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Press and Journal
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Shinty: MacTavish Cup final - Lovat skipper says 'ignore league results', as Kingussie counterpart hunts captain's caman
A refurbished Bught Park, Inverness, is the setting for the first final of the shinty season as holders Kingussie meet Lovat in the WM Donald MacTavish Cup showpiece. Both captains think this contest is too close to call. While Lovat may have slipped into the Mowi Premiership relegation zone last weekend, their skipper Martin Mainland said: 'Don't take our league results as an indication of how the final might go – our league form's been patchy but that's down to injuries and player availability. 'We've had a stronger squad for the three cup competitions and we're unbeaten in these.' It is a much-changed Lovat rearguard after keeper Stuart MacDonald and defenders Drew Howie and Daniel Grieve stepped down at the end of last season. Mainland – who has won the MacTavish on two previous occasions – is now fulfilling the full-back role and has been impressed by keeper Ronan Macmillan, who stepped up from the second team. He said: 'Ronan is such a good shot-stopper, but I feel as a defence, we've let him down at times this year. We're all building that experience of playing together – something Stuart, Drew and Dan had for years. 'I've broken my ankle a couple of times recently, including in last year's Camanachd Cup final. I've rested it, but now playing the full back-role suits me.' Kingussie have lifted 11 of the last 12 trophies on offer, but captain Thomas Borthwick, a four-time MacTavish winner, is taking nothing for granted. He said: 'It's a cup final and it's all about what happens during the 90 minutes. 'My first win came in 2010 when my uncle Stephen was manager. 'I've never won a silver-mounted caman before (given to the victorious captain), so that's an incentive – but so is Kingussie winning.' Borthwick's played upfront for most of his career, but is currently revelling in a midfield role. He added: 'I enjoy midfield – whether full-centre or wing-centre – where you're more involved in the game. 'I've had injuries in the past, but I've played every minute this season, and although we've been without key players over recent weeks, we'll be going in with a full squad on Saturday, so the manager has options.' Lovat are without top scorer Marc MacLachlan, who's on a pre-planned holiday, but Greg Matheson should return, while Kingussie welcome back Savio Genini, Lee Bain, Rory MacKeachan, Dylan Borthwick and Cammie Bremner. Earlier in the day, Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh and Rockfield primary school contest the MacKay Cup final before the MacTavish Juvenile Cup final between Glenurquhart under-17 and Newtonmore under-17. With two Artemis Macaulay Cup semi-final spots up for grabs, Oban Camanachd are favourites at National Division side Bute. The Oban side were boosted by Daniel Maccuish's return from injury last weekend. Kyles Athletic and Glasgow Mid Argyll both go into their tie at Tighnabruaich on the back of successive defeats. With Kingussie and Oban Camanachd in cup action, Fort William play their game in hand and can go level on points with the Kings at the top of the Mowi Premiership if they win at bottom side Beauly. The first derby of the season between Kinlochshiel and Skye Camanachd takes place at Rearaig. Shiel were encouraged when Ali Nixon played 90 minutes following injury last week, but manager Willie MacRae fears David Falconer's season may be over with the player on crutches. Skye boss Kenny MacLeod's hopes of including Jordan Murchison have been dashed after the talented forward suffered an eye injury playing for the second team last week. The top two sides in the Mowi National Division clash as second-placed Col Glen host leaders Lochaber. Col Glen, who trail by a point, have Jamie MacVicar free of suspension. Kilmallie's Calum MacDougall misses Inveraray's visit as he starts a three-match ban. In the WCA Mowi Premier League, Lochaber play one of their two games in hand on leaders Badenoch when they visit Skye. Lochaber are currently four points off the top.
Press and Journal
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Shinty: Chilli is back on the menu at Newtonmore ahead of Caberfeidh clash
Shinty's opening day fixture list is reversed as the Mowi Premiership approaches the halfway point. Cameron 'Chilli' McNiven returns for Newtonmore against Caberfeidh. His manager Peter Ross said: 'Chilli's back and we've a clean bill of health other than Michael Russell and Brodie MacBean who have longer-term injuries. 'Brodie has been to Ross Hall Hospital and might need a clean-up operation on his knee but getting him back is going to be such a big boost. I think he's a perfect forward. 'Drew MacDonald and Ritchie Irvine got good game time for the second team last week.' With top scorer Craig Morrison missing through injury, Cabers boss Garry Reid has seen his side draw blanks in their last two outings. He said: 'We just couldn't break Beauly down last week. We had lots of ball in the forward areas, but they defended pretty well. 'I don't think Craig Morrison is ready for a return quite yet and we're also missing Kevin Bartlett. Logan Beaton has picked up a hamstring injury, so I don't think he'll make it either, but Gavin McLaughlin comes back into the squad.' With the WM Donald MacTavish Cup final against Kingussie just a week away, Lovat manager Iain Nicolson takes his side for face former club Skye Camanachd in Portree. He said: 'Unfortunately, we have a few missing for various reasons which isn't ideal both for this important game and in terms of our preparation for the final, but it is what it is. 'That said, I have faith in the boys to get a result and I'm looking forward to coming up against good friends and old teammates.' Skye manager Kenny MacLeod recognises that it's a chance to move out of the relegation zone, saying: 'It's a massive opportunity for us to start climbing the table and I'm fully expecting a tight contest. 'I'm also looking forward to coming up against a good family friend and former teammate in Iain Nicolson. 'I've followed Lovat closely since his appointment, wanting him to do well, but that won't be the case this weekend. 'We'll be at full strength, which is a big boost, and it's great to see Jordan Murchison back training and getting valuable minutes with the second team. He's looking sharp and not far off being in the mix for selection again.' Kingussie manager Iain Borthwick gave a grim report ahead of the trip to Beauly. He said: 'It's not looking good as Rory MacKeachan had a recurrence of his hamstring injury against Skye whilst Savio Genini and Lee Bain are both working. Dylan Borthwick's unavailable and Cammie Bremner only flies back from holiday on Saturday. It's also too early for Liam Borthwick but he's getting there. 'I'm still happy with our 15-player squad. I know they won't let me down and that will make my selection even more difficult come the MacTavish final.' Kinlochshiel's Ali Nixon will have a late fitness test ahead of Oban Camanachd's visit. Shiel manager Willie MacRae said: 'Ali's hopeful and Arron Jack returns. Finlay MacRae and David Falconer are still sidelined, and Mark MacDonald is working.' Daniel Maccuish remains Oban Camanachd's main concern. Kyles Athletic defender Jamie Forgrieve is free from suspension for Fort William's visit. Ferguson Transport and Shipping Balliemore Cup semi-final places are up for grabs and holders Glasgow Mid Argyll visit Col Glen who are without the suspended Jamie MacVicar. The 2023 winners Lochaber are off to Oban Celtic, Inveraray host Aberdour whilst Strathglass and Inverness have derby clash at Cannich. Badenoch extended their lead at the top of the Mowi WCA Premier League after winning 6-1 at Kinlochshiel. Megan Ralph and Kirsty Deans both bagged doubles with Zoe Reid and Hope Borthwick making up their count. Lexie MacKenzie replied. Glenurquhart remain bottom of the table despite their goalless draw with Glasgow Mid Argyll. The Mowi Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup quarter-final ties take place this weekend and holders Lochaber travel to Inverness.
Press and Journal
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Shinty: Cup finals to be set - as Premier Division leaders Kingussie welcome back star man for meeting with National Division table-toppers
The first finalists of the shinty season will soon be known as the north and south cup competitions reach the semi-final stage this weekend. It is one defender in and one defender out for holders Kingussie ahead of their WM Donald MacTavish Cup semi against Lochaber. Their 2023 national player of the year Robert Mabon returns, but Rory MacKeachan faces a spell on the sidelines. Manager Iain Borthwick explained: 'Robert flies into the country today (Friday), but Rory's out with hamstring problems again and could be missing for a good few weeks. 'Ruaridh Anderson completed a 40km cycle this week and said his ankle's good, whilst Lee Bain trained and should be in the squad. 'Lochaber are deadly upfront, scoring lots of goals, and we won't take them lightly.' While Kingussie are top of the Mowi Premiership and clear favourites, Lochaber lead the Mowi National Division. Lochaber boss Ally Ferguson said: 'Kingussie's track record speaks for itself, and they were the team the other clubs wished to avoid. 'However, we've prepared well, and the game will be played on the amazing surface at The Dell, which our lads will relish. 'There's no doubt we'll need to be at our very best to progress to the final.' Lovat and Fort William contest the other MacTavish Cup semi. The former side were last in the final in 2014, when they lifted the trophy, while Fort were beaten finalists last year, last lifting the trophy in 2007. Lovat boss Iain Nicolson said: 'I targeted this cup when I came in at the start of the season as it's been a while since we've had success in this competition. 'It's a massive opportunity, especially with home advantage, but we'll have to be at our best against a Fort team in great form and full of confidence.' Lovat rested forward Greg Matheson last week, but he returns for this one. Fort William co-manager Alan Knox added: 'This has potential to be a cracker. 'We have Calum Shepherd back in the squad and Cam Stephen has trained, so we'll see how he is. 'Craig MacDonald is still out, but everyone else is fit. 'We had a good result last Saturday so hopefully we can kick on and reach another final.' Scottish Sea Farms Glasgow Celtic Society Challenge Cup holders Oban Camanachd entertain Glasgow Mid Argyll. 'Oban assistant manager Iain MacMillan said: 'This will be tough as GMA are well-coached and are Premiership quality, so we'll have to be prepared both mentally and physically for a battle. 'We won't rush Louie MacFarlane or Daniel MacCuish back, but Craig Macmillan's free after suspension.' GMA manager Alan MacRae said: 'Oban Camanachd are a well-established Premiership side, so pose a real challenge. 'We're still without Craig Anderson and we lost Cammie McCue on Saturday with possible ligament damage. 'Rory MacDiarmid misses out due to work commitments.' Kyles Athletic welcome Inveraray as they search for a first Celtic Society success since 2021. Manager Grant Profit said: 'We're excited about this game. 'Ross Macrae remains out and Roddy Macdonald's unavailable, but keeper Iain MacFarlane returns, as does Scott Macdonald. We're raring to go.' Kinlochshiel and Newtonmore can close the gap on the Mowi Premiership's leading pack when they meet at Rearaig. Shiel's Finlay MacRae and More's Drew MacDonald both didn't play last weekend and face fitness tests. Caberfeidh manager Garry Reid was unhappy with his team's performance against Fort William last weekend, so will be looking for improvement against Beauly, who have defender Angus Renwick free of suspension. Glenurquhart host Bute in the Mowi National Division. There was late drama as Mowi WCA Premier League leaders Badenoch won 2-1 at Skye. Skye's Holly Maclean cancelled out Hope Borthwick's opener with just a couple of minutes remaining, but there was still time for Megan Ralph's late winner. Lochaber leapfrog Skye into second place as Leah Maxtone's double and Elaine Wink earned a 3-0 win at Inverness.
BBC News
19-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Kingussie into final as Fort William remain unbeaten
Holders Kingussie swept into the semi finals of the WM Donald MacTavish Cup - shinty's North area championship - with a 5-1 home win over Skye. Fort William also maintained their unbeaten record in all competitions when they edged Kinlochshiel 1-0 at Rearaig,Lovat eliminated local rivals Glenurquhart 3-1 in Drumnadrochit, and in the other derby tie Lochaber edged visitors Kilmallie the South area championship, the Scottish Sea Farms Celtic Society Cup, Kyles swept Col Glen aside 5-0, while Inveraray progressed by the same scoreline away to Oban Celtic and Glasgow Mid Argyll defeated Bute 4-1 at was all over by half time in Kingussie where Roddy Young's second-minute opener was cancelled out in seconds by Dan MacDonald. However Young proceeded to complete a hat trick alongside goals from Ryan Borthwick and Thomas MacMillan scored the vital goal for Fort William late in the first MacLachlan put Lovat 2-0 up at half time. Daniel MacLean pulled one back for Glen but Lewis Tawse restored Lovat's two goal advantage after just three MacDonald and Shaun Nicholson put Lochaber 2-0 up just before half time and it was onto the last quarter hour before Seamus MacFarlane and Innes Blackhall struck back. Stuart Callison's winner for Lochaber came in the penultimate south, Kyles completed the job in the first half with two each from Roan MacVicar and James Pringle and a single from Luke Oban, Ewan Donnan opened for Inveraray on half time before a Fraser Watt double, Neil Campbell and Ruaridh Graham clinched it in the second from Calum McLay and one from Cailean MacLeod sent Mid Argyll 3-0 up after just eight minutes. Ryan Craig struck back for Bute in the second half and Logan Adam quickly MacNiven and Iain Robinson edged Newtonmore away from the Premiership relegation zone, condemning Beauly to a seventh consecutive defeat.
BBC News
29-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
MacTavish Cup holders Kingussie progress as Lovat also win
W M Donald MacTavish Cup holders Kingussie came close to suffering a first round shock and only progressed on penalties when underdogs Beauly held them to a 2-2 was also a shootout in the tie of the round at Kiltarlity between Lovat and Caberfeidh, where Lovat edged it after six goals were eliminated Inverness 3-0 at Drumnadrochit and Kilmallie thrashed hosts Strathglass The Dell, Kingussie looked set to dispose comfortably of the Premiership's bottom side, recent victims of four consecutive defeats. However, Louie McLellan put the underdogs ahead after just two minutes and it was into the second half before Savio Genini sent the tie to extra time. The deadlock remained into the final 15 minute period, when Dylan Borthwick gave Kingussie the lead and Colin MacDonald's strike created the shootout after which Kingussie prevailed MacLaughlin's opener for Cabers, midway through the first half, was quickly cancelled by James MacPherson. Craig Morrison edged Cabers ahead again on the half hour and only seven minutes remained when Marc MacLachlan's penalty sent the tie to 30 further Cruden gave Lovat the lead for the first time, but a Kevin Bartlett penalty against his old club produced further deadlock, setting up another shootout and a 3-2 success for took Glenurquhart almost half the game to break down lowly Inverness. John Cameron made the breakthrough, Charlie MacLeod made it 2-0 and Cameron then completed his Cannich, Calum MacDougall set Kilmallie on their way after seven minutes with the first of his five-goal tally. Lewis Birrell followed with a quick double and Innes Blackhall also contributed as the score reached 8-0. Two from Donald Fraser salvaged something for Strathglass before Jay MacLeod grabbed Kilmallie's were widespread postponements due to waterlogging and both National Division games - Inveraray v Glasgow Mid Argyll and Bute v Col Glen - were also off. Mid Argyll and Col Glen both suffered a virus outbreak, having played each other seven days previously.
