The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 8 November 2014 | |
09 November 2014 After the 2014 shinty season finally came to a close on Saturday 8 November.
Orion Group Premiership The Orion Group Premiership league programme is complete.
Marine Harvest National Division Oban Camanachd 0 Fort William 2 Fort William sealed a guaranteed spot in next year’s Orion Group Premiership, and the Marine Harvest National Division title, with a 2-0 win over Oban Camanachd at Mossfield. Fort William went into the match a point ahead of their rivals but shinty teams can rarely play for a draw. The match originally took place on Saturday 27 September 2014 and it was a case of expect the unexpected for the large crowd. The game’s flashpoint came on 51 minutes when, with the Oban side 1-0 ahead, referee Robert Baxter was struck by a fast-moving ball and was unable to continue. There were several Camanachd Association referees in attendance but there was confusion over how the rules should be applied in such circumstances and after taking official advice, the match was eventually abandoned at Fort William’s request. Referee Robert Baxter is making good recovery but Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final official David Mitchell took charge of the rearranged match. Oban Camanachd were boosted when James MacMillan, who was booked in the abandoned match and thus banned for this game, had his suspension lifted on appeal. Fort William, who only needed a point to secure the title and win promotion, were without injured forward Gordie MacKinnon. Arran MacPhee, who was part of the victorious Scotland U21 squad in Newry and who has just been included in the Scotland University squad, has provided a real goal threat all season. A large crowd gathered for this 1.30pm throw up. Daniel Stewart settled Fort William nerves when he gave them the lead after just 7 minutes. Stewart gathered a long Chris Bamber ball to the back post before shielding the ball and turning his marker and firing the ball into the roof of the net from around the penalty spot to make it 1-0. Stewart turned provider for Fort William’s second goal on 35 minutes when he played a chipped ball to Arran MacPhee at the back post following some good play down the wing. MacPhee placed the ball into the bottom corner of the net for what was a 30th goal of the season in all competitions for the Scotland U21 cap. Fort William had a chance to add to their tally when referee David Mitchell awarded them a first half penalty. However Oban Camanachd keeper Robert Dunnings saved Gary Innes’ spot-hit attempt. The home side came more into the game in the second half but they weren’t able to breach the Fort backline. One sour note for the An Aird side was a red card for defender Stevie Stewart with around 10 minutes remaining which means he will miss Fort William’s start to next season. This match concludes the Marine Harvest National Division league programme and whilst the outcome would have been a disappointment for Oban Camanachd, they could still gain promotion to shinty’s top flight if the proposed league reconstruction gains enough support as it includes a ten team Premiership. Fort William captain and keeper Paul MacKay was presented with the Marine Harvest National Division trophy by Davie Corrigan from sponsors Marine Harvest. After the match, Fort William’s Scottish international Gary Innes announced his retirement from shinty.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 The Marine Harvest North Division 1 league programme is complete.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 The Marine Harvest South Division 1 league programme is complete.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 The Marine Harvest North Division 2 league programme is complete.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 The Marine Harvest South Division 2 league programme is complete.
Marine Harvest North Division 3 The Marine Harvest North Division 3 league programme is complete. |