Shinty round-up - 6.2.25

A good-sized crowd had gathered for the game and the tea, coffee, soup and home-baking on offer were all well-received at the interval. 

 

The over-30s created a couple of great chances to increase their lead early in the second half with Kenny Wotherspoon missing from the edge of the D and Johnny Will doing likewise.

 

The under-30s made them pay when Daniel MacVicar levelled, beating keeper Gavin Stobbart with a good finish. 

 

Lorne Dickie played very well at full centre during the whole game, while Gary McKerracher also showed up well on his return and both players played well enough to suggest they could still offer something in shinty’s topflight.

 

The under-30s took the lead for the first time in the contest and it was Daniel MacVicar again with his second goal of the afternoon.

 

Whilst the over-30s continued to use rolling substitutes to their benefit, there were 70 minutes played before the under-30s made substitutions to freshen things up. And just five minutes after they did, they increased their lead when Ross Campbell netted what was later to prove to be a decisive third goal.

 
The over-30s fought back and Andrew Maccuish made a great run through on goal only to be denied by Cammy Sutherland. Maccuish also hit a snapshot on the turn which whistled by the post.

 

Aidan Macintyre and Iain ‘Scally’ MacMillan both came on for the closing stages and with 10 minutes to go, there was a melee in the under-30s penalty box and referee Chris Eccleston pointed to the spot.

 

Veteran Johnny Will took on the task to convert only to see his effort fire low and wide of Cammy Sutherland’s right-hand post.

However, Johnny Will was to redeem himself shortly after with a neat finish from inside the box and it was now 3-2 with just 5 minutes remaining.

 
The over-30s pressed for a leveller but the under-30s held out to claim the inaugural Donald ‘Moonis’ MacVicar Quaich and the local bragging rights.

 

The large crowd included the MacVicar family, and everyone pulled together to put on an event which did Moonis’ memory proud.

 
The match was played in good spirits, and under-30s captain Daniel MacVicar received the Donald ‘Moonis’ MacVicar Quaich from his auntie Deirdre after the game.

 

The line-ups were as follows:
Oban Camanachd over-30s: Gavin Stobbart (captain), Matt Rippon, Gary McKerracher, James MacMillan, Garry Lord: Daniel Cameron, Lorne Dickie, Scott MacMillan: Ian “Gussie” Campbell, Malcolm Clark, Andrew ‘Papa’ Maccuish, Johnny Will: subs Kenny Wotherspoon, Jordan Kerr, Keith MacMillan, Iain “Scally” MacMillan, Josh Rippon, Aidan Macintyre (manager).

Oban Camanachd under-30s from: Cammy Sutherland: Daniel Madej, Alexander MacDonald, Charlie Spreadbury, Andy Macdonald: Daniel MacCuish, Evan MacLellan, Calum MacMillan: Jamie Anderson, Ross Campbell, Scott Campbell, Daniel MacVicar (captain/manager): subs Cammy MacMillan, Craig Macmillan, Scott Robertson, Iain Duffy, Calum Campbell.

Match Referee: Chris Eccleston.

 

Oban Camanachd President Patrick Steeman spoke afterwards, saying: “The Donald ‘Moonis’ MacVicar shinty match was a brilliant day, and it was great to see so many people associated with Oban Camanachd turn out, raise some money for charity, enjoy some good craic, and watch some good shinty with the ‘young guns’ running out 3-2 winners. 

 

“It was a fitting tribute to Donald, a good day for the club and a great get-together at the golf club afterward. 

“A big thanks to everybody who helped out and the teas, coffees, soup and home baking were all fantastic. In total, we raised £491.31 in aid of James’ fundraiser towards Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity UK. 

 

“Thank you to all who played, spectated and donated. We appreciate each and every one of you!”

Pre-season Friendlies

 

Newtonmore 3 Col Glen 0

Former Oban Camanachd players Daniel Sloss and Matthew Sloss both made debuts from the start as Newtonmore beat Col Glen 3-0 in their clash at The Eilan.

 

With new manager Peter Ross in the dugout for the first time, the hosts took the lead on four minutes when Cameron McNiven flicked home a long ball from Steven Macdonald to give the hosts an early lead. Cameron McNiven then set up Iain Robinson who made it 2-0 on 14 minutes and they carried that advantage into the break. 

 

Drew MacDonald’s low 30-yard strike made it 3-0 just before the hour.  

 

‘More manager Peter Ross spoke straight after the final whistle. He said: “It was a typical preseason game, and we could have scored more goals.

 

“It was a good work-out though and the Sloss boys turned in good performances, especially considering they both haven’t played since last August.”

 

Kinlochshiel 4 Castletown 7

It’s an annual shinty-hurling encounter that dates back to 1979 and Kinlochshiel led 4-1 before losing out 7-4 to Castletown GAA in their cross-codes encounter at Rèaraig. 

 

The sides were piped out onto a field which, not surprisingly, was on the heavy side. 

 

John MacRae, Oliver MacRae, Archie MacRae and Rory Slaughter had ‘Shiel 4-1 ahead at half-time. However, a hat-trick from Niall O’Brien and a goal each from Jack Gallagher, Aonghus Clarke, Morgan Gavigan and Sean Jackson earned the Irish visitors a 7-4 victory. 

 

‘Shiel manager Willie MacRae said: “We used a full squad of 26-players and were missing Finlay MacRae and Conor Cormack. 

 

“We could have scored three times during the first 20 minutes so could have been further ahead at the break.

“Everyone got a run-out though and we made lots of changes in the second half when Castletown took control of the midfield and turned on the style, but it was still a great work-out.

 

“Donald Nixon played at half back and was man of the match with Arron Jack, WD MacRae and Duncan Matheson playing well too.” 

 

Beauly 2 Glenurquhart 3

Promoted Beauly and relegated Glenurquhart swapped places in the Mowi Premiership at the end of last season, and it was Glenurquhart who came out on top with a 3-2 win at Braeview Park. 

 

Charlie Macleod scored twice for the Glen and Daniel Maclean the other with Robbie Brindle’s deflected shot and Louie MacLellan replying. 

 

Both sides were missing a few regulars, so several youngsters were on show.

 

Caberfeidh 9 Strathglass 0

Caberfeidh, who finished second in the Mowi Premiership last season, were too strong for Mowi North Division 1 champions Strathglass, winning 9-0 at Castle Leod.

 

2024 Mowi Premiership player of the year Craig Morrison scored four times for Garry Reid’s side with Logan Beaton bagging a brace. Liam Symonds, Gavin McLaughlin and Nathan Stewart got the others. 

 

Lochaber 2 Kilmallie 5

The Kilmallie second team were 5-2 winners against the Lochaber second team at Spean Bridge. Martin Stewart, beginning his 21st season for the club, grabbed a hat-trick with Archie MacNiven and Stephen McAlister getting the others. Rocco Berardelli and Findlay MacDonald counted for Lochaber. 

 

Elsewhere, the Kingussie Blues beat the Kingussie Reds on penalties to win the Liz Young Rosebowl. The Reds led twice through Zander Michie and Ruaridh Anderson, but Rory Munro and Cameron Bremner pegged them back each time to make it 2-2. With no scoring during extra-time, and after a dramatic 19th penalty during the resultant shoot-out, Blues keeper Hayden Taylor Ramsay netted from the spot before saving an effort from his opposite number Elizabeth McGregor.

 

Skye Camanachd were one of 32 teams to take part in the Jack Asher Sixes in Glasgow. 

Lovat Confirm New Management Teams

 

Lovat have confirmed their new management teams for the new shinty season. 

 

Iain Nicolson replaces Jamie Matheson, who brought his four years in charge of the first team to an end, and he will be assisted by former second team boss Raymond Rennie. 

 

With senior players Drew Howie, Daniel Grieve, Lorne MacKay and Calum MacAulay all retiring, there will also be changes on the field. 

 

Iain Nicolson said: “There will be a transition, but we have the core of a very good side, and the quality to do well. We’ll consolidate in the league and look for good cup runs.

 

“Being manager is something I’ve contemplated for a couple of years. I’ve been based in Elgin through work so haven’t played much shinty over the last two seasons but I’m back in Inverness now, working Monday to Friday so I’ve more time for shinty. When Jamie stepped down, it seemed natural to put my name forward. I’ll not be playing, unless it’s an emergency, as I’m looking to concentrate on the managerial side.”

 

Fraser Gallacher, formerly a first team manager at the Balgate club, takes charge of the Lovat second team who have opted to drop down to Mowi North Division 2 this coming season, accruing an eight-point penalty into the bargain. 

 

Iain Nicolson added: “There are several promising youngsters, including the likes of Ali White, but they’re all just a bit young right now and will benefit from playing regularly in North 2, that’s the most important thing. I’ll pick the senior games to introduce them wisely and second team manager Fraser Gallacher and I work well together.”

 

The Lovat senior side have pre-season friendlies lined up against both Kinlochshiel and Col Glen.   

MacDonald Is New Vice President 

 

Willie MacDonald is the new Camanachd Association Vice President. 

 

Willie brings a lifetime of experience and passion for shinty to this new role. A native of Ballachulish, Willie’s journey in the sport began as a schoolboy, progressing to the Ballachulish senior team at just 13 years old. His talent and determination saw him join Fort William aged 24, where he enjoyed a glittering playing career, winning every senior trophy on offer.

 

Amongst his many achievements, Willie’s crowning glory came in the 1992 Camanachd Cup Final in Glasgow, where Fort William triumphed over Kingussie to claim their first-ever ‘Camanachd’ victory. His stellar performance that day earned him the prestigious Albert Smith Medal as man of the match.

 

Willie also enjoyed success on the international stage, first as a victorious Scotland team member against Ireland in 1993 and later captaining the Scots in Fort William.

 

After retiring from playing, Willie dedicated himself to coaching, nurturing talent from primary school level through to senior squads. His eight years coaching at Inverlochy primary school were particularly memorable, culminating in a remarkable 2017-18 season when the school won every competition they entered, including the national MacKay Cup. Seeing his young players progress to Fort William’s senior ranks remains a source of immense pride.

 

He is also currently a Grad 1 Camanachd Association referee and has taken charge of all the game’s big matches.

 

Speaking on his appointment, Willie MacDonald said: “Shinty has always been at the heart of my life, and I’m honoured to take on the role of Camanachd Association Vice President. I look forward to working with the Board and the wider community to ensure the continued growth and success of our sport.”

 

Camanachd Association President Burton Morrison added: “Willie’s experience, dedication, and deep understanding of shinty makes him an outstanding choice for Vice President. His journey exemplifies the passion and commitment that drives our sport, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to this leadership role.”