The 2012 Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final between Inveraray and Kyles Athletic takes place at Mossfield, Oban on Saturday 15 September 2012.
With less than 24 hours to go ahead of shinty's biggest match of the season; both sides have strong squads to select from for the 2012 Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final
Inveraray manager John Smylie has Russell MacKinlay available. MacKinlay missed the semi-final win over Kinlochshiel and he went with a forward line of Chris Crawford, Garry MacPherson, Euan McMurdo and Ruairidh Graham. However Smylie may be tempted to start with the prolific MacKinlay and use Graham in midfield.
Kyles boss Norman MacDonald and Coach James Perlich also have options in attack where the Whyte brothers – Tom, Gordon and John – have played so well along-side play-maker Roddy MacDonald. However a fit Fraser MacDonald is a big asset to Kyles and he could start. The Tighnabruaich men were boosted by young defender Zac Coley’s return a fortnight ago after he suffered a broken hand when playing for the Scotland U17 against Dublin U17 in the summer.
Players To Watch – Inveraray
David Robertson – The Inveraray full centre will have an important role to play as his side try to win the midfield battle. He was captain last time they won the trophy.
Garry MacPherson – Assistant Manager off the park and play-maker on the park. Has the experience and guile to make a significant difference.
Euan McMurdo – Scores some important goals for Inveraray including the winner when Inveraray won the trophy in 2004.
Players To Watch – Kyles Athletic
Calum Miller – Has done an excellent man-marking job on some big name players this season, including Newtonmore’s Danny MacRae. He will be key as Kyles try to subdue the Inveraray attack.
David Zavaroni – The Kyles full centre is an under-rated player outside Tighnabruaich but he can impose himself on a game to great effect.
Roddy MacDonald – The 2011 Marine Harvest Player of the Year has been one of shinty’s most exciting players again this season and his movement poses problems for any defence.
Tickets for the 2012 Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final between Inveraray and Kyles Athletic are priced at £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and Under 12s get in free!
If you are unable to get to the game, the whole match will be shown live on BBC2 Scotland. Coverage starts at 2.15pm and commentary comes from Hugh Dan MacLennan and Fort William and Scotland forward, Gary Innes.