The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 7 March 2020 | |
08 March 2020 The new shinty season is underway with half the schedule beating the elements on Saturday 7 March 2020. Just 48 hours before the games began; Mowi Scotland confirmed its renewal as title sponsor of the Camanachd Association. The new three-year contract marks 34 years since the world leading aquaculture and seafood company, and the largest producer of salmon, began sponsoring the sport. Speaking about the sponsorship contract, Ewan MacColl from Mowi, said: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with the Camanachd Association. Shinty is so important to communities throughout the Highlands where we have a presence. It promotes the health and wellbeing of so many young people and brings communities together, especially on match days. We are proud to support shinty and the work of the Camanachd Association.” The sponsorship deal means Mowi continue as title sponsor of the senior leagues; youth leagues; national shinty awards; shinty / hurling internationals; senior and U21 Scotland national squads; and the Mowi youth development fund. Derek Keir, Chief Executive Officer of the Camanachd Association, spoke about the importance of the continued relationship with Mowi: “Over the past five years, participation in shinty has increased significantly. The support from Mowi provides vital pathways in participation and in performance for our members across Scotland to compete at a level appropriate to their interests and capability. The opportunities to compete as part of a team, to stay active and play an active role in your local community are elements of modern society that promote togetherness and community. In the modern era and in rural parts of Scotland this outlet and opportunity to connect and reduce isolation is something we value greatly, and we thank Mowi for their support to allow us to do this with our clubs and members.” Camanachd Association President, Keith Loades added: “We are delighted to renew our sponsorship with Mowi Scotland and thank them for their important role in our work to help our communities sustain Scotland’s most historic sport. The Camanachd Association is very lucky to have some fantastic sponsors such as Mowi who recognise the huge benefits that shinty brings to communities across Scotland. A new season is upon us and it is with great pride that we walk into it, having signed this three-year deal with Mowi Scotland.” As part of the Camanachd Association's work to raise awareness of Mental Health and Wellbeing, all throw ups took place a minute later than usual as a cue for conversation about a subject that has been taboo for too long. All shinty members were encouraged to use this time to check in with one another and ensure that the shinty community continues to support each other in the best way possible, by listening.
Mowi Premiership Kingussie 7 Caberfeidh 1 Champions Kingussie started their bid to retain the title in style as they beat Caberfeidh 7-1 at the Dell. Savio Genini gave the Kings a 3 minute lead. James Falconer slipped the ball down the line to Genini on the edge of the D and he turned on his forehand before striking the ball through the keeper’s legs from a tight angle on the right. However Cabers levelled just a couple of minutes later with 2019 top scorer Craig Morrison opening his account as he turned home a ball from the left. James Falconer put the Kings back in front on 12 minutes. Ruaridh Anderson’s ball from deep saw Kingussie break forward and Ryan MacWilliam ran with the ball at the Cabers defence before chipping it to Falconer to his left and he took the ball down before tucking it low past the keeper. Kingussie added a third on 28 minutes when Ruaridh Anderson gathered possession in a deep position and played it to Roddy Young who held the ball up, waiting for a run from Fraser Munro before playing it wide to Savio Genini and his immediate ball inside picked out Munro’s run. The midfielder took the ball in his stride, before hitting a great shot from the left, high across the keeper into the side netting inside the far post. The home side took a 4-1 lead into the break when Ruaridh Anderson netted on the stroke of half-time. Savio Genini at full forward came deep to get the ball in a central position. Genini tried to find Ruaridh Anderson who was running in from the right. Caberfeidh full back Ryan Simmonds read the pass and got to the ball first. However Anderson quickly closed him down and his attempted clearance deflected off the Kingussie play-maker’s stick and crept past keeper Iain McCall at his right post. James Falconer got his second 5 minutes into the second half, flicking the ball home from a tight angle inside the left of the D. It was Savio Genini again on 65 minutes to make it 6-1. The goal came from a corner on the right which was missed by two defenders and Genini scored on his forehand at the back post, steering the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Ruaridh Anderson got his second with a tidy finish to round off the scoring a minute from time. Thomas Borthwick played the ball out to the left where Savio Genini ran to collect. Genini squared the ball early to Anderson who was running in and he went to strike with his forehand but cut it back, losing his marker, and he took another touch by a defender inside the left of the D before shooting low past the keeper into the far corner of the net.
Lovat 6 Kilmallie 0 Kilmallie’s clash with Lovat was reversed to Balgate on Friday afternoon as the Canal Parks was unplayable. New Lovat co-managers Alan MacRae and Jamie Matheson fielded a strong side. Marc MacLachlan may have left the club but Scott MacKenzie returned to play in defence, Drew Howie was in midfield and Greg Matheson was joined in attack by Fraser Heath, Lewis Tawse and Lorne MacKay. Craig Mainland was missing but Martin Mainland, Bailey MacKay and Cameron MacMillan made up the bench. This was a first match in charge for new Kilmallie boss Martin Stewart although he had a prior commitment which meant he missed this one. Kilmallie were without key attackers Liam MacDonald and Daniel Stewart through injury whilst Michael Rodger was suspended. There were starts for Aiden Love, Iain MacIntyre and Frankie Innes with Aaron Sandison, Ben MacKinnon and Jordan Campbell held in reserve. Lovat were up for the game and they went at it from the start. With just 20 seconds gone, Fraser Heath ran onto a ball played out to the touchline on the right with Robbie MacFadyen in chase. Heath touched the ball round his opponent and ran towards goal. With keeper Shane Gillies guarding his near post, Heath played in Lewis Tawse and his effort was deflected for a corner off a Kilmallie foot. Lewis Tawse sent the corner to Lorne MacKay who played in Greg Matheson who had found space. Matheson gave the keeper no chance as he hammered the ball low into the net. And it was Greg Matheson again from the restart as he lost his marker before powering the ball home from the right to make it 2-0 with just two minutes gone. On 16 minutes, Fraser Heath chased a ball on the right, stopping it going out for a goal-hit. Heath looked up and found Lewis Tawse who pushed the ball home. With 5 first half minutes remaining, the ball broke to Greg Matheson on the right and he had time to stop the ball, tee up his shot and pick his spot high in the net with another fierce effort which completed his hat-trick. Lovat led 4-0 at the break and introduced Martin Mainland for Graham MacMillan for the second half with Bailey MacKay replacing Fraser Heath later in the game. The second half lacked quality but Lovat did add two more goals late in the game. A Greg Matheson shot was saved by Shane Gillies but the ball rebounded back to Matheson at the edge of the box and he notched his fourth goal of the afternoon. Then, just a minute later, Lewis Tawse got his second goal with a shot from the right to make it 6-0. As well as goal scorers Matheson and Tawse, Scott MacKenzie played well for Lovat.
Newtonmore 1 Kinlochshiel 0 It became clear midweek that the constant rain on the west coast would leave Kinlochshiel’s new Rèaraig Park unplayable so their match against Newtonmore was switched to the Eilan. As expected, Owen Fraser started in goal for Newtonmore, taking over from Kenny Ross, and he played well. ‘More were without Glen MacKintosh, Evan Menzies and Fraser MacKintosh. Kinlochshiel added to their squad during the close season with Rhuairaidh MacDonald joining and Oliver MacRae resigning after a spell with Glasgow Mid Argyll. It was a bitterly cold day and the only goal of the game came on 20 minutes. Steven Macdonald’s long ball was taken down expertly by Jamie Robinson who managed to turn Finlay MacRae and get a shot on target which was well saved by Josh Grant. However Iain Robinson was quickly onto the rebound and he rounded the keeper before knocking the ball into the net. Newtonmore have gained the reputation as slow starters in the league so new boss Orsten Gardner will be delighted to have made a winning start.
Glasgow Mid Argyll P Oban Camanachd P Oban Camanachd face a delayed start to the season after their match against newly promoted Glasgow Mid Argyll was postponed following an 8.45am inspection on Saturday morning which ruled Yoker unplayable. Oban Camanachd now look to this Saturday’s meeting with Fort William at Mossfield with the Fort also idle last weekend.
Fort William P Kyles Athletic P Newly promoted Fort William were to welcome seasoned campaigners Kyles Athletic to An Aird for a 1.31pm throw up which would also have decided the Drew Ferguson Memorial Cup. However the match was called off on Saturday morning with surface water on parts the pitch.
Mowi National Division Strathglass 5 Lochaber 4 Strathglass came from two goals down to edge out Lochaber 5-4 in an end-to-end battle at Cannich. Lochaber made the better start and took a 5 minute lead with a good strike from Stuart Callison from around the penalty spot, sending the ball into the roof of the net. The visitors went on to dominate the early exchanges before Strathglass came into things, starting to create chances of their own with the contest now flowing from one side to another. However it was the Spean Bridge men who doubled their lead on 25 minutes when, following a good phase of play, a cross from the wing was slotted home by Max Campbell from just outside the box. Strathglass battled back though, creating chances, and Josh Fraser sparked the comeback when he slotted home a routine ball into the danger area from inside the box. The Strath finished the half on top with Josh Fraser grabbing a carbon copy of his opener a minute before the interval to tie the game at 2-2. Lochaber made a powerful start to the second half but the Strath weathered the storm and got going again and, after 54 minutes, Penri Jones latched onto a long hit and he dispatched the ball into the net from the edge of the D. And it got better for the hosts just 4 minutes later when Lewis Douglas made it 4-2. The goal came from a free-hit at wing centre which was played high to the back of the box where Douglas fired a clean strike into the net. Lochaber came back into the mix and there were chances at both ends before Stuart Callison punished a mistake when the home side failed to clear their lines and Callison scored from a tight angle inside the D and it was now 4-3 with 76 minutes on the clock. Strathglass restored their two goal cushion on 82 minutes with the goal of the game. A ball was played down the wing and then crossed high to the edge of the box where Ciaran Melens took it in the air and his volley flew into the roof of the net to make it 5-3. Lochaber pressed during the final five minutes and Stuart Callison completed his hat-trick a minute from time, again from a tight angle close-in. Strathglass, with Donald Fraser a stand-out at full back, saw out the closing stages to take both points and get new boss Allan MacLeod’s tenure off to a great start.
Glenurquhart 1 Inveraray 0 Inveraray’s match with Glenurquhart was moved to Blairbeg on Thursday when the Winterton was deemed unplayable. Inveraray travelled for this 3pm throw up without Fraser Watt, who had his appendix out midweek, whilst John Kennedy missed out following an unfortunate hand injury suffered at work. Inveraray made a good start, enjoying much of the play for the first 20 minutes but, with heavy underfoot conditions restricting their silky style of shinty, Glenurquhart slowly worked their way into the game. There were few efforts on goal in the first half with both full backs – Glenurquhart’s John Barr and Ross Montgomery for Inveraray - having good performances. With Glenurquhart applying more and more pressure, the match became more physical and Inveraray bosses Ruaraidh Graham and Joe Fyfe took Lewis Montgomery from the centre and pushed him back into his usual role in the forward line. Craig Taylor came off and Ali McDonald joining the midfield in a bid to match Glens’ physicality. Both teams continued to work hard and the closest to a goal was a Glen effort which came back off the woodwork. As the second half got underway, there was little between the teams as both struggled with the conditions. Both teams made further substitutions in a bid to keep fresh legs on the park. The game’s decisive moment came on 56 minutes when referee Alex MacVicar awarded Glenurquhart a penalty and James MacPherson stepped up to score from the spot. There were efforts on target at both ends during the remainder of the second half but both keepers – Stuart MacKintosh for the Glen and ‘Ary’s Scott MacLachlan – were in fine form so there was no further scoring. Glenurquhart will be delighted to take all the points as they bid to make a swift return to shinty’s top flight. Inveraray on the other hand will feel frustrated that they didn’t manage to capitalise on periods of sustained pressure but will have to put that behind them as head north again this coming weekend to face Skye Camanachd in what could be a very important fixture for both teams in the promotion race.
Aberdour 0 Beauly 4 It was a big day for Aberdour who played their first match at National Division level against Beauly at Silversands. Aberdour are missing Cammy McCue this term following his switch to Glasgow Mid Argyll whist Beauly fielded Ryan MacKay and Robbie Brindle who both made goal scoring returns to the side. Aberdour knocked Beauly out of last season’s Balliemore Cup at the same venue at the first round stage but there was to be no repeat as Sean Stewart on 12 minutes and Ryan MacKay on 19 minutes gave Beauly a 2-0 interval lead. In fact Beauly, with a strong wind in their favour, could have been further ahead had it not been for Jack MacDonald's effort off the post and some great goalkeeping from Aberdour custodian Craig Callaghan. Aberdour had the elements after the restart which made for a more even contest. However the hosts struggled to create clear chances whilst Beauly made the most of their opportunities and Robbie Brindle on 70 minutes and youngster Euan MacCormick on 83 minutes completed the win.
Oban Celtic P Skye Camanachd P With Skye due to leave Portree at 8am, a 7am pitch inspection ruled Mossfield unplayable so the match between Oban Celtic and the Islanders was postponed.
Mowi North Division 1 Newtonmore 12 Kinlochshiel 0 The Newtonmore second team began their bid for another league championship with a thumping 12-0 victory over their Kinlochshiel counterparts. The match was originally scheduled for the Eilan but when the clash between the club’s first teams was switched to the same venue, the reserve meeting was relocated to nearby Kincraig with a 12.01pm throw up. ‘More included Fraser MacKintosh and Aaron MacBean started the scoring on 12 minutes with Struan Ross making it 2-0 on 15 minutes. Calum Stewart added a third on 32 minutes before Struan Ross got his second on 38 minutes. Calum Stewart got his second on the stroke of half-time, making it 5-0 at the break. Craig MacLeod was top scorer for the ‘More seconds last term and he opened his account for this year with efforts on 52 and 57 minutes. Calum Stewart completed his hat-trick on 61 minutes and he notched his fourth just seven minutes later to make it 9-0. Struan Ross is back with ‘More after a beneficial spell with Strathspey Camanachd and, after shining for the Newtonmore U17s last season, and he is one that first team manager Orsten Gardner has an eye on. The new senior boss will have been impressed when Ross completed his hat-trick on 72 minutes as the hosts hit double figures. Newtonmore were relentless and Brodie MacBean made it 11-0 on 81 minutes and Aaron MacBean, who started the goal rush, claimed his second on 90 minutes to complete the scoring and get new boss Peter Ross’s reign off to a flying start, reclaiming their place at the top of the league.
Caberfeidh 0 Kingussie 9 The Kingussie colts were too strong for the Caberfeidh colts, winning 9-0 at Castle Leod. A fit-again Dylan Borthwick lined up for the Kings and he opened the scoring on 7 minutes. The visitors took early control as Russell Menzies rattled home a quick-fire hat-trick with goals on 8, 10 and 15 minutes to make it 4-0. Rory Borthwick added a fifth on 25 minutes before Dylan Borthwick completed his hat-trick with efforts on 27 and 33 minutes to make it 7-0. Dylan Borthwick got his fourth just 3 minutes into the second half and there was no further scoring until Peter Dickson made it 9-0 a couple of minutes from time.
Glenurquhart 3 Inverness 0 The Glenurquhart colts beat the Inverness first team 3-0 in their 12.01pm throw up at Blairbeg. With the weather playing havoc elsewhere, the Glen were able to host two matches starting with this local derby. David MacLennan put Glenurquhart in front on 25 minutes and Jed Stoddart doubled their lead 10 minutes before the break. It was Jed Stoddart again with his second on 70 minutes to round off a solid win.
Skye Camanachd P Fort William P The encounter between the Skye Camanachd second team and the Fort William second team was postponed on Friday afternoon as the persistent rain left Pairc nan Laoch unplayable.
Lovat P Lochcarron P The game between the Lovat reserves and newly promoted Lochcarron at Balgate was postponed following the sad death of Lochcarron man Peter Munro. Peter’s father Bob Munro has been part of Lochcarron’s training and coaching team for almost 25 years and the game was called off as a mark of respect.
Glengarry were without a fixture in this eleven team league but they welcome Skye to Craigard this Saturday.
Mowi South Division 1 Lochside Rovers P Glasgow Mid Argyll P With water lying on the field at Ganavan, there was frustration for Lochside Rovers and the Glasgow Mid Argyll second team as their match was another weather casualty. Lochside are off to Ballachulish this coming weekend.
Col Glen P Bute P Col Glen and Bute were left sidelined as a waterlogged field at Glendaruel led to the cancelation of their opening match.
Kyles Athletic P Tayforth P The Kyles Athletic reserves’ meeting with Tayforth was called off on Wednesday as the pitch at Tighnabruaich was unplayable and it wasn’t possible to reverse the fixture.
Mowi North Division 2 Lochaber 4 Strathglass 0 The newly reformed Lochaber second team made a winning return to league action with a 4-0 victory over the Strathglass second team at Spean Bridge. Natalie MacDonald played the whole game at wing centre for Lochaber whilst Anna Berardelli made an appearance from the bench. Lochaber’s Neil MacDonald and George Phimister from Strathglass lined up against eachother in the middle of the park. David Langan scored the only goal of the first half, beating keeper Ally MacAdams to give Lochaber a 1-0 lead after the first 45 minutes. Shaun Kane and Rolands Friemanis added to Lochaber’s tally before David Langan scored his second goal of the game to confirm a morale-boosting win.
Beauly 5 Inverness 3 The Beauly colts came from behind to beat the Inverness colts 5-3 at Braeview Park. It was soft underfoot as the sides exchanged early goals as Callum Flynn put Beauly ahead on 5 minutes only for James Cameron to level just 4 minutes later. Michael Price gave Inverness the advantage on 19 minutes, beating keeper Lee Dunbar, but, with just 6 first half minutes remaining, Beauly’s Finlay “Stork” MacLennan produced a good finish to make it 2-2. However Inverness regained the lead on 44 minutes when James Cameron got his second goal of the game and the Highland Capital side led 3-2 at the interval. Beauly made a determined start to the second half and Rory Tuach pulled them level with a shot over the keeper on 47 minutes. Beauly now had their tails up and a grip of the midfield and they passed up a couple of chances before Kieran Rennie found Rory Tuach with 10 minutes remaining, his effort was stopped by the keeper but Callum Flynn was on hand to turn the rebound home to give the home side a late 4-3 lead. Finlay “Stork” MacLennan got his second goal of the game on the stroke of full time to seal the win. Beauly also gave a debut from the bench to young Thomas MacKinnon who impressed at wing centre during the last quarter of the match.
Boleskine 4 Lewis Camanachd 2 Boleskine got their season off to a winning start as they beat Lewis Camanachd 4-2 in their 1.01pm throw up at Smith Park. Boleskine got off to great start with Rory Campbell turning the ball past keeper Stuart Campbell on 2 minutes. After a season with Kinlochshiel, Stuart MacRae marked his return to Boleskine with a goal on 10 minutes. A second from Rory Campbell on 17 minutes and a James Anderson strike on 40 minutes made it 4-0 at half-time. Lewis, who gave a competitive debut to former Skye Camanachd player Allan MacKinnon and also featured former Skye and Aberdeen University player Allan MacPherson, rallied in the second half though and Donald Lamont pulled a goal back with a high shot from the right on 73 minutes. When referee John Matheson awarded the Islanders a penalty on 83 minutes, Scott MacLeod stepped up to send the ball high to the keeper’s right from the spot. However Boleskine did enough in the first half and they stayed in front to run out 4-2 winners.
Strathspey Camanachd P Aberdeen University P There was disappointment for Strathspey Camanachd and Aberdeen University as an unplayable pitch ruled out their match at Grantown Grammar School.
The Kilmallie second team were without a fixture in this nine team division.
Mowi South Division 2 Ardnamurchan P Oban Celtic P Ardnamurchan’s meeting with the Oban Celtic second team was called off on Saturday morning because of an unplayable field. The Oban side will try again this Saturday at home to their Bute counterparts.
Kilmory P Inveraray P The 2.01pm throw up between Kilmory and the Inveraray second team was called off on Friday as MacRae Park was unplayable.
Bute P Aberdour P The fixture between the Bute reserves and the Aberdour reserves was postponed as the Meadows was waterlogged.
Glenorchy did not have a scheduled fixture in this seven team league but they host the Inveraray seconds this Saturday.
(All throw ups were at 2.31pm unless the match report states differently)
WCA Round Up WCA National League Shield The Mowi National Division clubs were invited to take part in a new round-robin 10-a-side tournament for the WCA National League Shield at the Aviemore astro on Sunday 8 March 2020, which was International Womens Day. Aberdour, Badenoch, Lovat and Glenurquhart all travelled and Badenoch remained unbeaten throughout the competition, without conceding a goal, to take the Shield. Aberdour were runners-up, finishing ahead of Glenurquhart on goal difference.
Mowi North Division 2 Strathspey 0 Glengarry 9 Glengarry were to play Strathspey at Craigard but the game was switched to Grantown with a 1.46pm throw up. ‘Garry ran out 9-0 winners with Elaine Cameron scoring eight times and Nikki Grant getting the others.
Lochaber P Kinlochshiel P An unplayable field saw Kinlochshiel’s match with the Lochaber second played switched from Rèaraig to Spean Bridge but that also failed an inspection as it was waterlogged.
Fort William P Strathglass 0 The match between Fort William and Strathglass
Inverness P Skye Camanachd P Inverness and the Skye second team at the Bught Park were both called off because of unplayable pitches.
Mowi South Division 2 Cowal & Bute 0 Oban Lorn 2 Oban Lorn squad travelled to Cowal & Bute and game back with both points following a 2-0 win. Shelley MacCuish and an own goal counted for the Oban side.
Ardnamurchan 1 Bute 2 Bute edged out Ardnamurchan 2-1 in their 1.01pm throw up at Strontian. Heather Ferguson and Rachel Dunn got the goals, cancelling out an effort from Katie Cameron.
Glasgow Mid Argyll 6 Uddingston 1 The Glasgow Mid Argyll second team beat Uddingston 6-1 in their 1.31pm throw up at Yoker. Mia Galanti and Catriona Stark both hit doubles whilst Evie Coultas and Katie Mullen got the others. Christie Robertson was on target for Uddingston.
Dunadd 6 Tayforth 2 Dunadd welcomed Tayforth for a 1.01pm throw up at the Lochgilphead astro. The hosts ran out 6-2 winners with Eilidh Cameron grabbing a hat-trick and Hannah Young, Alice Adair and Nicola Smyth getting the others. Elyn Marwick and Kayleigh Doran replied for Tayforth. |