The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 5 March 2022 | |
06 March 2022 The new shinty season got off to a stunning start with goals galore on Saturday 5 March 2022.
Mowi Premiership Glasgow Mid Argyll 0 Oban Camanachd 3 Oban Camanachd made a winning start to the season by beating Glasgow Mid Argyll 3-0 at Peterson Park, Yoker. New GMA boss Alan MacRae was without Ewen Fraser and Calum McLay who both have broken fingers. It was a first competitive match in charge for new Oban Camanachd boss Gareth Evans and he travelled without Scott McKillop and Scott MacMillan. Malcolm Clark started with Jamie Anderson dropping onto the bench. There was a minute’s silence ahead of all matches as a mark of respect as shinty remembered those who had passed away during the close season. Daniel Madej gave Oban Camanachd a 6 minutes lead. Malcolm Clark won possession in midfield and floated a high ball to the edge of the D where Madej pounced on a defensive error and he shot high into the net. Oban Camanachd’s Evan MacLellan was forced off with a hamstring injury after just 10 minutes. A mini reshuffle saw Connor Howe introduced up front with David Cameron going onto the wing. Daniel Madej got his and Oban Camanachd’s second goal on 13 minutes. There was more good work from Malcolm Clark on the wing and he feed Daniel MacVicar who saw his shot saved by Jonathon Oates but Madej was again first to react as he passed the ball into the bottom corner of the goal. Substitute Connor Howe shot over the bar as the visitors almost added a third but they were forced into a second change when Daniel Madej limped off following an ankle knock with 20 minutes remaining and he was replaced by Jamie Anderson. Louis MacFarlane sealed the 3-0 win on 79 minutes. Some great link up play between Daniel Sloss and Garry Lord in the half back line saw the latter send the ball up the line to Connor Howe. He cut the ball back to Louis MacFarlane who sent an unstoppable shot into the net. GMA were restricted to few chances with Daniel Sloss doing a great marking job on danger-man Oliver MacRae.
Fort William 2 Kyles Athletic 2 Kyles Athletic came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw with Fort William in their 2pm throw up at An Aird. Fort William co-managers Victor Smith and Adam Robertson pitched Arran MacPhee at buckshee back with Bryan Simpson at full forward. Mark Grant returned to the side but Johnny Foster was still unavailable. Kyles Athletic manager Robert Baxter travelled with just thirteen players following Robbie Macleod’s late call off. There was a place for former Lochcarron player Liam Arnott. Fort William thought they had the lead when Lachie Shaw stole the ball from a Kyles defender before scoring but referee Des McNulty, who received the Johnny “Ach” MacRae 2021 referee of the year award pre-match, ruled out the effort, bringing play back and awarding the visitors a free-hit. Both keepers – Paul MacKay for Fort William and Kyles Athletic’s John Whyte – made good saves before the hosts took the lead on the stroke of half-time. Fort William were awarded a free-hit on the edge of the D for a “kick”. Bryan Simpson played the ball into the danger area and Victor Smith’s shot was heading wide but Cam Stephen stretched out his stick to divert the ball goalwards. Keeper John Whyte got a touch to the ball but couldn’t keep it out. Victor Smith made it 2-0 just a couple of minutes after the restart. A long ball forward was taken down by a defender but Smith reacted first as he slammed the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Kyles needed a goal and they got one just a couple of minutes later through Liam Arnott on his competitive debut. Arnott’s bouncing shot deceived Paul MacKay, skipping over his foot and into the net. The goal lifted Kyles and Conor Kennedy made it 2-2 with 15 minutes remaining, punishing the Fort defenders for not clearing their lines. Kyles, who for whom Andrew King was excellent, laid siege on the Fort goal as they went all out to get the winning goal but the home defence stayed strong. Victor Smith, who had come off injured soon after scoring, came back on for the closing stages and his reintroduction helped settle his side down. Fort William created a couple of late chances of their own with Calum Shepherd making a great run forward from midfield but he was unable to hit the target. The sides were also playing for Drew Ferguson Memorial Trophy which was decided by a penalty shoot-out. Arran MacPhee, Victor Smith, Padraig McNeil and Jack Fraser all scored for the Fort with the latter converting the winning spot-hit and the Ferguson family were on hand to present the trophy to Fort William skipper Arran MacPhee and the man of the match accolade to Fort William’s Alexander Cameron. Calum Shepherd now takes over as team captain with Arran MacPhee club captain.
Kilmallie 0 Lovat 3 Lovat ran out 3-0 winners against Kilmallie at the Canal Parks. Suspension ruled out Innes Blackhall and Stuart Callison for the hosts and Callum Cruden for the visitors who also travelled without Danny Kelly and Martin Mainland. Lovat opened the scoring on 40 minutes when a high ball from midfield was chested down by Fraser Heath to Greg Matheson and he hit the bouncing ball first time, sending it high into the net from around 25 yards range. Lovat doubled their advantage a couple of minutes after the restart. The ball was played into Fraser Heath’s feet and he took a touch to the side before striking a low, hard shot which sneaked passed Kevin Toye in the home goal. Lovat put the game beyond Kilmallie on 53 minutes. A good passing move was nicely finished by Marc MacLachlan who went by a couple of defenders before rounding the keeper and rolling the ball into the empty net.
Kinlochshiel 1 Newtonmore 3 Newtonmore’s new management team of Norman MacArthur, Evan Cheyne and David Cheyne got off to a flying start with a 3-1 victory over Kinlochshiel at Rèaraig Park. Kinlochshiel manager Johnston Gill was without Paul MacRae who has retired following a knee injury. Duncan Matheson was also missing so David Falconer started. Newtonmore were missing Michael Russell, Craig Ritchie and Struan Ross. There was a start for youngster Duncan MacPherson and Kenny Ross and Dan Craven were their only substitutes. Iain Robinson gave a sign of what was to come when he put ‘More ahead on 13 minutes. Robinson sent the ball low into the net at the back post following Drew MacDonald’s corner on the left. Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup and cottages.com MacTavish Cup holders ‘Shiel went into the match with confidence but ‘More started well and when Conor Jones floated a ball into the home defence on 5 minutes, Max Campbell won possession and spread play to Fraser MacKintosh down the right. MacKintosh’s cross found the on-running Max Campbell at the back post but his shot went the wrong side of the post. ‘Shiel came more into it and Jordan Fraser created space on the right before firing over from 20 yards. Newtonmore took the lead through Iain Robinson on 13 minutes. Drew MacDonald’s corner from the left went over the ‘Shiel defence to Iain Robinson at the back post. Robinson quickly controlled the ball before firing low across the keeper to make it 1-0. Kinlochshiel were soon level with Jordan Fraser countering on 22 minutes. Mark MacDonald and Ali Nixon combined to work the ball down the ‘Shiel right. With ‘More trying to clear, Duncan “WD” MacRae picked out Keith MacRae and his measured cross was swept low into the net by Jordan Fraser on the right of the D. John MacRae went close soon after but Max Campbell put ‘More back in front on 32 minutes. Duncan MacPherson collected a clearance out of defence from keeper Owen Fraser before lifting the ball down the middle. ‘Shiel defender Mark MacDonald slipped as he tried to clear allowing Campbell to take the ball to the left before scoring on his backhand. Fraser MacKintosh added a third a minute before half-time. Arran MacBean’s low ball was played in to MacKintosh’s feet to the left of the penalty spot. MacKintosh held off Finlay MacRae and his early shot beat keeper Josh Grant to make it 3-1 at the break. The expected second half onslaught on the Newtonmore goal never really materialised. This was largely down to excellent defending from seasoned campaigners Steven Macdonald and Rory Kennedy. ‘More suffered a blow when a fair challenge between Mark MacDonald and Iain Robinson saw the latter fall awkwardly and dislocate his shoulder which was put back in place by ‘Shiel osteopath John Don MacKenzie. Dan Craven came on. The visitors were first to almost every ball whilst the hosts struggled to get to grips with the contest and in a second half of few serious efforts on goal, some good combination play between ‘More’s young forwards created a chance for Duncan MacPherson who had found space on the left but he shot past keeper Josh Grant’s right-hand post. The match was deep into 8 minutes stoppage time, and with referee John Angus Gillies about to blow for time, ‘More’s Darrin Fowler was accidently struck on the back of the head by a swinging stick leaving him cut and concussed. The player took unwell on the trip to Raigmore Hospital to have the injury looked at resulting in an ambulance being called. He was then transferred to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and the family later revealed Darrin had undergone surgery which involved drilling and the removal of fractures that were pressing on the brain. Fortunately the surgery went well and there have been many good wishes for the popular player from across the shinty community. Whilst the two injuries cast a shadow over the game, this result was a timely boost for Newtonmore.
Kingussie 7 Caberfeidh 0 Champions Kingussie’s bid to retain their Mowi Premiership title began with an emphatic 7-0 victory over Caberfeidh at the Dell. Defenders Calum Grant and Ryan Borthwick were missing for the Kings so Lee Riddoch started at wing back. Roddy Young started at wing centre although he played the final half hour in his more familiar attacking role. Caberfeidh travelled without the suspended Connor MacGregor whilst former Kingussie player Kieran Macpherson made his debut against his former club; lining up against Fraser Munro in midfield. Alexander Michie made his usual efficient job from the penalty spot on 11 minutes after referee Willie MacDonald penalised a Caberfeidh defender for impeding James Falconer inside the D. New Kingussie captain Savio Genini already looks like he could be a key player this year and he opened his account with goals on 33 and 35 minutes. His first was hit from the edge of the box followed by a wonderful 30 yard strike from the wing which flew into the top corner of the net. James Falconer was Kingussie’s top marksman last season and he got his first of the new campaign on 43 minutes whilst Ruaridh Anderson made it 5-0 on 52 minutes. Savio Genini scored twice more late in the game to make the final score 7-0. On 83 minutes, Genini went through one-on-one with keeper Iain McCall before scoring off the post and he took his opening day tally four goals by racing through again and this time striking the ball between the keeper’s legs. Caberfeidh’s Scottish international Craig Morrison, who was booked 5 minutes from time, was shown a straight red card for comments made to referee Willie MacDonald as the teams left the field. The sides also contested the Bill Macpherson salver which was presented to Kingussie skipper Savio Genini by Bill’s nephew Robbie Macpherson.
Mowi National Division Oban Celtic 1 Skye Camanachd 2 Skye Camanachd came from behind to beat Oban Celtic 2-1 at Mossfield. Oban Celtic manager Dougie MacIntyre was without the suspended Andy MacDonald but Jordan Kerr made his competitive debut. Celtic’s other new signing, Scott Dempster, was unavailable. Callum Fox was in goal and Bob MacIntyre swapped his golf clubs for his caman. Skye boss Kenny Macleod has Will Cowie back after a knee injury suffered on the opening day of last season but Danny Morrison was missing. Skye’s James Pringle had the best chance of the first half but blazed his shot over the bar. Skye introduced Somhairle MacDonald on the half hour as the hosts had control of the centre line. Ross Mackinnon moved from wing forward to wing centre and immediately forced a Callum Fox save as the first half finished goalless. Skye looked brighter after the restart with Will Cowie and Ross MacMillan having a great battle in the middle of the park. There were signs of frustration from both teams but it was Oban Celtic who broke the deadlock on 71 minutes. Skye’s William MacKinnon was caught in two minds in midfield and the ball came to Ross MacMillan who sent a looping ball over the top of the visiting defence into the path of the onrushing Daniel MacMillan who raced clear, through on goal, and he slipped the ball under keeper Murphy Henderson as he came off his line. Oban Celtic looked to be playing with an extra defender and Skye introduced young forward Taylor Matheson in an attempt to find an equaliser and they pinned Celtic back. Jordan Murchison made it 1-1 with a low drive on 78 minutes and the home side were reduced to eleven men soon after when referee Alex MacVicar sent Ross MacMillan off for a poor challenge on Skye’s Ross Gordon. Skye pushed full back John Gillies up front for the closing stages and he scored the winner on 82 minutes with his shot taking two deflections on the way into the net.
Strathglass 2 Lochaber 3 Jack Dignan scored the winner 10 minutes from time as Lochaber edged out Strathglass 3-2 at Cannich. Lochaber, without the suspended Barry MacDonald, took a 35 minute lead through Conor Sweeney. Things looked good for Lochaber when Findlay MacDonald made it 2-0 just 5 minutes. However the game turned around during 10 second half minutes with Michael Stokes 60 minutes and Darren Reid on 70 minutes making it 2-2. However Jack Dignan conjured up the winner on 80 minutes to get Lochaber off to a winning start.
Inveraray 1 Glenurquhart 1 Inveraray, relegated from the Premiership at the end of the 2019 season, drew 1-1 with promotion hopefuls Glenurquhart at the Winterton. Both goals came in the first half with the Glen’s Conor Golabek netting on 19 minutes but Campbell Watt drew Inveraray level on 32 minutes.
Aberdour 0 Beauly 9 Aberdour’s historic first-ever match in the National Division fixtures ended in a 9-0 beating from Beauly at Silversands. Finlay Maclennan put Beauly two up with efforts on 14 and 33 and goals late in the half from Euan MacCormack 44 minutes and Ross Forbes on 45 minutes doubled their lead. Euan MacCormack completed his hat-trick with strikes on 58 and 60 minutes and Sean Stewart made it 7-0 on 65 minutes. Euan MacCormack got his fourth on 70 minutes and a second from Sean Stewart rounded off the scoring 4 minutes from time.
Mowi North Division 1 Skye Camanachd 1 Fort William 0 The Skye Camanachd second team beat the Fort William second team 1-0 in an entertaining match at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Skye capitalised on a defensive slip to take the lead on 13 minutes. Struan Stephen went to clear at the ball from just outside the D but missed his hit which left Alastair MacLeod a free path to goal and he made no mistake. It got worse for the Fort just minutes later when referee Steven MacLachlan had no option but to send off Rhys Kennedy for his reaction to a challenge. Stuart Disher saved well from Alastair MacLeod to stop Skye going further ahead but the visitors had a great chance to level when a fine run and pass from Davie Duncan found Mark Fraser in space but with Skye keeper Calum Nicolson racing off his line, Fraser sent his shot wide. They went close again when Mark Fraser’s cleverly scooped free-hit from the left picked out Greg Kelly at the back post. William Sutherland made a great block to prevent Kelly’s first effort but he got a shot in at the second attempt and his low shot went just by the far post. At the other end, Stuart Disher saved with his had from Angus Gilpin and Alastair MacLeod saw a shot blocked by the excellent Lewis Murphy. Fort William, who didn’t look as if they were a man short and prompted by man of the match Shaun MacLennan, pushed hard for a leveller in the closing stages without being able to test the Skye keeper.
Newtonmore 2 Kinlochshiel 0 Glen MacKintosh scored on 20 and 80 minutes as the Newtonmore second team opened the defence of their Mowi North Division 1 title with a 2-0 win over their Kinlochshiel counterparts at the Eilan.
Caberfeidh 0 Kingussie 2 The Kingussie seconds beat the Caberfeidh seconds 2-0 at Castle Leod. Both teams went without any pre-season action but they still managed to serve up an entertaining encounter. Both keepers – John Ritchie for Caberfeidh and Kingussie’s Craig Dawson – made good saves to keep the first half scoreless. Kingussie went on the front-foot from the restart and Cameron Bremner’s long ball from midfield evaded keeper Ritchie and dropped just under the crossbar to give the visitors as 53 minute lead and Bremner his first competitive goal in a Kingussie shirt. Only some good goalkeeping and a strong penalty claim prevented the Kings from adding to their lead until 5 minutes from time when Mike Beroski hit a 25 yard shot past the unsighted goalie. Kingussie gave a debut from the bench to promising youngster MacLeod Dawson for the closing stages whilst it was a first match in charge for referee Caitlin Mutch.
Inverness 2 Glenurquhart 2 Two late James MacPherson goals earned the Glenurquhart second team a 2-2 draw with the Inverness first team at Blairbeg. Inverness took the lead a minute before the interval with Ruaraidh Hughes scoring. Skye MacKintosh added a second on 65 minutes before James MacPherson’s late counters on 81 and 89 minutes.
Lovat 3 Lochcarron 2 Player / manager Raymond Rennie scored twice as the Lovat second team beat Lochcarron 3-2 at Balgate. Rennie got the opener on 20 minutes but Gregor Cushnie drew Lochcarron level on 30 minutes. Jack Rennie put Lovat back in front 3 minutes before half-time but the visitors drew level for a second time through Euan Cameron on 57 minutes. Raymond Rennie got what proved to be the winner on 78 minutes.
Mowi South Division 1 Lochside Rovers 1 Glasgow Mid Argyll 1 Matthew Sloss scored 10 minutes from time to earn Lochside Rovers a 1-1 draw against the Glasgow Mid Argyll second team at Ganavan. After a goalless first half, Cailan MacInnes gave GMA a 53 minute lead which they held until Matthew Sloss popped up with the late counter.
Cruachanside A Ballachulish A Ballachulish led Cruachanside 3-1 at the Taynuilt Sports Field when the match was abandoned by referee Euan Pearson following a leg injury to the home keeper Andrew Smith on 82 minutes. Alistair Banks had put Cruachanside ahead on 5 minutes but Connor Sartain made it 1-1 on 26 minutes. Pat MacLean gave Balla’ a 2-1 lead on 36 minutes with Alistair Banks getting his second on 63 minutes.
Kyles Athletic 3 Tayforth 1 The Kyles Athletic colts won 3-1 against Tayforth at the Dunoon Stadium. Kyles got off to the perfect start with Dave Martin scoring in the opening minute but Brendan Duggan levelled on 32 minutes. David Zavaroni restored Kyles’ lead just 3 minutes after the restart whilst Dave Martin got his second on 77 minutes.
Col Glen P Bute P The meeting between Col Glen and Bute was a Saturday morning call off when the pitch at Glendaruel failed an inspection.
Mowi North Division 2 Lochaber 5 Strathglass 0 The Lochaber second team were 5-0 victors over the Strathglass second team at Spean Bridge. David Langan scored twice with Bruno Berardelli, Martin Paterson and Ben MacDonald getting the others.
Beauly 5 Inverness 0 The Beauly colts defeated the Inverness colts 5-0 at Braeview Park. Goals from Kyle MacDonald on 14 and 44 minutes gave the hosts a 2-0 lead at the break. Lee Dunbar on the hour and Jack MacDonald on 68 minutes made it 4-0 with Kyle MacDonald completing his hat-trick a minute from time.
Strathspey Camanachd 1 Aberdeen University 3 Strathspey Camanachd took the lead through Keith Callum in the opening minute against Aberdeen University at Grantown Grammar School. Jebby Remegio equalised on 25 minutes with Willie Hunter putting the Students in front on 34 minutes. Jebby Remegio got his second 15 minutes from time to make the final score 3-1.
Mowi South Division 2 Ardnamurchan 8 Oban Celtic 0 Ardnamurchan were too strong for the Oban Celtic second team, winning 8-0 at Strontian. This was to be the first match of Les Kinvig’s reign as the Oban Celtic colts’ manager but the shortage of match officials meant he had to referee the game. Herbie Paterson gave Ard’ a 6 minute lead and Duncan Gorman doubled their advantage a minute later. Alex MacKinnon made it 3-0 on 13 minutes and although the visitors then settled, Herbie Paterson got his second a minute before the break before completing his hat-trick on 61 minutes. Duncan Gorman made it 6-0 a couple of minutes later. Stuart MacLachlan added a seventh on 71 minutes with former Newtonmore player Duncan Gorman completing his hat-trick on 78 minutes.
Kilmory 1 Inveraray 2 After winning the league in 2019, Kilmory welcomed the Inveraray second team in a 2pm throw up at MacRae Park. Joe Anderson got them to a great start with a goal after 13 minute but Euan McMurdo’s 38 minute strike levelled matters at the break. Ewan Donnan scored what proved to be the winner on the hour.
Strachur-Dunoon P Uddingston P There was disappointment for Strachur-Dunoon and Uddingston, two of shinty’s new sides, as their match at Strachurmore was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.
Bute P Aberdour P The game between the Bute seconds and the Aberdour seconds at the Meadows was called off because of covid restrictions. The Aberdour colts took the opportunity to travel to Uddingston for some important game time in a match they won 4-0. Martin Cameron, Joe Burns and Josh Jarvie and 13 year old Ciaràn Burns got the goals.
Womens Camanachd Association Round Up The Womens Camanachd Association fixtures got underway on Sunday 6 March 2022.
Mowi National League Inverness 0 Skye Camanachd 2 Jenna Beaton and Caitlin Maclean were on target as Skye camanachd beat Inverness 2-0 at the Bught Park.
Aberdour 1 Lochaber 0 Lisa MacColl’s penalty gave Aberdour both points in their 1-0 win over Lochaber at Silversands.
Badenoch P Glasgow Mid Argyll P The match between Badenoch and Glasgow Mid Argyll at the Market stance was postponed due to covid affecting the visitors.
Mowi North Division 2 Badenoch 5 Lovat 5 The Badenoch second team’s first match ended in a 5-5 draw with Lovat at Market Stance. Lovat led 3-0 at one stage and their tally was made up with doubles from Fiona Urquhart and Maisie Rennie with Alex Farquharson getting the other. However Badenoch battled back and four-goal Kirsty Grant and an own goal earned them a share of the spoils.
Glengarry 0 Kinlochshiel 5 Kinlochshiel won 5-0 against Glengarry at Craigard. Lexi MacKenzie grabbed a hat-trick whilst Eilidh MacInnes and Beth Murphy got the others.
Strathglass 6 Skye Camanachd 1 Four-goal Isla Strachan helped Strathglass beat the Skye Camanachd second team 6-1 at Cannich. Freya Strachan and Holly Forbes-Williams got the others with Teri MacLeod countering for the Ilanders.
Strathspey 6 Inverness 2 Katy Minard grabbed a hat-trick as Strathspey Camanachd triumphed 6-2 over th Inverness second team at Grantown Grammar School. Katie Bisset, Rosie Trussel and Amy Lowe were also on target for the hosts with Isla McNeil scoring both Inverness goals.
Mowi South Division 2 Tayforth 0 Ardnamurchan 4 Sally Paterson bagged a brace with Maighsi Rough and Ellen Munro also on target as Ardnamurchan won 4-0 at Tayforth.
Oban P Dunadd P Oban were unable to field a team for their match with Dunadd so the visitors were given a walk-over.
Glasgow Mid Argyll P Uddingston P The fixture between Glasgow Mid Argyll and Uddingston at Yoker has been rescheduled for Sunday 8 June 2022.
(All throw ups were at 2.30pm unless the match report states otherwise) |