The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 8 April 2023 | |
09 April 2023 There was a busy shinty programme on Saturday 8 April 2023.
Mowi Premiership Lovat 1 Newtonmore 1 Newtonmore remain out in front in shinty’s top-flight despite dropping a point in a 1-1 draw with Lovat at Balgate. Craig Mainland returned for Lovat whilst Graeme MacMillan was named as a substitute after being unwell through the week. Callum Cruden was at full centre. Iain Richardson returned to the Newtonmore defence after missing the previous week’s win over Kyles Athletic. Fraser MacKintosh and Declan Brannan weren’t involved so Arron MacBean kept his wing centre slot. There was a return for Drew MacDonald, who suffered a serious knee injury against Kyles Athletic in mid-March 2022, and he was an unused substitute. MacDonald took a place on the bench alongside skipper skipper Conor Jones and youngster Rasmus Cheyne. Both teams had chances on the bobbly surface, but it looked as if the first half would end goalless until, following a well-worked move, Marc MacLachlan scrambled the ball home to give Lovat a 43 minute lead. However, Newtonmore’s Iain Robinson scored his fifth goal of the season on the hour, turning home a bouncing rebound after Lovat keeper Stuart MacDonald had saved a fine Struan Ross strike, to ensure a share of the points.
Kingussie 4 Kinlochshiel 2 Kingussie had to battle all the way to eventually beat Kinlochshiel 4-2 at the Dell. The match brought together the sides who finished in the top two places of the league last season and champions Kingussie welcomed Calum Grant back manager Iain Borthwick named him on the bench alongside James Hutchison and Alexander Michie. ‘Shiel boss Willie MacRae had Finlay MacRae and Donald Nixon back after injury but the game came too soon for Jordan Fraser. Defender David Falconer has been nursing a muscle injury so he started in attack with Duncan Matheson returning to his usual defensive role. The decision to play Falconer in attack paid dividends after just 4 minutes when he put Kinlochshiel ahead. Kingussie, who played with the wind in the first half, drew level on 10 minutes when Roddy Young swung just ahead of Mark MacDonald to turn home a rebound from just outside the box after visiting keeper Josh Grant had made a save. The Kings were forced to make a change at the back when Lee Bain came off with a hamstring problem so Calum Grant took to the field earlier than he might have expected. James Falconer put the Kings in front on 20 minutes. Cameron Bremner started the move when he pushed play up-field and when a ball from the left came to Falconer in the full forward position at the edge of the D, his back-hand shot flew into the top corner of the net. ‘Shiel talisman Keith MacRae made it 2-2 with a good shot on 35 minutes and the goal gave the visitors a lift and the first half finished all-square. Kingussie had keeper Rory McGregor to thank for a couple of good saves in the second half and although they were now applying pressure, Kingussie weren’t really threatening. But when Ruaridh Anderson went off with a knee problem, Alexander Michie came on at full forward and his introduction posed a different problem for the ‘Shiel defence. Indeed, Michie almost scored with a bullet-shot, but Josh Grant made a brilliant diving save to keep out the waist-high shot with his hand. Roddy Young was causing Conor Cormack all sorts of problems and Kingussie got the goal they wanted on 67 minutes when James Falconer got his second following a stramash at the edge of the D. Falconer sent the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal to the relief of the home support. Savio Genini ensured Kingussie would take both points when he made it 4-2 on 86 minutes. James Hutchison switched the ball from the right wing to the back post where Genini took it under control on his forehand before putting it onto his backhand and scoring low into the bottom right corner of the net.
Skye Camanachd 1 Glasgow Mid Argyll 0 Skye Camanachd picked up their first points of the season after beating Glasgow Mid Argyll 1-0 at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. This was Skye’s first home match of the year and, in the first half, Jordan Murchison was a constant threat for the Islanders with GMA’s Calum McLay going close when he fired narrowly by the far post from the left Skye, who had the wind advantage in the second half, came close to taking the lead when GMA failed to clear Kenny Cushnie’s corner from the right and Jordan Murchison’s strike from a central position came off keeper Jonathon Oates’ post whilst, minutes later, Ruaraidh MacLeod just couldn’t get on the end of Jordan Murchison’s free-hit. GMA should have gone in front when Calum McLay ran onto John McNulty’s good pass from the left but his shot from wide on the right went across the face of goal. The game’s decisive moment came with just 11 minutes remaining when Skye keeper Murphy Henderson’s goal-hit was chested down and played on by Ross Gordon to Ruaraidh MacLeod on the right. James Pringle took over and slipped the ball to Ross Gordon and his shot deflected to Jordan Murchison who crashed a shot high into the net to the keeper’s right.
Beauly dropped their first points of the season as Caberfeidh go second in the table following their 4-1 win Braeview Park. There were question marks as to whether this game would go ahead following mindless damage to Beauly’s pitch caused by cars driving on it. Beauly passed on their thanks to the local community, the Head Groundsman at Ross County Football Club and reparation advice from Sports Labs, who all got together to ensure the match went ahead as scheduled. Beauly’s Andrew Renwick returned whilst Caberfeidh were without Billy Goodall but his injury may not be as serious as first feared. Referee Deek Cameron gathered the players around the centre circle ahead of throw up as a mark of respect following the passing of former Beauly and Strathglass player and shinty referee John-Alick MacColl, who, along with David “Murf” MacLean, was instrumental in setting up Tarradale Junior Shinty Club. Cabers struck after just 3 minutes through Kevin Bartlett but Robbie Brindle punished some slack defending on 31 minutes to level the contest. Beauly were a threat throughout the first half and Caberfeidh had keeper Ian McCall to thank for some fine saves and clearances. However, Caberfeidh took the lead on the stroke of half-time when Kevin Bartlett scored his second from close range, turning home a rebound. Caberfeidh took a grip of the game after the restart and Kevin Bartlett completed his hat-trick on 63 minutes following a corner from the right and his turn and shot gave the keeper no chance. Craig Morrison blasted home a strike from the right on 79 minutes to drive home Caberfeidh’s superiority and round off the 4-1 win.
Mowi National Division Oban Celtic 1 Kilmallie 10 Kilmallie regained top spot in the Mowi National Division, maintaining their 100% record into the bargain with a comprehensive 10-1 win over Oban Celtic at Mossfield. Ewen Campbell was Oban Celtic’s solitary scorer, but Innes Blackhall netted for Kilmallie, Michael Roger scored four times and Lewis Birrell went one better with five goals. With Kevin Toye unavailable, young Alex MacNiven made his first team debut for Kilmallie and handled it with aplomb.”
Glenurquhart 4 Lochaber 3 Lochaber went into their match against Glenurquhart at Blairbeg as league leaders but suffered league defeat for the first time this season in a 4-3 reverse. There was an early goal exchange with Ben Delaney giving Lochaber a 2 minute lead but John Barr levelled just 4 minutes later. Chris Mack gave the Glen and 17 minute advantage and with the first half 4 minutes into stoppage time, he scored again to make it 3-1. However, Lochaber’s Ben Delaney went on to complete his hat-trick with goals on 63 and 74 minutes to make it 3-3. Glenurquhart’s David MacLennan claimed his fourth goal of the season on 77 minutes and that one proved to be the winner.
Strathglass 2 Fort William 7 Graham Campbell scored five times as Fort William took the points with a 7-2 victory over Strathglass in their 3pm throw up at Cannich. Graham Campbell opened his account on 8 minutes but Penri Jones levelled on 12 minutes. A second from Graham Campbell on 24 minutes and a Jack Fraser strike on 35 minutes made it 3-1 at the interval. Graham Campbell then produced a devastating four minute spell during which he scored three more times with efforts on 69, 70 and 73 minutes to take his personal haul to five goals. Darren Reid pulled a goal back on 77 minutes but it was too little, too late as Victor Smith made it 7-2 with just 3 minutes to go.
Col Glen 0 Inveraray 2 Two second half goals gave Inveraray a derby win against Col Glen at Glendaruel. Col Glen were hoping to continue their good start to the season whilst Inveraray had Ross Montgomery and Ross MacMillan back after suspension and both started. After an even first half, a more streetwise Inveraray side had Col Glen on the back-foot for much of the second 45 minutes with Allan MacDonald putting them ahead on 55 minutes. Ross MacMillan doubled Inveraray’s advantage with just 15 minutes remaining. The contest was feisty at times and there was a flashpoint for referee Iain Kennedy to deal with on 80 minutes which resulted in a red card for Col Glen’s Andrew MacVicar. The sides meet again this coming Saturday in the Scottish Sea Farms Glasgow Celtic Society Cup quarter-finals, this time at the Winterton.
Tayforth 0 Kilmory 7 Kilmory progressed in the only Southern Section first round tie in the Camanachd Association’s Single Team Cup Competition with a 7-0 victory against Tayforth at Peffermill. Alex Cunningham on 13 minutes and Bruce Johnstone on 20 minutes built a 2-0 lead with Sandy Leiper on 25 minutes and another from Bruce Johnstone on the half-hour making it 4-0 at the break. Euan Gilmour added a fifth on 57 minutes and two late goals put gloss on the victory. Euan Gilmour got his second on 83 minutes and Alex Cunningham did likewise a couple of minutes later to make it 7-0. The tie was closer than the final scoreline suggests but Kilmory were deadly in front of goal and they will now face Strathspey or Boleskine in next month’s quarter-finals.
Mowi North Division 1 Glengarry 2 Glenurquhart 2 Glengarry and the Glenurquhart second team drew 2-2 at Craigard. After a goalless first half, Charlie MacLeod gave the Glen a 57 minute lead but Raymond Robertson on 66 minutes and another from Glengarry’s top performer Nick Dalgety just 3 minutes later, turned the match ‘Garry’s way. However Charlie MacLeod got his second on 76 minutes to earn Glenurquhart a point.
Fort William 3 Skye Camanachd 3 The Skye Camanachd colts came from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Fort William colts at An Aird. Fort William were without the suspended Rhys Kennedy following his red card against Lochside Rovers the previous week whilst Skye travelled without several regulars so veteran Kenny Campbell came out of retirement to help out. Fort William led 2-0 at the turnaround though Euan Campbell on 25 minutes and a David MacInnes own goal, with the ball spinning off the full back’s foot on 39 minutes. Skye’s Iain MacInnes pulled a goal back on 51 minutes but when referee James Munro awarded the home side a penalty on 67 minutes, Euan Campbell stepped up to score his second goal of the game. However, Skye salvaged a point through Raghnall Robertson’s double on 72 and 85 minutes and Archie Millar almost won it for the Islanders near the end.
Newtonmore 8 Lovat 0 The Newtonmore seconds were too strong for the Lovat seconds, winning 8-0 at the Eilan. Euan Dingwall and Daniel Craven were missing for ‘More with Rasmus Cheyne on first team duty. Glen MacKintosh gave ‘More an 18 minute lead with Brodie MacBean’s quick-fire 12 minute hat-trick coming courtesy of goals on 42, 50 and 54 minutes. A second from Glen MacKintosh, now playing alongside his son Lewis MacKintosh in attack, made it 5-0 on 71 minutes and Cameron McNiven made the best of the opportunity when switched from defence to attack when he found the net with 10 minutes remaining. Glen MacKintosh completed his hat-trick on 85 minutes and he almost got a fourth a minute from time but Cameron McNiven just managed to get a final flick to the ball to take it past the keeper. Young Ross Haig had a terrific game at wing back for Newtonmore whilst Brodie MacBean also played very well.
Kinlochshiel 3 Kingussie 1 The Kinlochshiel reserves beat the Kingussie reserves 3-1 at Rèaraig. Kingussie boss Craig Dawson was unavailable through work commitments so Robbie Macpherson looked after the side and he was without Alexander Michie who was on first team duty. ‘Shiel manager Ross Macmillan fielded a strong side which included Duncan “WD” MacRae who has just returned from a spell abroad and he was given game time to prepare him for a first team return. Kingussie made a good start and they struck first with Iain Fraser running forward from midfield to net on the half-hour mark but young Finlay MacRae levelled 8 minutes later, finishing a smart move to make it 1-1 at the break. Veteran Paul MacRae gave ‘the hosts the lead a couple of minutes into the second half, turning home a rebound following Rory Slaughter’s shot and Duncan Macmillan made it 3-1 on 62 minutes.
Inverness 2 Beauly 3 The Beauly juniors edged out the Inverness first team by the odd goal in five at the Bught Park. The sides exchanged goals throughout the 90 minutes with Finlay Calder giving Inverness a 31 minute lead and Sean Stewart equalising just 3 minutes after. Euan More put Beauly in front a couple of minutes after the hour and Callum Maciver made it 3-1 on 79 minutes. With just 5 minutes remaining, Inverness pulled a goal back with Ruaraidh Hughes scoring but Beauly took the points.
Mowi South Division 1 Lochside Rovers 1 Glasgow Mid Argyll 2 The Glasgow Mid Argyll second team came from behind to beat Lochside Rovers 2-1 at Ganavan. Lochside’s Scott MacMillan scored the only goal of the first half on 30 minutes but Ross Brown levelled 10 minutes into the second half. It looked as if the sides would share the points until the final minute when Ross Brown scored his second to give GMA both points.
Kyles Athletic 1 Bute 4 The Bute seniors were 4-1 winners against the Kyles Athletic juniors in their first league game of the season at Tighnabruaich. Josh Cowan on 5 minutes and Craig Fisher on 10 minutes gave Bute a two-goal interval lead. The home side halved the deficit through Roddy McColl on 50 minutes but a second from Craig Fisher on 57 minutes and Rory McDonald’s effort on the stroke of full-time sealed the 4-1 victory. Ardnamurchan 4 Ballachulish 7 It has been a fraught few weeks for Ballachulish with a lack of players forcing an emergency general meeting, putting the club’s future at risk. However they mustered a sufficient squad to travel to play Ardnamurchan at Strontian and returned with both points following a morale-boosting 7-4 win. Ard’ struck first with Allan Nairn scoring on 10 minutes but Alan Clark equalised on 23 minutes and Lewis Moran put the visitors ahead on 29 minutes. Herbie Patterson made it 2-2 on 33 minutes but a second from Alan Clark, 4 minutes into first half stoppage time gave Balla’ a 3-2 interval lead. Ard’ fought back and Allan Nairn got his second on 56 minutes to make it 3-3. Veteran Alan Clark completed his hat-trick a couple of minutes later and when Pat MacLean made it 5-3 on 62 minutes, it was the first time either side had led by more than one goal. Nathan MacLeod extended Ballachulish’s cushion on 66 minutes and although Allan Nairn completed his hat-trick on 84 minutes, Ellis Nicholson netted for Balla’ on the stroke of full time to make the final score 7-4.
Mowi North Division 2 Caberfeidh 3 Kilmallie 2 The Caberfeidh colts won for the third successive league game, beating the Kilmallie colts 3-3 at Castle Leod Cabers led through Scott Campbell’s own goal on 5 minutes but Duncan MacDougall levelled on 19 minutes. Brian Mackain scored on 44 and 70 minutes to put the hosts 3-1 ahead and although Martyn Cameron pulled a goal back just 3 minutes later, Kilmallie just couldn’t find a leveller. Caberfeidh’s Declan Wilson was sent off by referee John Matheson.
Strathglass 1 Lochcarron 1 The Strathglass reserves and Lochcarron drew 1-1 in their noon throw up at Cannich. Sean MacCuish hit the bar and then the post for Lochcarron although neither keeper had any saves of note to make during the opening 5 minutes. Lochcarron’s Ian MacKenzie limped off with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Allan “Goa” MacLeod, making his debut after signing from Skye. Lochcarron led through Crisdean Finlayson’s fifth goal of the season on 55 minutes as he took the ball across the face of the goal before striking into the roof of the net from close range. Lochcarron’s Daniel MacRae put the ball in the net from a tight angle soon after, but they were left frustrated as the effort was ruled out for offside. With 20 minutes remaining, Strathglass full forward Ali McAdams went through on goal, capitalising on a missed clearance by David MacCuish, and he tucked the ball by the keeper to ensure a share of the points.
Aberdeen University 3 Lewis Camanachd 1 All the goals came in the first half as Aberdeen University beat Lewis Camanachd 3-1 in their 3pm throw up at Balgownie. Conditions were difficult for both teams as the grass was longer than they would have liked and Jamie Buchan put the Students ahead on 24 minutes, with a fierce shot from the right which flew past stand-in Lewis keeper John MacAskill. Referee Aly Paterson awarded the home side a penalty just 4 minutes later when keeper MacAskill lost his stick in a goalmouth scramble and Jamie Buchan stepped up to power home his and his side’s second goal. Jack Heath gathered a mis-hit clearance to add a third on 36 minutes with Daniel Harrison capitalising on a defensive slip to pull a goal back on 41 minutes, slotting the ball past on-rushing home goalie Scott Moffat.
Boleskine W/O v Lochaber Boleskine were awarded the points when the Lochaber seconds were unable to field a team for their match at Smith Park.
Strathspey Camanachd P Inverness P Strathspey Camanachd’s match with the Inverness second team at Grantown Grammar School will be rescheduled as there was no available match referee. The postponement highlights the need for more referees and anyone interested in officiating, even on a part-time basis, should contact the Camanachd Association who will provide training.
Mowi South Division 2 Inveraray 2 Strachur-Dunoon 0 The Inveraray second team go top of the table on goal difference after beating third placed Strachur-Dunoon 2-0 at a sunny Winterton. This was the second meeting in successive Saturdays between the sides with Inveraray winning 4-2 a week earlier in the opening round of the HIS Sutherland Cup. Inveraray’s John MacKenzie and Strachur-Dunoon’s Liam Robertson missed this one as they were both red carded 10 minutes from the end during the previous encounter. Ewan Donnan, the division’s top scorer, bagged both Inveraray goals, netting on 15 and 80 minutes to take his tally to eight goals for the season and Donnan has bagged a brace in all four of Inveraray’s matches so far this season.
Bute P Uddingston P The match between the Bute juniors and Uddingston at the Meadows will be rescheduled.
(All throw ups were at 2.30pm unless the match reports states differently)
WCA Round Up There was a full fixture programme in the Women’s Camanachd Association top flight with most of the matches taking place on Sunday 16 April 2023.
Mowi National Division Skye Camanachd 0 Badenoch 5 Champions Badenoch beat Skye Camanachd 5-0 in their noon throw up at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree on Saturday 8 April 2023. Kirsty Deans scored four times against an understrength Skye side with Zoe Reid getting the other.
Ardnamurchan 1 Lochaber 5 League leaders Lochaber stay out in front after defeating Ardnamurchan 5-1 in their 1pm throw up at Strontian. Ard’s Katie Connolly showed her commitment and resourcefulness, going the extra mile to line-up for her team as, when the Corran ferry broke down, she used a canoe to depart from her Ardgour base to play in the game. A hat-trick from Lochaber’s Natalie MacDonald and strikes from Leah Maxtone and Claire Delaney counted for the visitors with Kate Bradley replying. Iona Cameron and Lisa Ford suffered injuries in the game and will hopefully make a quick recovery.
Glenurquhart 1 Glasgow Mid Argyll 1 Glenurquhart and Glasgow Mid Argyll drew 1-1 at Blairbeg on Saturday 8 April 2023. Zoe Smith scored again for the Glen with Christy MacIntyre responding for GMA.
Inverness 7 Aberdour 1 Isla McNeil and Katie McMillan both bagged doubles as Inverness overcame Aberdour 7-1 in their 1pm throw up at the Bught Park. Kamryn Hughes, Keira Downie and Chloe Mutch grabbed the others with Niamh Donnelly countering.
Mowi North Division 2 Badenoch B 0 Kinlochshiel 6 Kinlochshiel maintained their 100% league record by beating Badenoch B 6-0 in their noon throw up at the Market Stance. Lorna MacRae’s hat-trick and strikes from Katie MacRae, Alaina MacLennan and Lexie Mackenzie made up their tally.
Lovat 5 Skye Camanachd B 2 Lovat beat Skye Camanachd B 5-2 in their 1pm throw up at Balgate. Chloe Macmillan scored four times with Holli Sneddon also netting. Lilidh Campbell scored both Skye goals.
Strathglass 1 Glenurquhart B 4 Hazel Hunter grabbed a hat-trick as Glenurquhart B beat Strathglass 4-1 in their 3pm throw up at Cannich. Ishbel Barr got the other. |