The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 6 August 2022 | |
07 August 2022 Lovat reached the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final following the shinty action on Saturday 6 August 2022.
Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup - Semi Final Lovat 3 Kyles Athletic 2 Marc MacLachlan’s last minute winner sent Lovat through to the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final as they beat Kyles Athletic 3-2 in their 4.05pm throw up at An Aird. Lovat manager Jamie Matheson remained without Lorne MacKay and the suspended Callum Cruden whilst Craig Mainland’s ankle injury, sustained against Kingussie the previous week, ruled him out. However Greg Matheson returned, despite suffering an arm fracture against Fort William on Saturday 16 July to give his side a major boost. Martin Mainland played in defence to cover his brother’s absence. Lovat’s limited resources left Sam Stubbs, Chris Johnston and veteran Fraser Gallacher as their only substitutes. Kyles Athletic boss Robert Baxter was still without skipper Innes MacDonald, who has a broken hand, so Ross MacRae continued to wear the captain’s armband. Kyles were also boosted through Andrew King’s return to the defence after missing the previous weekend’s defeat to Oban Camanachd. Kyles opened with a strong wind in their favour but it was Lovat who took the lead after 6 minutes. Lovat won a corner from their first attack and Bailey MacKay played the ball in from the left. Greg Matheson took the ball down in a central position before quickly whipping a low shot into the net to the keeper’s right. John Whyte saved well with his legs to keep out a drive from the unmarked Marc MacLachlan on the left before Kyles could settle. Danny Kelly, who had been troubled by a groin injury ahead of the game, limped off to be replaced by Sam Stubbs with only 15 minutes played. Greg Matheson’s inclusion was proving pivotal and he made it 2-0 on 26 minutes. Baily MacKay pushed a low free-hit, after Sam Stubbs had been shoved in the back, to the edge of the D and Matheson made a clever run, staying onside as he struck the ball low into the net from just inside the D. Kyles needed a goal and they got it on 29 minutes through Roddy MacDonald. Again the goal came from a set-piece with Scott MacDonald impeded this time. Ross MacRae’s free-hit, from just outside the D, was played short to Roddy MacDonald who sent an unstoppable strike low into the net to make it 2-1. When a ball from the left came over the Lovat defence, Stuart MacDonald came out at the feet of Finan Kennedy to block what looked like a certain goal. Lovat were struggling to clear the ball out of their defence and they were made to pay with 4 minutes into first-half stoppage time when Ross MacRae pulled Kyles level from the penalty spot. Kyles worked the ball into the danger area from the right and when Martin Mainland dived into a challenge to stop Ross MacRae shooting from the edge of the D, referee Alec MacVicar pointed to the spot. MacRae sent the ball low into the net to the keeper’s left. How Kyles Athletic didn’t win the tie during the second half is a mystery but a combination of missed chances, resolute defending and great goalkeeping will leave them with plenty regrets as they reflect on the day. Martin Mainland, with taped fingers after suffering a hand knock, was booked for bringing down Roddy MacDonald at the front of the D but this time the set-piece came to nothing. Meantime a string of Stuart MacDonald saves included parrying Conor Kennedy’s speculative shot from wide in the right. Lovat lost Fraser Heath with a dead leg just after the hour, although he did come back on for the final 15 minutes, with Fraser Gallacher entering the fray but they had few attempts on goal. With 10 minutes remaining, Stuart MacDonald stretched to his right, using his foot to keep out Roddy MacDonald’s effort that was heading for the corner of the net. Despite the pressure on their goal, this resilient Lovat side were still in the tie and Marc MacLachlan got a sight of goal but didn’t catch the ball as cleanly as he’d have liked. Play returned towards the Lovat goal and Martin Mainland’s magnificent challenge thwarted another dangerous Kyles attack. Then, as the clock touched 90 minutes, Lovat, the 2021 beaten finalists, secured another final spot. Lewis Tawse won possession in midfield and found Greg Matheson who came deep before sending the ball long. The ball came off Marc MacLachlan to Fraser Gallagher on the right and he touched it back inside to Marc MacLachlan who had just enough time to steady himself before blasting the ball into the net off keeper John Whyte’s left thigh. There was more drama to come as Roddy MacDonald raced through on the Lovat goal but a brilliant Martin Mainland challenge turned the ball to safety. There was another scramble inside the Lovat D before the Balgate men broke and Fraser Gallacher saw a low shot saved and it was the Lovat support who celebrated after almost 4 minutes’ stoppage time. Kyles Athletic’s Andrew King was Katie Drain’s choice as BBC ALBA as man of the match. The sides clash again on Saturday but this time in the Mowi Premiership. Oban Camanachd and Kingussie meet in the second Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup semi-final at An Aird on Sunday 14 August 2022. Throw up is at 4.05pm and Willie MacDonald is the match referee. The game will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA.
Mowi Premiership Kinlochshiel 1 Kingussie 0 Kinlochshiel became the first team to beat Kingussie this season, winning 1-0 in their 3pm throw up at Rèaraig. The only goal of the game came after 15 minutes. The home side had a free-hit 12 yards from goal which Jordan Fraser tapped to John MacRae who hit it low and hard, with his effort going under the unsighted keeper’s feet and into the net. Kingussie still have a comfortable lead at the top of the table although they still have to travel to Oban Camanachd and Lovat. Kinlochshiel knew victory would take them to second in the table on goal difference and they were along usual lines. Kingussie were without Louis Munro whilst Liam Borthwick was listed amongst the substitutes. Or so he thought as James Hutchison pulled up in the warm up with a calf problem so a quick change to the teamlines saw Borthwick start in Hutchison’s place and he played very well. Kingussie almost took the lead in the opening minute but as Ruaridh Anderson burst forward but his effort went wide of the post. Kinlochshiel opened with the wind in their favour and they settled into the match after that early scare. The game’s key moment came after 15 minutes when referee Graham Cameron awarded Kinlochshiel a free-hit around 12 yards from goal. Jordan Fraser tapped the ball to John MacRae whose low, hard effort was on target with the ball going under the feet of unsighted keeper Rory MacGregor to make it 1-0. It was a fairly even first half but there is no doubt that Kingussie dominated the second period. They created several chances but the ‘Shiel defence stayed strong with Finlay MacRae outstanding at the back along with Mark MacDonald. Kinlochshiel’s hitting from the back was very good. Amongst Kingussie’s strikes at goal was a fine Ruaridh Anderson shot which was heading for the top corner of the net before home keeper Josh Grant stretched to turn the ball over the bar with his club. Kingussie lost Fraser Munro midway through the second half with what was later confirmed to be a broken wrist whilst James Falconer came off when the stitches on his cut knee burst open although he did later return to the field of play. There were bookings for Kingussie pair James Falconer and Rory MacKeachan with the latter yellow carded for the second successive Saturday. Kingussie now have just four league games remaining – away to Oban Camanachd, Lovat and Fort William and at home to Glasgow Mid Argyll. The Kings are currently on 25 points and nearest challengers Lovat can reach 31 points but only if they win all nine of their remaining matches. Kingussie’s goal difference is such that three more victories would all but seal the title. Kinlochshiel can reach 30 points and they still have to play Lovat home and away.
Kilmallie 1 Caberfeidh 5 Caberfeidh pulled away from the relegation zone after beating bottom side Kilmallie 5-1 in their 1pm throw up at the Canal Parks. Caberfeidh’s quick start owed much to their talisman Craig Morrison and with just a couple of minutes played, he hit the ball well from 30 yards out and it floated in the wind as it sailed high into the net. Then, just 5 minutes later, Craig Morrison got his second as he took a touch from a hit-in before firing a half-volley into the roof of the net from 18 yards out. When Ben MacDonald added a third on 20 minutes, Kilmallie were left with an uphill battled which got worse when Kevin Bartlett made it 4-0 just 2 minutes into the second half. Kevin Bartlett got his second a minute after the hour, converting a penalty after referee Calum Girvan had pointed to the spot. Daniel Stewart gave Kilmallie some consolation with a goal on 77 minutes but the defeat leaves Kilmallie three points from relegation safety, with an inferior goal difference, at the bottom of the table.
Mowi National Division Skye Camanachd 7 Aberdour 0 Skye Camanachd go second in the Mowi National Division after beating bottom side Aberdour 7-0 at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Ross Gordon gave Skye a 6 minute lead with what turned out to be the only goal of the first half. Will Cowie played a diagonal ball to John Gillies on the right. Gillies placed a good ball to Gordon who turned his marker before firing a clean back-hand strike to the keeper’s left corner of the goal. John Gillies started at full forward for Skye but he had to come off after just 15 minutes with a thigh injury. Jordan Murchison took over. Skye were wasteful in front of goal with over twenty attempts in the first half alone. Aberdour showed plenty of fight and effort though and they passed up a great chance to equalise just before half-time when a hit-in from the left came to Eoin Burns but his shot went wide of keeper Murphy Henderson’s right post. Skye didn’t score a second goal until 56 minutes with Ross Gordon again on target as his looping shot went over keeper Craig Callaghan’s club. Skye added gloss to the win with four goals in the final 16 minutes. Will Cowie converted a penalty on 74 minutes to make it 3-0 after Ross Gordon was pushed to the ground by David MacKenzie. Ross Gordon scored his third and fourth goals on 76 and 78 minutes. First he was played through by Archie Millar before slotting the ball to the keeper’s right. Then Will Cowie won possession on the left before evading a couple of challenges and knocking a lovely ball to Gordon on the D and he fired low into the goal. Skye were awarded a second penalty by referee John Angus Gillies a minute from time as the official penalised keeper Craig Callaghan for a kick, Youngster Archie Millar, who was given a good 60 minutes from the bench, struck a peach of a penalty low inside the keeper’s left-hand post for his first senior goal for the club. There was still time for Will Cowie to get his second as his low shot from the right screamed into the net to make it 7-0. Young Skye defender William James Sutherland made his debut for the final half hour.
Oban Celtic 3 Strathglass 0 Oban Celtic kept their recent good run going with a 3-0 victory over Strathglass at Ganavan. Lennon Campbell netted for the third successive game to give the Oban side a 25 minute lead. Ewen Campbell was on target on 38 minutes to make it 2-0 at half-time. Daniel MacMillan scored for the second match in a row on 70 minutes to seal the 3-0 victory.
Lochaber 0 Inveraray 5 Promotion hopefuls Lochaber and Inveraray met at Spean Bridge with visitors taking the points following a comfortable 5-0 victory. This was Inveraray’s first match since Saturday 9 July 2022 and it was Lochaber who made the better start without really bothering Scott MacLachlan in the away goal. However it was Fraser Watt broke the deadlock with a fine strike from distance on 30 minutes to put Inveraray ahead. Allan MacDonald added a second, losing his marker on 37 minutes before firing high into the net. As the first half drew to a close, John Kennedy cleared the ball out of the Inveraray defence but his swing accidently left Ross MacMillan with a gash on the back of his head so he was replaced by Lewis MacNicol. Lochaber looked lively from the restart but again just lacked that missing ingredient up front and Allan MacDonald got his second on 56 minutes with a powerful strike across the keeper. Fraser Watt got his second on 65 minutes with another shot form range and he was denied a hat-trick a couple of minutes from time when his shot was saved but the hosts couldn’t clear the danger and Ross Montgomery forced the ball home to make it 5-0.
HIS Sutherland Cup - Semi Final Glenurquhart 4 Newtonmore 6 The Newtonmore second team are back in the HIS Sutherland Cup Final after beating the Glenurquhart second team 6-4 at Smith Park, Farr. The holders included Craig MacIsaac after his couple of outings with the first team and he gave his side the lead in the opening minute. However Glen danger-man James MacPherson struck on 6 and 14 minutes to turn the tie on its head. Newtonmore responded and Craig MacLeod made it 2-2 on 25 minutes before the tie went through a key phase with Glen MacKintosh’s brace on 35 and 40 minutes and another from Craig MacIsaac on 44 minutes ensuring ‘More took a 5-2 lead into the half-time interval. David “Dixie” MacLennan added further experience to the Glen camp and he pulled a goal back a couple of minutes after the restart and when James MacPherson completed his hat-trick on 75 minutes, ‘More’s lead was cut to a single goal. However Glen MacKintosh went on to complete his hat-trick on 84 minutes to effectively send Newtonmore into the final. Steven MacLachlan was the match referee The Lovat seconds came from behind to beat the Glasgow Mid Argyll seconds 2-1 in the other semi-final, setting up a repeat of last year’s final. After now reaching this year’s Strathdearn and Sutherland Finals, Newtonmore are playing catch up with their league fixtures and they are currently scheduled to play the Fort William second team at the Eilan on Wednesday 10 August 2022 before hosting Glengarry on Saturday 13 August 2022.
Lovat 2 Glasgow Mid Argyll 1 It took a late penalty for the Lovat colts to see off the Glasgow Mid Argyll colts 2-1 in their noon throw up at the Taynuilt Sports Field. After a scoreless first half, Mark Bain put GMA ahead a minute into the second half, Lovat levelled through Lewis Bryson on 74 minutes and when referee Ewan MacDonald awarded Lovat a penalty just 5 minutes from time, the experienced Euan Ferguson kept his nerve from the spot to send Lovat through to their second final of the day.
Mowi North Division 1 Kinlochshiel 2 Kingussie 3 The Kingussie reserves came from two goals down to beat the Kinlochshiel reserves 3-2 in their noon throw up at Rèaraig. Kinlochshiel went into the match as league leaders and they took a 5 minute lead through Archie MacRae. It got better for the hosts when Seumas Martin made it 2-0 just 5 minutes into the second half. Kingussie have had a problem scoring goals in recent weeks but Dylan Borthwick and Iain Fraser both made their return from injuries in this one and both took the chance to catch the eye of first team manager John Gibson who was watching from the sidelines. Especially Dylan Borthwick, who first pulled a goal back on 70 minutes before then equalising just 5 minutes after. Then, when referee Martin Bell awarded Kingussie a penalty with just 9 minutes remaining, Dylan Borthwick stepped up to complete his hat-trick from the spot. Kingussie had 13 year old keeper Hayden Taylor-Ramsay to thank as he played a vital role in securing both points. He first made a stunning save, touching the ball over the bar to prevent what looked like a certain goal before later racing off his line to save with his shins in the final minute.
Lochcarron 1 Inverness 3 The Inverness first team returned to the top of the table after winning 3-1 against Lochcarron at Battery Park. Charlie MacDonald gave the Highland Capital side a 7 minute lead only for Daniel Ross to equalise on 32 minutes. However Charlie MacDonald went on to complete his hat-trick with goals on 50 and 78 minutes. Inverness now lead the Kinlochshiel second team by a point and they have played a game fewer.
Newtonmore P Lovat P The 7pm throw up between Newtonmore second team and the Lovat second team at the Eilan on Tuesday 2 August 2022 will be rescheduled as the pitch was unavailable.
Mowi South Division 1 Ballachulish 3 Kyles Athletic 2 Pat MacLean’s hat-trick helped Ballachulish overcome the Kyles Athletic juniors 3-2 at the Jubilee Park. Patrick MacLean brought Balla’s early advantage with goals on 2 and 8 minutes. Cameron Maxwell halved the deficit on 19 minutes only for Patrick MacLean to complete his hat-trick on 39 minutes. Kyles Athletic’s Dave Martin made it 3-2 after an hour but Ballachulish stayed in front to take both points.
Tayforth 0 Col Glen 10 Despite missing four key players, Col Glen were too strong for Col Glen, winning 11-0 in a match played at Silversands. Tayforth held out for 35 minutes before Cally McNaughton put Col Glen ahead. Andrew MacVicar made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time and he got a second on 48 minutes. Cally McNaughton got his second on 55 minutes with Scott MacVicar making it 5-0 on the hour. When referee Craig Scott awarded Col Glen a penalty on 68 minutes, Cally McNaughton stepped up to complete his hat-trick. Cally McNaughton scored again on 73 and 80 minutes to take his count to five goals with Andrew MacVicar scoring in-between times on 78 minutes to complete his hat-trick. John McPhail rounded off the emphatic victory a couple of minutes from time. The win takes Col Glen back to the top of the table and they lead second placed Bute by a couple of points although they have played a game more than the Islanders.
Mowi North Division 2 Lewis Camanachd 0 Beauly 11 The Beauly second team extended their lead at the top of the table by beating Lewis Camanachd 11-0 at Shawbost. Finlay MacLennan gave Beauly a 4 minute lead with Lee Dunbar doubling their advantage on 24 minutes. Marcus MacRae scored either side of the break on 45 and 48 minutes to make it 4-0 before Finlay MacLennan took his tally to five goals with strikes on 50, 54, 57 and 75 minutes to make it 8-0. Callum MacIver got in on the act on 78 minutes with Finlay MacLennan notching a double hat-trick on 84 minutes, Torrin Cairns rounded off the 11-0 rout a couple of minutes from time. Lewis stay fifth in the division.
Strathspey Camanachd P Strathglass P Strathspey Camanachd’s meeting with the Strathglass juniors at Grantown Grammar School was rescheduled for Wednesday 10 August 2022.
Aberdeen University P Inverness P Aberdeen University’s match with the Inverness second team at the Woodside Sports Complex will be rescheduled.
Mowi South Division 2 Bute 7 Ardnamurchan 2 The meeting between Ardnamurchan and the Bute second team was reversed to the Meadows because of an unplayable field and Ard’ stay top of the league despite losing for only the second time this season. The Islanders gathered a two-goal interval lead through strikes from Rory McDonald on 25 minutes and Josh Cowan just 3 minutes later. Josh Cowan got his second on 50 minutes and a Nathan Pleming own goal on 52 minutes made it 4-0 before Aaron Mellis pulled a goal back a minute later but it was Bute’s day. Josh Cowan completed his hat-trick to make it 5-1 on 56 minutes and although Stuart Carmichael reduced the deficit on 85 minutes, late strikes from Rory McDonald on 89 minutes, his second goal of the game, and Ruairidh Soane on the stroke of full-time made the final score 7-2.
Strachur-Dunoon 3 Kilmory 2 Six placed Strachur-Dunoon beat fifth placed Kilmory 3-2 at the Strachurmore Sports Centre. Alec Cunningham scored twice for the visitors but Sam Bulloch’s double and a Neil Bo Finlayson strike from distance gave Strachur-Dunoon victory. Neil Bo Finlayson was later sent off by referee Euan Pearson. James Roy was excellent for Strachur-Dunoon.
(All throw ups were at 2pm unless the match report states differently)
WCA Round Up Mowi Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup - Semi-Finals Badenoch 17 Aberdour 0 Badenoch reached the Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup Final with a crushing 17-0 win over Aberdour in their 12.30pm throw up at the Jubilee Park. Kirsty Deans set the tone with the opening goal after 7 minutes and Jeanette McGregor added a second just 3 minutes later. Kirsty Deans went on to complete an early hat-trick with goals on13 and 19 minutes and Badenoch now led 4-0. The goals were well spread throughout the Badenoch team with Rhona McIntyre on 22 minutes, Mairi Stewart a couple of minutes later and Zoe Reid on 27 minutes all adding their names to the scoresheet. When Eilidh Ross found the net on the half-hour, Badenoch took an 8-0 advantage into the interval. Kirsty Deans scored her fourth goal of the afternoon on 44 minutes with Eilidh Ross and Zoe Reid both securing their second strikes on 47 and 48 minutes respectively. Kirsty Deans didn’t settle for four as she took her count to seven goals with efforts on 50, 55 and 57 minutes to make it 14-0. There was still time for Jeanette McGregor to complete her hat-trick as she found the net on 61 and 75 minutes. In-between times, Zoe Reid notched her treble with a 73 minute effort.
Skye Camanachd 2 Glasgow Mid Argyll 1 Holders Skye Camanachd are back in the final after coming from behind to beat Glasgow Mid Argyll 2-1 in their 3.30pm throw up at the Jubilee Park. Catriona Stark gave GMA a 1-0 interval lead. Indeed the Glasgow side were just 7 minutes from victory before Skye’s Rhianna Kirk made it 1-1. Then, with just a couple of minutes remaining, Caitlin MacLean’s goal sent Skye through to the final. The Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup Final between old foes Badenoch and Skye Camanachd takes place at the Eilan, Newtonmore on Saturday 3 September 2022.
Mowi Challenge Cup – Semi-Finals Ardnamurchan 0 Kinlochshiel 4 Kinlochshiel beat Ardnamurchan 4-0 in their 12.30pm throw up at Spean Bridge to reach the Mowi Challenge Cup Final for the first time. Lexie MacKenzie grabbed a hat-trick with Eilidh MacInnes also netting.
Lovat 8 Glengarry 1 Lovat were too strong for Glengarry, winning 8-1 in their 3.30pm throw up at Spean Bridge. Fiona Urquhart scored five times with Laura Gallacher adding a treble as Lovat Shinty Club reached their third final of the weekend. |