The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 11 April 2015 | |
12 April 2015 There was a mixture of league action and some cup shocks following the shinty played on Saturday 11 April 2015.
Balliemore Cup – First Round Bute 3 Skye Camanachd 3 (After Extra Time - Bute won 3-2 on penalties) Holders Skye Camanachd are out of this year’s Balliemore Cup after they lost to Bute following a controversial penalty shoot-out at the Meadows. Neil MacVicar and Shockie MacLennan returned for Skye but Iain Murray, Allan MacKinnon and Will Cowie were missing and Steven Morrison was suspended. Second team captain David MacInnes and Alan Palmer were added to the squad. Chris MacLennan put Skye ahead after 25 minutes but Robert Walker levelled a couple of minutes later. Chris MacLennan got his and Skye’s second on the half hour mark and they took the 2-1 lead into the break. When Jordan Murchison made it 3-1 on 56 minutes; Skye had one foot in the next round. However Robert Walker completed his hat-trick with goals on 72 and 81 minutes to make it 3-3. Referee John MacGregor took the tie into an extra-time period and the closest to a goal was a Jordan Murchison effort which came back of the post. The penalty shoot-out was not without controversy as with Bute leading 3-2, Skye’s final penalty from Kenny Campbell came off the caman of keeper Kevin Queen and hit the roof of the net before bouncing back into play. Referee John MacGregor did not accept that the ball had crossed the line so Bute, who have now won penalty shoot-outs in successive Saturdays, will now host Kilmallie in the next round.
Strachur 1 Ballachulish 2 Strachur and Ballachulish met for the second successive Saturday at Strachurmore. 2014 Balliemore Cup runners-up Ballachulish won 4-1 last weekend but this time it took two late goals to give them victory. Strachur’s Alan Paterson was free of suspension. Ballachulish’s Scotland international John MacDonald served the final game of his four game ban. Balla’ made hard work of this tie and although play was balanced, the visitors created the more clear-cut chances. In the second half, Strachur battled all over the pitch and Robert Flint was quick to punish a moment of hesitant defending to score after 55 minutes. Strachur grew in confidence and had long spells in Balla’ territory. Ballachulish made changes as they pressed for an equaliser. That came just 3 minutes from time when 16 year old super-sub Ally Banks, who usually plays in defence for the Ballachulish reserves, was first to pounce on a rebound off the keeper and he coolly pushed the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-1. Strachur were shell-shocked but Ballachulish weren’t done and they pushed forward to finish the tie off. With the clock running down, Alan Clark scored the winner from close range with just a minute remaining. Balla’ continued to press for a third as the final whistle sounded and Strachur were left to reflect on what might have been.
Beauly 3 Caberfeidh 0 Beauly are through to the next round after they beat Caberfeidh 3-0 at Braeview Park. Beauly’s Sean Stewart started a two game suspension whilst Colin MacDonald was still out with a hand injury. Caberfeidh boss Lee Nicol played Ally MacLennan at full back in place of Gavin MacDonald. Beauly played with the wind advantage in the first half and Marc MacLachlan gave them a 15 minute lead when he muscled in to gain possession after Cabers goalie Ewan Pilcher had kept out a Barrie MacDonald effort and the former Strathglass front-man tucked the ball home. MacLachlan got his and Beauly’s second on 35 minutes when his shot took a deflection past a helpless Pilcher following a corner. MacLachlan then turned provider as he set up wing centre Jack MacDonald, who had pushed forward from midfield, to score Beauly’s third on the stroke of half-time. Cabers had the elements in the second half but they were unable to cut the deficit so Beauly go through to host Ballachulish in the next round. One concern for Beauly boss Roger Cormack will be an injury to full centre David MacLean which saw him have to leave the field.
Kilmallie 7 Kilmory 1 Kilmallie were too strong for Kilmory, running out 7-1 winners at the Canal Parks. Kilmallie had Michael Rodger back in the side after he missed the previous weekend’s RBS MacTavish Cup win over Caberfeidh and he started in attack. Kilmory’s Ewen Carmichael was free of his two match ban but Adam Johnstone served a one game suspension for his red card against Oban Celtic last weekend. The returning Michael Rodger made a major contribution, scoring three of his side’s goals. Liam MacDonald bagged a brace and John Stewart and Innes Blackhall got the others. Craig Taylor netted for Kilmory.
Strathglass 1 Glasgow Mid Argyll 2 A Glasgow Mid Argyll side short on numbers made the long journey to Cannich where they secured a place in the next round, defeating Strathglass 2-1. The ever-green Robert Geddes gave Strathglass a 42 minute lead when his shot took an awkward bounce in front of GMA goalie Jonathon Oates and the ball ended up in the net for what was the only goal of the first half. And that’s the way it stayed until 83 minutes when Andy Mathie collected possession around the penalty spot and he put the ball into the bottom corner of the net to make it 1-1. Craig Anderson put GMA in front just 60 seconds later with a back-hand shot from outside the D after his marker had lost possession. Anderson hit the ball into the bottom right corner of the net for what turned out to be the winning goal.
Aberdour 1 Inverness 6 A strong first half performance helped Inverness to a 6-1 win over Aberdour at Silver Sands. Inverness, with the wind at their backs, settled into the game well and James Cameron lost his marker to give them a 3 minute lead. The visitors continued to press and Dougie Rankin added a second on 15 minutes with Charlie MacDonald making it 3-0 when he beat Aberdour keeper Tom Bowerman on 27 minutes. Dougie Rankin was enjoying a more offensive role and he got his second goal to make it 4-0 just 5 minutes before the break. Craig Girvan increased Inverness’ advantage on 53 minutes but there was some respite for Aberdour when U17 player Jack Mitchell netted 5 minutes later to make it 5-1. James Cameron got his second on 86 minutes to round off the 6-1 victory.
Oban Celtic 5 Lochcarron 2 Oban Celtic beat Lochcarron 5-2 at Mossfield. Oban Celtic talisman Kenny Wotherspoon was free of suspension after serving a one match ban for a points accumulation. Oban Celtic’s Lee askew scored a quick-fire hat-trick with goals on 6, 9 and 18 minutes to put his side in control. Angus Urquhart gave Lochcarron hope with a goal a couple of minutes before the break to make it 3-1. However Lee Askew got his fourth on 65 minutes with Daniel Madej making it 5-1 just 10 minutes later. David MacCuish pulled another goal back for the visitors 3 minutes from time but Oban Celtic ran out 5-2 winners. Oban Celtic’s reward is a home tie against Inverness in the last eight of the competition.
Glenorchy 5 Taynuilt 1 Glenorchy ran out 5-1 winners against Taynuilt in their 3pm throw up at Mart Park. Taynuilt’s Stewart Sloss started a two game suspension for his red card against Aberdour last weekend in the Gregor Cameron Consultancy Glasgow Celtic Society Cup. Graham Morrice scored the only goal of the first half to give Glenorchy a 1-0 lead at half-time. Fraser MacMillan drew Taynuilt level on 58 minutes. However Alex MacPherson then took over and he put Glenorchy back in front just a minute later. Indeed MacPherson took his personal tally to four goals with strikes on 73, 74 and 87 minutes to make it 5-1. Glenorchy will now host Glasgow Mid Argyll in the quarter-finals.
Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup – First Round Glenurquhart 3 Kyles Athletic 0 The tie of the Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup first round looked to be the meeting between the Glenurquhart and Kyles Athletic reserve sides at Blairbeg. Kyles are Sutherland Cup holders but they went down 3-0 to a Glen side who will be one of this year’s tournament’s fancied teams. The visitors made a decent start to the tie and their forward line, prompted by talisman Roddy MacColl, forced home goalie David MacFadyen into some good saves. David MacLennan gave Glenurquhart a 26 minute lead when he got on the end of a ball forward from player / manager Iain MacLeod before fizzing the ball into the Kyles’ net. The Glen took their one goal lead into the break although they did lose defender James Hurwood through injury. Ryan Porter made it 2-0 on 67 minutes and Cairn Urquhart made it 3-0 just 3 minutes from time. Both goals were good strikes from two of the Glen’s promising youngsters and the home support would have been satisfied with the 3-0 win.
Aberdeen University 1 Lochside Rovers 4 Lochside Rovers beat Aberdeen University 4-1 at Balgownie. Aberdeen boss Jamie Beaton was without David Fraser who served a one game ban for a points accumulation. Daniel MacMillan gave Lochside Rovers the lead on 35 minutes and that was the goal that separated the sides after the first 45 minutes. Daniel MacVicar doubled the Oban side’s advantage 5 minutes after the restart. Michael MacQueen made it 3-0 on 67 minutes and although Stuart Cameron pulled a goal back for the Students, Scott Dempster sealed the win on the stroke of full-time.
Tayforth 1 Newtonmore 10 The Newtonmore second team are another of this year’s tournament favourites and they were too strong for Tayforth, winning 10-1 at Musselburgh. The home side started against a strong wind but Brendan Duggan gave Tayforth a first minute lead. And they even had a chance to double their advantage when referee Alan Harrison pointed to the penalty spot but keeper John MacKenzie saved the spot-hit. After a strong Tayforth start, Newtonmore started to find their rhythm and David Fraser equalised with a shot from distance on 16 minutes. Conor Jones turned and slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net to put ‘More ahead for the first time on 19 minutes. Craig MacLeod on 29 minutes and Conor Jones’ second on 34 minutes made it 4-1 and when Sam Richardson hit a fifth on 41 minutes and Conor Jones completed his hat-trick a minute later to make it 6-1, there was only going to be one winner. Tayforth had the elements after the restart but Conor Jones got his fourth on the hour mark and Sam Richardson, who had moved forward from midfield, swapping places with the impressive Conor Jones, went on to complete his hat-trick with goals on 75 and 80 minutes. Ally Thomson made it 10-1 with a minute remaining. The margin of Newtonmore’s victory was all the more impressive as a first team injury crisis meant a number of their players received senior team call-ups. Newtonmore will head for Castle Leod to take on Caberfeidh in the next round.
Skye Camanachd 5 Inverness 0 The Skye Camanachd reserves beat the Inverness reserves for the second successive Saturday as they triumphed 5-0 at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Skye top scorer John Gillies was still on holiday whilst captain David MacInnes and Alan Palmer were on first team duty. However Iain Murray and Will Cowie were included as both were unable to travel to Bute with the first team. Murray started at full centre with Cowie on the bench. John MacKenzie scored the only goal of the first half when he burst forward to get on the end of a James Pringle cross to make it 1-0. John Angus MacInnes made it 2-0 on 49 minutes and the impressive James Pringle netted twice on 55 and 62 minutes to make it 4-0. Skye’s Stewart Grant saw a penalty saved by Inverness keeper Allan MacLeod on 77 minutes and although Iain MacLellan scored from the rebound, his effort was correctly ruled out by referee Andy MacLean for offside. Will Cowie thumped a John MacKenzie cross from the left into the roof of the net to make it 5-0 on 84 minutes and Skye will now host Col Glen in the next round.
Lovat 7 Boleskine 0 The Lovat seconds from Marine Harvest North Division 1 beat Boleskine from Marine Harvest North Division 2, 7-0 at Balgate. Jamie Matheson started in midfield for Lovat as he recovers from a back injury. Rory Campbell has been in great scoring form for the Lovat seconds this season and he grabbed a first half hat-trick with goals on 9, 34 and 40 minutes. There was also a debut goal for Jonathon Janczak as he blasted the ball into the roof of the net on the stroke of half-time. Rory Campbell got his fourth goal on 63 minutes to make it 5-0. Lovat were in control and Reece Munro on 72 minutes and Bailey MacKay on 86 minutes rounded off the 7-0 win. Lovat will now have a derby tie with Glenurquhart at Blairbeg in the second round.
Oban Lorn 0 Beauly 6 Oban Lorn went down 6-0 to the Beauly reserves at Ganavan. Beauly full forward Martin Davidson got his side off to a flier with goals on 2 and 6 minutes. Sandy Elrick made it 3-0 on 18 minutes and by the time Neil Brindle netted on 28 minutes and Robbie Brindle on 40 minutes, Beauly had an unassailable 5-0 lead. There was just one goal in the second half as Sandy Elrick got his second to make it 6-0. Beauly’s reward is a trip to Craigard to face Glengarry.
Glenorchy 1 Inveraray 3 Three early goals put the Inveraray seconds on their way to a 3-1 win over the Glenorchy seconds in their noon throw up at Mart Park. Fraser Watt struck twice on 7 and 11 minutes to make it 2-0. Neil Shaw added a third on 21 minutes. There was late consolation for the home side when referee Lachie Wood awarded them a penalty a couple of minutes from time and Andy MacLean stepped up to convert from the spot.
Ballachulish 0 Kilmallie 6 The Ballachulish second team were in action for the first time this season when they lost 6-0 to the Kilmallie second team at Jubilee Park. The Kilmallie goals came from Iain Beagrie, doubles from Ross MacKenzie and Ewan Mowat and a Donald MacRae strike. Kilmallie are at home to Inveraray next.
Kingussie W/O v Glasgow Mid Argyll The Kingussie reserves were given a bye into the next round when the Glasgow Mid Argyll reserves were unable to raise a team for their trip to the Dell. Kingussie will now host Lochside Rovers in the second round.
Marine Harvest Premiership Kyles Athletic 1 Fort William 1 League leaders Kyles Athletic dropped their first point of the season when they drew 1-1 with Fort William at Tighnabruaich. John Whyte continued in goal in place of the injured Kenny MacDonald for the home side whilst the visitors welcomed full centre Niall MacPhee back after his honeymoon. Stevie Stewart and James Tangey were free to play for Fort William but they will miss next weekend’s Marine Harvest National Division clash with Kinlochshiel as they each serve one game bans for bookings points accumulations. Stewart was given a marking job on Kyles danger-man Roddy MacDonald. Fort William played with the elements in their favour in the first half and they had a chance to take the lead mid-way through the half when Gordie MacKinnon was brought down inside the D and referee Billy Wotherspoon awarded a penalty. Arran MacPhee took the spot-hit but John Whyte stretched down to his right to turn the ball away. Whyte again denied MacPhee moments later and Daniel Stewart was unable to hit the target from the rebound. Kyles had the elements in the second half and they pressed for the opener but found Fort goalie Paul MacKay in fine form. Kyles did have the ball in the net from a quick free-hit but referee Wotherspoon had not signalled for it to be taken. The goals came late in the game. Grant Irvine has been in great form for Kyles this season and when he scored from a corner on the right on 85 minutes, the home support must have thought their team was on the way to another two points. However just a couple of minutes later, substitute Graham Campbell earned Fort William a point when he got on the end of a deep Sean Cruickshank cross from the right and he smashed the ball high into the net to equalise. The point for Kyles means they stay at the top of the table on goal difference only. The point for Fort William lifts them off the bottom of the table into eight spot.
Inveraray 3 Lovat 6 Lovat followed up last weekend’s 6-1 win over Kingussie with a 6-3 victory over Inveraray at the Winterton. Inveraray’s Euan McMurdo was free of suspension and he started up front. Lovat were without defender Callum Cruden who was on holiday. Martin Mainland and Euan Ferguson were working whilst Jamie Matheson made his return from injury with the Lovat reserves. Lovat raced into a two goal lead within the first 10 minutes. Greg Matheson put them ahead with Kevin Bartlett getting the second. The home side then turned the game on its head and they led 3-2 at half-time thanks to a Euan McMurdo double and one from Lewis MacNicol. Indeed Inveraray could have been further ahead had it not been for a couple of fine saves from Lovat goalie Stuart MacDonald. Lovat fought back in the second half though and Greg Matheson got his second to make it 3-3. Fraser Gallacher put Lovat back in front and Greg Matheson went on to complete his hat-trick to make it 5-3. Fraser Gallacher got his second right at the end of the game to make it 6-3 and give Lovat a hard-earned two points. Lovat remain second in the table but they now only trail leaders Kyles Athletic on goal difference.
Newtonmore 4 Glenurquhart 0 An injury-plagued Newtonmore were still too strong for Glenurquhart as they won 4-0 at the Eilan. The influential Norman Campbell was back at full back for Newtonmore but keeper Michael Ritchie was still missing so Owen Fraser continued between the sticks. The other home absentees included Evan Menzies, Danny MacRae, Jamie Robinson and Scott Campbell. There was a starting slot up front for Liam Mullender and he played the full 90 minutes. Glenurquhart captain Andrew Corrigan returned to the side. Ewan Brady was free to play for the Glen but he will miss next weekend’s RBS MacTavish Cup quarter-final tie with Inverness because of a bookings points accumulation. Newtonmore had the wind in their favour in the first half and Glen MacKintosh fired them into a 36 minutes lead. A goal in his first senior start from Neil Stewart made it 2-0 on 42 minutes and when Glen MacKintosh added a third a couple of minutes later, things looked bleak for Glenurquhart. The visitors had the wind behind them in the second half but it was Newtonmore who would add to their lead when Glen MacKintosh completed his hat-trick on 66 minutes. The Champions are now just a point behind joint league leaders Kyles Athletic and Lovat. However Newtonmore’s injury worries were added to when young Craig Ritchie had to leave the field early in the first half with a nasty looking hand injury.
Lochaber 3 Oban Camanachd 1 Lochaber collected two valuable points to lift them into fifth place in the table when they beat Oban Camanachd 3-1 at Spean Bridge. Lochaber went ahead on 10 minutes when Stuart Callison got the break of the ball and he fired goalwards. Oban Camanachd keeper Robert Dunnings got his feet to Callison’s shot but the ball deflected into the side of the net to make it 1-0. Andrew MacCuish broke free to equalise on 21 minutes when he found space to hit a good, hard shot which gave Calum MacDonald in the home goal little chance. Lochaber boss Ally Ferguson took Connor Sweeney on in place of Findlay MacDonald 5 minutes into the second half and he chipped the keeper Dunnings from an angle on 78 minutes to put Lochaber back in front. Arguably the best goal of the game was scored by Brian MacDonald on 83 minutes when he broke forward from midfield and sent an unstoppable 25 yard shot high into the back of the net past a helpless Dunnings in the Oban goal. Lochaber look to have settled from their difficult start to the season and they are unbeaten in their last three matches with two wins and a draw.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Glengarry 3 Lochaber 2 Glengarry overcame the Lochaber reserves in a ding-dong derby meeting at Craigard. Glengarry’s Matthew Ross was once more free of suspension after sitting out a two game ban. Andrew Gilchrist put ‘Garry ahead on 15 minutes but a goal from Ben Delaney on 28 minutes levelled the contest at the break. Daniel MacLennan scored for the second successive Saturday to put the home side back in front on the hour mark. But again Lochaber levelled as Kirsty Delaney scored a first goal at this level to make it 2-2 with just 10 minutes remaining. The winning goal came just 2 minutes later as Steven Cameron put Glengarry ahead for a third time and this time they stayed in front until the final whistle. Glengarry climb to second place in the table and they trail leaders Skye Camanachd only on goal difference.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Col Glen 6 Bute 0 Col Glen and the Bute second team met at MacRae Park with the home side running out 6-0 winners. Hamish Harrison put Col Glen ahead after 17 minutes and Steven MacKellar made it 2-0 on 33 minutes. Both Harrison and MacKellar got their second goals of the game after 43 and 45 minutes respectively to leave the home side 4-0 to the good at the break. Hamish Harrison completed his hat-trick on 50 minutes and Angus Churchill completed the 6-0 win 15 minutes from time. The two points take Col Glen to the top of the table.
(Further updates will follow as more information becomes available) |