Shinty: Glenurquhart claim MacDonald Cup with 4-1 success against Strathglass

Glenurquhart’s historic 1887 match with Strathglass is central to the origin of the rules that apply to modern-day shinty, and these great rivals played their latest encounter with the coveted MacDonald Cup at stake, and the Glen ran out 4-1 winners at Blairbeg.

Daniel Maclean stuck twice for the hosts in the first half and Doug Brockie added a third with a nice finish soon after the restart.

Daniel Maclean went on to complete his hat-trick, earning him the man of the match accolade but Strathglass made a game of it and the impressive Penri Jones scored their goal.

New Glen manager Iain MacLeod said: “We created a lot of chances in the game, especially during the first 20 minutes, but Strathglass stuck in, and their keeper Adam Todd made good saves whilst Penri Jones is one of the best attackers around.

“We didn’t risk Neale Ried as he has a hamstring tweak whilst our captain Alastair MacLean must have been a close second in the man of the match stakes.

“Injuries and suspensions meant we’ve had to use Alastair Maclean at buckshee back, where he’s been terrific, but I prefer him in midfield.

“We play Beauly in our first league match of the season on Saturday and Oban Celtic the week after. We’ll have a better indication of where we are after that.”

Lovat impress against Kinlochshiel

Lovat, relegated from the top flight at the end of last season, defeated Mowi Premiership opposition for the second time this preseason, following up last week’s 4-3 victory over Col Glen with a 3-1 defeat of Kinlochshiel.

Marc MacLachlan, Greg Matheson and Lewis Tawse scored the home goals whilst a ball to Ali Nixon at the front post looked to have entered the net off a home defender as Shiel countered.

Lovat boss Iain Nicolson said: “I’m happy with our performance levels and obviously glad to see us getting a few goals. The most pleasing thing for me over the last couple of weeks though is the number of chances we are creating and with that comes goals.”

Shiel manager Willie MacRae added: “We didn’t have Duncan Matheson, WD MacRae and Archie MacRae and we lost some preventable goals.

“We created good chances though and it was good to have Ollie MacRae back and he played an hour as did David Falconer at full centre. Arron Jack was very good, whilst Donald Nixon was man of the match at wing centre.”

Campbell hits hat-trick for Fort

Fort William were to play a friendly match with Caberfeidh but when the sides were pitched together on the opening day of the new Mowi Premiership season, they cancelled the game.

The Fort quickly found new opponents in Inverness, managed by father and son team Callum and Jason Mcleod.

The Fort’s higher league status told in the end as they took a 7-2 win. Rising star Ewen Campbell, formerly of Oban Celtic, grabbed a Fort William hat-trick with Victor Smith netting twice and brothers Jack Fraser and Mark Fraser getting the others.

Arran MacMaster’s huge strike from near the halfway line deceived keeper Paul MacKay and found the top corner of the net and a goal from young Daniel Kruger also counted for Inverness.

Fort William manager Scott McNeil said: “We were 3-0 ahead at half-time, moving the ball sharply and we added some more after the restart.

“We’ll have to play better than that when the season starts next week though, and indeed during the weeks ahead.

“The game has helped get us up and running and it was good of Inverness to come down to play us. Their keeper made some good saves, especially from Padraig McNeill and Archie MacKinnon. Young Archie MacKinnon was outstanding, he has a great touch and the way he goes by players is very exciting.”

Kingussie’s match with Kilmallie and Kyles Athletic’s meeting with Bute were both postponed due to unplayable fields.

[Source: Press and Journal]