain Nicolson, who came back into the side at buckshee forward, failing to get a snap-shot on target. Some good defending from William MacKinnon set up a Skye counter-attack but Will Cowie’s effort missed the goal. The Skye midfield of John Gillies, Stewart Grant and Ally “Cloudi” MacLeod were playing some nice balls to the forwards but their final third play let the Islanders down with Ewan Pilcher in the home goal not really having a save to make. Skye goalie Ryan Morrison didn’t have much to do during the first 20 minutes but he was beaten on 21 minutes when, against the run of play, wing centre Ryan MacKay received the ball 20 yard out and, with a number of bodies in front of him, he managed to score high into the goal to make it 1-0. Skye immediately responded and almost equalised following a quick move involving Will Cowie and Iain Nicolson with the ball eventually falling to Jordan Murchison who looking destined to smash a shot home but he took an extra touch which allowed the Caberfeidh defenders to block the goal and the shot was deflected away for a corner. Skye were punished for their missed opportunities when, in Caberfeidh’s next attack on 29 minutes, Ryan MacKay’s beautiful, low drive beat Ryan Morrison at the far post. The hosts went further ahead just 5 minutes before half-time when Colin MacLennan produced a smart finish to make it 3-0 at the break. The pattern of play continued into the second half with Will Cowie, James Pringle and Jordan Murchison having good early chances but failing even to hit the target. Craig Morrison added a fourth on 64 minutes to put the game beyond Skye. The Islanders dug in though and continued to attack the home goal, eventually finding the net through Jordan Murchison’s unstoppable shot from outside the box. However, with just 3 minutes remaining, they had left themselves too much to do. Ross Gordon had an opportunity to score on the goal line but just couldn’t make connection with the ball above him. Skye’s Stewart Grant got his name on the scoresheet with just seconds remaining to make it 4-2. The defeat means Skye have exited three cup competitions in successive Saturdays. It was also the side’s fourth successive away game so they will look forward to this Saturday’s Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup first round tie against Taynuilt at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Caberfeidh have an away tie in the next round of the Macaulay as they head for the Dell to face Kingussie.
Aberdour 0 Glasgow Mid Argyll 3 Glasgow Mid Argyll were 3-0 victors against Aberdour at Silversands. GMA, with Iain Luke starting in place of Duncan MacRae who dropped onto the bench, were aware that Aberdour had taken a National Division scalp the previous week by beating Beauly in the Liberty British Aluminium Balliemore Cup, and they were in no mood to suffer a similar fate. Calum McLay gave GMA a 30 lead as he lashed a ball from Iain Luke high into the net past a helpless keeper. Calum McLay got his second 7 minutes later with Garry Luke this time the supplier and McLay’s shot from the back of the D nestled in the top corner of the net. Although the second half was more even, GMA still created the better chances and substitute Duncan MacRae was twice foiled by the keeper. The excellent Calum McLay completed his hat-trick on 71 minutes. Iain Luke’s initial shot was well-saved but McLay got to the rebound to make it 3-0. Glasgow Mid Argyll now travel to play Bute in the quarter-finals.
Mowi National Division Strathglass 1 Beauly 5 Beauly recorded their first win of the season, beating cottages.com MacTavish Cup semi-finalists Strathglass 5-1 at Cannich. Peter Dickson was free to play for Beauly but he will miss their next match through suspension. Jack MacDonald gave Beauly a 10 minute lead, turning home a rebound, with youngster Euan MacCormack showing great perseverance to add a second a couple of minutes later. Beauly, with Conor Ross dominating at full centre and Sean Stewart involved in much of the play up front, extended their lead on the hour through a second from Jack MacDonald. The hosts were allowing Jack MacDonald too much space and he completed his hat-trick on 70 minutes and although Michael Stokes pulled a goal back 10 minutes later, Jack MacDonald sealed the deserved win 3 minutes from time with his fourth goal of the game and it was another from around the D as he sent the ball low into the net. Conor Ross almost added his name to the scoresheet but his effort came back off the bar. The final winning margin was a bit harsh on Strathglass and it took some good saves from Beauly keeper MacKay Murray to prevent the home side from adding to their single goal. The win is a boost for Beauly following the previous week’s disappointing Liberty British Aluminium Balliemore Cup defeat at Aberdour and their only sour note was a muscle injury to defender Andrew Morrison.
Liberty British Aluminium Balliemore Cup – First Round Taynuilt W/O v Aberdeen University Taynuilt were given a walk-over into the Liberty British Aluminium Balliemore Cup quarter-finals when Aberdeen University, with student exams taking their toll on the squad, were unable to raise a team for their match at the Taynuilt Sports Field. Taynuilt will now host Glasgow Mid Argyll in the next round on Saturday 25 May 2019.
Sutherland Cup – Second Round Skye Camanachd 0 Lochside Rovers 2 Two early goals gave Lochside Rovers a 2-0 win against the Skye Camanachd second team at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Skye co-managers David MacInnes and Daniel Morrison included veteran Chris Rose whilst Ruaraidh MacLeod again lined up in attack following his two goals against Inverness the previous week. With Oban Camanachd not in action, Lochside manager Brian MacCallum avoided losing players to cover first team absentees and he was also able to call on youngster Daniel Sloss. However with Dougie MacDonald and Gavin Stobbart both unavailable, MacCallum started in goal. Skye made a bright start but and Chris Rose shot wide of the keeper’s left post in the opening minutes. However Lochside took the lead after just 3 minutes when Daniel Sloss sent a great ball up the left side and as Skye keeper Murphy Henderson tried to clear Lennon Campbell’s low cross, he missed his hit and Lewis Buchanan turned the loose ball into the net from the right of the D to make it 1-0. The visitors doubled their advantage on 8 minutes when Michael MacQueen thumped the ball home after keeper Murphy Henderson had saved twice in quick succession. Lochside always looked the more likely to add to their tally and their defence of Daniel Sloss, Scott Robertson, Jordan Keir and Craig Easton protected keeper Brian MacCallum to the extent that he hardly had a save of note to make during the whole game. The Lochside forward line of Kieran Lopez, Lennon Campbell, Lewis Buchanan and Michael MacQueen played some nice one touch shinty but they were unable to add to their tally. Lochside took the chance to introduce youngster Innes Jackson late in the game and he came on to a big cheer.
Newtonmore 5 Kinlochshiel 0 Holders Newtonmore seconds were too strong for the Kinlochshiel seconds, winning 5-0 at the Eilan. Newtonmore dominated the match with the bulk of players on show from both sides aged 17 years and under. James Ross gave ‘More a 4 minute lead. It then became the Ewen Fraser show as the forward, back in the side, grabbed a hat-trick with goals on 6, 50 and 55 minutes. In-between times, Craig MacLeod kept his good scoring run going – he has now netted in the last five consecutive matches – firing home on 41 minutes.
Inveraray 0 Glenurquhart 2 The Glenurquhart colts scored twice in the second half to beat the Inveraray colts 2-0 in their 1pm throw up at the Winterton. The pitch was in great condition for this tie and Inveraray welcomed Euan McMurdo and Peter McIntyre back into the starting line-up. Glenurquhart travelled with a strong squad and, with no first team game, the experienced John Barr took a place in their starting twelve as he works his way back from injury. The first half was a fairly even affair with young Gregor Mather in the Inveraray goal making some fine saves. Peter MacIntyre thought he’d done enough to score when he lost John Barr only to see his shot cleared off the line so it remained goalless at the break. Glenurquhart made the better start to the second half and their pressure paid off on 55 minutes when David MacLennan drove a low shot through the keeper’s legs. Inveraray introduced Craig Taylor who immediately made an impact when he found space in the Glen defence but his shot went just inches wide. Glenurquhart finished the tie off with just 4 minutes remaining as Jed Stoddart bundled the ball over the line to send his side into the next round. Full centre Allan Cameron continues to be a stand-out for Inveraray whilst young forward Cameron Bremner was dangerous for the Glen every time he got the ball. Once again the match was expertly handled by referee Lucy McNulty.
Glasgow Mid Argyll 1 Lovat 7 The Lovat seconds turned in a powerful first half performance to defeat the Glasgow Mid Argyll seconds 7-1 at Yoker. The game was only 18 seconds old when Lovat opened the scoring. Ryan Ferguson won the ball from the throw up and he found Martin Bell on the right. Bell floated the ball towards the D where Raymond Rennie took a touch before firing a shot past the keeper to make it 1-0. There was a sameness to Lovat’s second goal on 7 minutes as Ryan Ferguson’s ball from midfield was collected by Raymond Rennie who rounded his marker before slotting past the keeper. There was an element of fortune to Lovat’s third goal on 14 minutes as Ryan Ferguson’s free-hit from the left came towards the D where Ross MacLeod stuck out his stick and the ball came off his club and went past his own keeper. Raymond Rennie almost completed his hat-trick on 13 minutes when he controlled the ball 20 yards out but his shot went high over the bar. Lovat added a fourth on 18 minutes as Jamie Matheson and Raymond Rennie and combined to play a neat one-two and Matheson’s shot from a tight angle on the right beat the keeper. GMA almost pulled a goal back on 22 minutes when Andrew McGhee won the ball on the left but his 18 yard shot hit the post and went out for a goal-hit. Lovat extended their lead on 24 minutes when Thomas Fraser won the ball on the left and he weaved past a defender before firing low inside the keeper’s left post. The goal of the match came 3 minutes later when Raymond Rennie crossed and Jamie Matheson chested the ball down around the penalty spot before volleying past a helpless keeper to make it 6-0. GMA’s Matthew Young pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time when he found space on the left and his well struck shot made it 6-1 at the break. With the tie effectively over, the second half offered little although Raymond Rennie did complete his hat-trick a minute from time when he won the ball 14 yards out and his shot went high into the net. GMA played well in spells with Jamie Dodman putting in a good shift. Lovat’s Raymond Rennie was very sharp around the goal area and the experienced Ryan Ferguson controlled the centre line. Martin Bell played one of his best games of the season whilst young Bailey MacKay was reliable in defence. The Lovat seconds have home advantage against their Beauly or Ballachulish counterparts in the Sutherland Cup quarter-finals which take place on Saturday 1 June 2019.
Boleskine 4 Kingussie 4 (After extra-time; Boleskine won 2-0 on penalties) The Kingussie reserves went into their tie against Boleskine at Smith Park as favourites and Russell Menzies on 32 minutes and Ryan Borthwick on 35 minutes had them 2-0 ahead. However Alan Knox puled a goal back a minute later and it remained 2-1 at the break. A second from Russell Menzies on 58 minutes made it 3-1. However Boleskine fought back and Sean Fraser on 74 minutes and James Anderson on 85 minutes meant the regulation 90 minutes finished 3-3. Ryan Borthwick got his second on 96 minutes to put the visitors back in front. Boleskine fought back once more and Scott Knox made it 4-4 in 103 minutes, and, with no further scoring, referee Steven MacLachlan took the tie to a penalty shoot-out. And it was lower league side Boleskine who took the honours, winning the shoot-out 2-0 with Scott Knox and Alan Knox converting the penalties that made the difference coupled with some heroic goalkeeping from Clive Girvan in the home goal. Boleskine now travel to Oban to play Lochside Rovers in the last-eight of the tournament.
Caberfeidh 2 Strathglass 1 The Caberfeidh colts came from a goal down to beat the Strathglass colts 2-1 in their noon throw up at Castle Leod. The visitors had the advantage at the break with Eddie Noble grabbing the only goal of the first half on 43 minutes. Ruaraidh MacLeman levelled with just 20 minutes remaining and, when referee Andy MacLean awarded the hosts a 77 minute penalty, Gavin McLaughlan stepped up to score what proved to be the winner. Cabers travel to Glenurquhart in the next round.
Strathspey Camanachd P Kyles Athletic P The tie between Strathspey Camanachd and the Kyles Athletic second team at Grantown Grammar School was postponed because of a bereavement. The tie has been rescheduled for this coming Saturday and the eventual winners will make for the Eilan to play holders Newtonmore seconds.
Bullough Cup – First Round English Shinty Association 4 Ballachulish 2 The English Shinty Association beat the Ballachulish seconds 4-2 in their noon throw up at St Andrews. Alan Clark gave Balla’ a 4 minute lead but former Kingussie player Chris Holleysong levelled just a couple of minutes before the break and James Livingstone put the ESA ahead on the stroke of half-time. John MacDonald made it 2-2 on 57 minutes but second goals from Chris Hollysong on 69 minutes and James Livingstone a minute from time gave the ESA a 4-2 victory. Balla’ duo John MacDonald and Andrew MacDonald were both sent off by referee Euan Pearson.
Mowi North Division 1 Fort William 1 Inverness 2 The Inverness first team came from a goal down to beat the Fort William colts 2-1 at An Aird. Fort William’s Duncan Stevenson was suspended but David Wright was free of his ban. The first half ended goalless but youngster Victor Smith gave the hosts the lead just 3 minutes after the restart. Charlie MacDonald score his fourth goal in two matches to draw Inverness level on 57 minutes whilst Jack Craig netted what proved to be the winner on 65 minutes. Inverness finished the match with eleven players as David Campbell was sent off by referee Alex MacVicar.
Mowi North Division 2 Kilmallie 3 Inverness 1 The Kilmallie colts came from a goal down to beat the Inverness colts 3-1 in their noon throw up at the Canal Parks. Finlay Calder gave Inverness a 4 minute lead with what was the only goal of the first half. The second half was just a couple of minutes old when Ben MacKinnon levelled. Iain MacIntyre on 52 minutes and Bryan MacKay on 61 minutes secured Kilmallie’s victory.
Mowi South Division 2 Glenorchy 3 Oban Celtic 1 Glenorchy maintained their 100% start to the season, beating the Oban Celtic seconds 3-1 in a hard fought encounter at Mart Park. Lennan MacKechnie and Murray MacKay were both involved in the build up to Glenorchy’s opening goal on 9 minutes with Kieran McKay thumping Murray MacKay’s pass high into the net. It was almost two just 60 seconds later but Murray MacKay saw his effort come back off the crossbar. Oban Celtic equalised on 25 minutes with a fine individual goal from Daniel MacMillan who ran from the middle of the park before sending a low 25 yard shot past Andrew Smith in the home goal. Kieran McKay got his second a couple of minutes into the second half with Murray MacKay again the supplier as he took Iain Livingston’s pass before beating his marker and picking out McKay who took a touch before sending a waist-high shot into the net. Oban Celtic were in the game throughout but Conor Sartain clinched Glenorchy’s fourth straight league win on 73 minutes when he gathered possession following Duncan McLaughlin’s hit-in and he fired low and hard into the net from 20 yards range.
Kilmory 5 Aberdour 2 Kilmory earned a hard fought 5-2 win over the Aberdour reserves in their 2pm throw up at MacRae Park. Alister MacArthur on 5 minutes and Hal Jones on 9 minutes gave the hosts an early cushion. However Roddy MacColl’s goal on the half-hour mark made it 2-1 at the break. The Aberdour colts drew level 10 minutes after the restart with Roddy MacColl getting his second. However a second from Alistair MacArthur on 70 minutes, a second from Hal Jones on 74 minutes and an Alex Cunningham strike with just 10 minutes remaining gave Kilmory a 5-2 victory.
(All throw ups are at 2.30pm unless the match report states differently)
WCA Round Up The Women’s Camanachd Association focus returned to top flight league action over the weekend.
Mowi National Division Skye Camanachd 8 Lochaber 0 The league’s top two, Skye Camanachd and Lochaber, met at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Skye went into the game on top of the table, only ahead of Lochaber and Badenoch on goal difference and the Islanders had played a game more. Skye took the early initiative against an understrength Lochaber side and Sarah Corrigall and Lorna MacRae grabbed hat-tricks with Jenna Beaton and Abby MacLean getting the others.
Aberdour 5 Glasgow Mid Argyll 2 Aberdour defeated Glasgow Mid Argyll 5-2 in a match played at Silversands.
Ardnamurchan P Strathspey P The game between Ardnamurchan and Strathspey was postponed because of a bereavement. |