South shinty
Mowi Premiership
Glasgow Mid Argyll 0 Kingussie 7
Kingussie are on the verge of sealing a third successive Mowi Premiership title after winning 7-0 against Glasgow Mid Argyll (GMA) in their 1pm throw-up at Peterson Park.
GMA’s Jamie Macleod was still out injured, whilst Ewan Fraser and Arran Byrne were unavailable. Finlay MacMillan was fit again, however, and Jan Ewers was added to their squad.
Kingussie fielded Thomas Borthwick at full centre with Iain Fraser and Calum MacKintosh joining Ruaridh Anderson and James Falconer in attack. Savio Genini was unavailable.
Kingussie broke the deadlock on 15 minutes when right wing centre Kieran Macpherson cut infield and sent a great backhand drive into the net from distance.
Ruaridh Anderson intercepted a clearance to make it 2-0 on 21 minutes and James Falconer added a third on 27 minutes, dribbling the ball by a couple of defenders before slipping it home.
The second half was just a couple of minutes old when James Falconer got his second after playing a one-two with substitute James Hutchison.
James Falconer took his tally to four goals with efforts on 62 and 70 minutes and Liam Borthwick turned the ball home at the back post a minute from time, with James Hutchison again the provider, to make it 7-0.
Some great goalkeeping from Jonathan Oates prevented Kingussie from adding to their goal haul.
With the shinty/hurling international between Ireland and Scotland taking place this Saturday, October 21, Kingussie must now wait until they host Skye at the end of the month for the chance to seal the title.
Manager Iain Borthwick added: “We could do with a game this Saturday to keep the momentum going, but we just need to stay focussed for the Skye game in a fortnight.”
GMA boss Alan MacRae added: “It was all good experience for our young players against a Kingussie team which played some great passing shinty and thoroughly deserved their win.”
Kyles Athletic P Oban Camanachd P
The match between Kyles Athletic and Oban Camanachd was postponed as the recent wet weather left the Tighnabruaich pitch waterlogged.
The fixture has been re-scheduled for Saturday November 4 with Oban Camanachd hosting Beauly in their final home match of the season a week earlier.
Oban Camanachd manager Gareth Evans said: “Kyles called it on Friday afternoon which we really appreciated as it meant the boys could make alternative plans for the Saturday.”
Oban Camanachd had offered to fulfil their outstanding fixture against Beauly at Mossfield this Saturday, but some of the Beauly players had made other arrangements so they couldn’t play.
Gareth Evans added: “It stretches the season a bit further and we aren’t able to train this week as there are problems with the floodlights. Other clubs are in the same boat though. I think everyone is just keen to get the season finished.”
The Aviemore Trophy – Mòd Cup
Glasgow University 4
Strachur-Dunoon 5
With the 2023 Royal National Mòd in full flow in Paisley, Strachur-Dunoon lifted the Aviemore Trophy – Mòd Cup – following their narrow 5-4 win over Glasgow University in their 2pm throw-up at the King George V Playing Fields, Renfrew, on Saturday.
The game was played in a strong wind and Strachur-Dunoon raced into a 4-1 interval lead. Glasgow University came more into it after the re-start and, at the final count, Fraser MacLean, Louis Montague, Conal MacDiarmid and Andrew Robertson scored as the students fought back.
However, Steven Thomson, Nathan Ross, Sam Bulloch, Brandon Wilson and Cairn Limbert were all on target to secure Strachur-Dunoon’s victory.
Strachur-Dunoon skipper Roddy Cairns, who previously played for Glasgow University, Col Glen and Glenorchy, stepped forward to receive the famous Mòd Cup from Dr Hugh Dan MacLennan.
The Learn Gaelic Trophy – Women’s Mòd Cup
Alba 2 Glaschu 3
Glaschu beat Alba 3-2 to take the Learn Gaelic Trophy – Women’s Mòd Cup – following their noon throw-up at the King George V Playing Fields, Renfrew, on Saturday.
Ardnamurchan’s Annie MacDonald and Kenna MacKintosh from Inverness scored the Alba goals, but GMA’s Joan Nicolson bagged a brace and Uddingston’s Eimear Gavan got the other to give Glaschu the trophy.
The Kyles Athletic primary team came out on top to win the Royal National Mod Sixes with Olly MacVicar named player of the tournament.
Rule changes challenge Scots
Scotland manager Garry Reid and his squad are going through their final preparations ahead of the shinty/hurling international against Ireland at Páirc Esler, Newry, on Saturday October 21.
With the Mowi Quaich at stake, there are two rule changes the Scots will have to contend with, both which appear to favour the Irish.
Garry Reid explained: “The rule changes will make it more difficult for us. The two points for a dead ball over the bar is now only one point. That is something we have benefitted from through the past, especially with Kevin Bartlett in our side.
“Also, their goalie can now catch the ball. A regular tactic of ours would be to float the ball into the goalmouth to see how they deal with it. We got a couple of goals from that last time around, but we can’t do that any more as the keeper will just catch it and clear.
“I always believe the first half-hour is crucial in these games as Ireland settle into the contest. We are back to the venue when Ireland last won at home but there is no doubt our guys will be up for it.”
Oban Camanachd trio Daniel Sloss, Daniel MacCuish and Blair McFarlane are all set to win their first Scotland cap at the weekend, recognition Oban Camanachd manager Gareth Evans believes is richly deserved.
Gareth said: “They are all worthy of the honour to represent Scotland. Daniel Sloss has performed to such a high standard for a number of years now and has the physicality for the cross-code game. He has also played shinty/hurling at the younger age groups so he will be ready for it.
“Blair McFarlane has tremendous athleticism and is another whose all-action style is suited to this game.
“Daniel MacCuish also has previous experience at a younger level and his good stick work will help the Scots.”
Throw-in is at 2.45pm. Scotland supporters unable to make the trip can watch the international live on the official TG4 YouTube channel.
Women’s Camanachd Association announces Scotland squad
The Women’s Camanachd Association has announced its Scotland squad for the shinty/camogie international against Irish opposition in early November.
With James Gallacher, Laura Mackay and Andrew Morris in charge of the Scots, Mowi National Division winners Badenoch, Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup winners Skye Camanachd and Lochaber have the largest representation with four players each.
There is also a place for Uddingston’s Alison MacVicar, originally from Oban, and former Fort William player Zoe Smith who now plays for Glenurquhart.
Skye’s Sarah Yoxon is included having made her Scotland debut in the first official international in Ratoath in 2004.
The Scots travel to Cork on Friday November 3 before playing Irish opponents that evening and again the following afternoon.
Scotland from: Mairi Stewart, Badenoch; Megan Ralph, Badenoch; Rhona McIntyre, Badenoch; Zoe Reid, Badenoch; Christy Doherty, Glasgow Mid Argyll; Laura McCafferty, Glasgow Mid Argyll; Rachael McCafferty, Glasgow Mid Argyll; Hazel Hunter, Glenurquhart; Ishbel Barr, Glenurquhart; Zoe Smith, Glenurquhart; Lorna MacRae, Kinlochshiel; Amy Disher, Lochaber; Mairi Duncan, Lochaber; Missy Cameron, Lochaber; Natalie MacDonald, Lochaber; Caitlin Maclean, Skye Camanachd; Rhianna Kirk, Skye Camanachd; Sarah-Jane Ferguson, Skye Camanachd; Sarah Yoxon, Skye Camanachd, and Alison MacVicar, Uddingston.
2023 Mowi Shinty Awards
Nominations for the 2023 Mowi Shinty Awards are open.
The awards recognise the extraordinary efforts and incredible endeavour required to deliver shinty throughout the 2023 shinty season.
This year’s awards are again based on the important values on which the sport is built upon and to which sponsors Mowi and the Camanachd Association operate.
The closing date for this year’s nominations is 5pm on Monday October 30, with the awards ceremony taking place in the Highland Cinema, Cameron Square, Fort William, at 4pm on Saturday November 18.
Shinty supporters can make their nominations via the Camanachd Association website www.shinty.com.
North shinty
Mowi Premiership
Glasgow Mid Argyll 0 Kingussie 7
Kingussie are on the verge of sealing a third successive Mowi Premiership title after winning 7-0 against Glasgow Mid Argyll (GMA) in their 1pm throw-up at Peterson Park.
GMA’s Jamie Macleod was still out injured, whilst Ewan Fraser and Arran Byrne were unavailable. Finlay MacMillan was fit again, however, and Jan Ewers was added to their squad.
Kingussie fielded Thomas Borthwick at full centre with Iain Fraser and Calum MacKintosh joining Ruaridh Anderson and James Falconer in attack. Savio Genini was unavailable.
Kingussie broke the deadlock on 15 minutes when right wing centre Kieran Macpherson cut infield and sent a great backhand drive into the net from distance.
Ruaridh Anderson intercepted a clearance to make it 2-0 on 21 minutes and James Falconer added a third on 27 minutes, dribbling the ball by a couple of defenders before slipping it home.
The second half was just a couple of minutes old when James Falconer got his second after playing a one-two with substitute James Hutchison.
James Falconer took his tally to four goals with efforts on 62 and 70 minutes and Liam Borthwick turned the ball home at the back post a minute from time, with James Hutchison again the provider, to make it 7-0.
Some great goalkeeping from Jonathan Oates prevented Kingussie from adding to their goal haul.
With the shinty/hurling international between Ireland and Scotland taking place this Saturday, October 21, Kingussie must now wait until they host Skye at the end of the month for the chance to seal the title.
Manager Iain Borthwick added: “We could do with a game this Saturday to keep the momentum going, but we just need to stay focussed for the Skye game in a fortnight.”
GMA boss Alan MacRae added: “It was all good experience for our young players against a Kingussie team which played some great passing shinty and thoroughly deserved their win.”
Kinlochshiel 4 Lovat 0
Kinlochshiel’s clash with Lovat was reversed to Balgate on Friday afternoon when it became clear neither Kinlochshiel’s Rèaraig nor Kirkton pitches could host a game.
And the gamble paid off as the west coast side took the points following a 4-0 win.
Lovat were without Drew Howie, Daniel Grieve, Craig Mainland, Martin Mainland, Duncan Davidson, Graeme MacMillian, Fraser Heath, Calum MacAulay and Joe Embleton. Danny Kelly and Lewis Tawse played in defence with Chris Johnston and Angus Mearns. Thomas Fraser and Euan Ferguson started in attack, with youngster Ali White on the bench.
Jonnie MacAskill, Keith MacRae, Jordon Fraser and Ali Nixon started up top for Kinlochshiel in a south formation.
Lovat defended well through the first half, with Kinlochshiel keeper Josh Grant virtually a bystander. It looked like they might reach the break on level terms before a ball up the park on the stroke of half-time left home keeper Stuart MacDonald in no-man’s-land and Kinlochshiel’s Keith MacRae nipped in to slip the ball home.
Kinlochshiel brought David Falconer off the bench to join their attack five minutes into the second half and the switch paid immediate dividends.
On 55 minutes, Falconer capitalised on a slip in the home defence to turn the ball into the bottom corner of the net to make it 2-0. A minute later, he unleashed a spectacular 30-yard shot into the net.
Finlay MacRae, flanked by Donald Nixon and Duncan ‘DA’ MacRae, controlled the centre line. Kinlochshiel skipper Jordan Fraser added a fourth 10 minutes from time, running onto the ball and scoring from the edge of the ‘D’ after Keith MacRae lifted a free-hit over two Lovat defenders.
Kinlochshiel manager Willie MacRae was pleased with his team’s performance, and said: “Lovat were short, but we moved the ball well. It’s not often any team scores four times at Balgate, regardless of the circumstances.
“Finlay MacRae at centre, Mark MacDonald and Conor Cormack were all excellent, whilst David Falconer made a big difference to the forward line when he came on.
“Young Kieran Martin at wing back is an up-and-coming player and he did everything I asked of him. He never missed a ball all afternoon.
“We still have John MacRae and Ollie MacRae to come back, whilst Archie MacRae and Arron Jack were also missing so there will be good competition for places next season and some players will be looking over their shoulders.”
Lovat manager Jamie Matheson added: “Kinlochshiel deserved their win, but our boys defended incredibly well considering who we were missing. It’s good to get the game played though. It’s another step closer to finishing the season.”
Mowi North Division 1
Fort William 3 Glenurquhart 3
The Fort William second team completed their season with an exciting 3-3 draw with the Glenurquhart second team at An Aird.
Glenurquhart started well, with home keeper Stuart Disher seeing some early action.
The visitors took the lead on 23 minutes when Neale Reid finished well but Fort William turned the game on its head with a late first half double.
First, under-17 captain Archie MacKinnon crashed the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle on 43 minutes and, on the stroke of half-time, skipper Struan Stephen put the hosts ahead with just enough time left to re-start the game.
Fort William went 3-1 ahead 10 minutes into the second half when Padraig McNeil found the net but a couple of minutes later, Neale Reid scored his second goal of the game to make it 3-2.
Fort William were just seconds away from taking both points before Neale Reid popped up in the final minute to complete his hat-trick to take a share of the points.
Skye Camanachd 5 Kinlochshiel 1
The Skye Camanachd seconds will finish runners-up in the division after beating the Kinlochshiel seconds 5-1 in their derby at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree.
The constant rain through the week left the match in some doubt but a breezy, dry Saturday meant the pitch was perfectly playable, although both goalmouths were on the soft side.
Referee Jamie MacPherson led the players in a minute’s silence ahead of throw-up following the sad passing of Camanachd Association Grade 1 referee Martin MacLean.
Kinlochshiel started with the wind in their favour but it was Skye who took the lead on 16 minutes when full forward Dan MacDonald blasted the ball high over the keeper Calum MacMillan’s left shoulder from 15 yards on the left.
Kinlochshiel came close to a leveller on 39 minutes when Duncan MacRae’s hit-in from the left came to Paul MacRae who played in Duncan MacMillan. His strike was well-saved with his right foot by Skye keeper Michael Nicolson and Martin MacRae was quickly onto the rebound which he sent low by the far post to the goalie’s left.
Calum MacMillan did well to save Dan MacDonald’s shot by his left post before juggling the ball away on 51 minutes but Dan MacDonald wasn’t to be denied as he got his second to double Skye’s lead on 55 minutes with a clean strike from the left.
There was a touch of fortune to Skye’s third goal on the hour-mark as the impressive Seonaidh-Alex launched a free-hit from the left which dropped just outside the front of the ‘D’. Kinlochshiel full back Campbell Lamont stretched to reach the ball but inadvertently deflected it down past his own keeper.
There was a late flurry of goals as Lewis MacVicar countered for Kinlochshiel on 81 minutes with a good shot from right of centre which went just inside keeper Michael Nicolson’s left post.
Skye lost full centre Seonaidh-Alex MacLeod from the re-start after suffered an accidental blow to the hip when challenging for the ball with opposing full centre Paul MacRae. Skye manager Willie MacDonald moved David MacInnes to centre with Ryan Nicolson coming off the bench to go to full back with his son Nui Nicolson to his side at wing back and his brother Michael Nicolson behind him in goal.
With five minutes remaining, Dan MacDonald completed his hat-trick with a precise finish as he expertly lifted the ball home when the Kinlochshiel defence failed to deal with a David MacInnes free-hit from the middle of the park.
Archie Millar rounded off the scoring a minute from time, taking the ball out of the air from Calum MacMillan’s goal-hit and surging forward before hammering the ball inside the keeper’s left post to make it 5-1.
Mowi North Division 2
Lochaber P Strathglass P
The fixture between the Lochaber colts and the Strathglass colts at Spean Bridge was called off on Friday evening when the pitch was deemed unplayable.
The match will be rescheduled.
Women’s Camanachd Association
There were a couple of Women’s Camanachd Association regional fixtures over the weekend.
Mowi North Division 2
Glengarry P Skye Camanachd P
The fixture between Glengarry and Skye Camanachd B at Craigard on Saturday October 14 was postponed because the pitch was unplayable.
Inverness 1 Kinlochshiel 10
Champions Kinlochshiel defeated Inverness B 10-1 in their 1pm throw-up at the Bught Park on Sunday October 15.
Rule changes challenge Scots
Scotland manager Garry Reid and his squad are going through their final preparations ahead of the shinty/hurling international against Ireland at Páirc Esler, Newry, on Saturday October 21.
With the Mowi Quaich at stake, there are two rule changes the Scots will have to contend with, both which appear to favour the Irish.
Garry Reid explained: “The rule changes will make it more difficult for us. The two points for a dead ball over the bar is now only one point. That is something we have benefitted from through the past, especially with Kevin Bartlett in our side.
“Also, their goalie can now catch the ball. A regular tactic of ours would be to float the ball into the goalmouth to see how they deal with it. We got a couple of goals from that last time around, but we can’t do that any more as the keeper will just catch it and clear.
“I always believe the first half-hour is crucial in these games as Ireland settle into the contest. We are back to the venue when Ireland last won at home but there is no doubt our guys will be up for it.”
Oban Camanachd trio Daniel Sloss, Daniel MacCuish and Blair McFarlane are all set to win their first Scotland cap at the weekend, recognition Oban Camanachd manager Gareth Evans believes is richly deserved.
Gareth said: “They are all worthy of the honour to represent Scotland. Daniel Sloss has performed to such a high standard for a number of years now and has the physicality for the cross-code game. He has also played shinty/hurling at the younger age groups so he will be ready for it.
“Blair McFarlane has tremendous athleticism and is another whose all-action style is suited to this game.
“Daniel MacCuish also has previous experience at a younger level and his good stick work will help the Scots.”
Throw-in is at 2.45pm. Scotland supporters unable to make the trip can watch the international live on the official TG4 YouTube channel.
Women’s Camanachd Association announces Scotland squad
The Women’s Camanachd Association has announced its Scotland squad for the shinty/camogie international against Irish opposition in early November.
With James Gallacher, Laura Mackay and Andrew Morris in charge of the Scots, Mowi National Division winners Badenoch, Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup winners Skye Camanachd and Lochaber have the largest representation with four players each.
There is also a place for Uddingston’s Alison MacVicar, originally from Oban, and former Fort William player Zoe Smith who now plays for Glenurquhart.
Skye’s Sarah Yoxon is included having made her Scotland debut in the first official international in Ratoath in 2004.
The Scots travel to Cork on Friday November 3 before playing Irish opponents that evening and again the following afternoon.
Scotland from: Mairi Stewart, Badenoch; Megan Ralph, Badenoch; Rhona McIntyre, Badenoch; Zoe Reid, Badenoch; Christy Doherty, Glasgow Mid Argyll; Laura McCafferty, Glasgow Mid Argyll; Rachael McCafferty, Glasgow Mid Argyll; Hazel Hunter, Glenurquhart; Ishbel Barr, Glenurquhart; Zoe Smith, Glenurquhart; Lorna MacRae, Kinlochshiel; Amy Disher, Lochaber; Mairi Duncan, Lochaber; Missy Cameron, Lochaber; Natalie MacDonald, Lochaber; Caitlin Maclean, Skye Camanachd; Rhianna Kirk, Skye Camanachd; Sarah-Jane Ferguson, Skye Camanachd; Sarah Yoxon, Skye Camanachd, and Alison MacVicar, Uddingston.
2023 Mowi Shinty Awards
Nominations for the 2023 Mowi Shinty Awards are open.
The awards recognise the extraordinary efforts and incredible endeavour required to deliver shinty throughout the 2023 shinty season.
This year’s awards are again based on the important values on which the sport is built upon and to which sponsors Mowi and the Camanachd Association operate.
The closing date for this year’s nominations is 5pm on Monday October 30, with the awards ceremony taking place in the Highland Cinema, Cameron Square, Fort William, at 4pm on Saturday November 18.
Shinty supporters can make their nominations via the Camanachd Association website www.shinty.com.