Shinty: Kingussie regular returning from Canada – but injuries bite before MacTavish Cup

Macpherson was a regular in the side before moving overseas a year ago, and Kingussie manager Ronald Ross said: “Kieran should be back by the end of the month, which is a boost.

“He’s got a job back here and he’s been training in Canada.

“He made contact with me soon after I took the job and he didn’t take long getting his flights booked for a return home.

“I’m looking forward to working with him.”

However, holders Kingussie could be without two forwards for their WM Donald MacTavish Cup tie at Kinlochshiel.

Ross added: “James Falconer is awaiting an x-ray on his foot and Savio Genini pulled a hamstring last week.”

Shiel manager Willie MacRae said: “David Falconer’s nearly there, but Archie MacRae’s still bothered by his knee.

“I’d intended using Ali Nixon in attack this year, but he’s had to drop into full-centre where he’s been excellent, so I don’t really want to move him.

“We’ve had two good wins and want to take the positives from these games and build something.”

Skye look for MacTavish Cup comforts after stop-start shinty season opening

After league defeats to Kingussie and Newtonmore, Skye Camanachd look to get their season up-and-running at home to Kilmallie.

Skye boss Kenny MacLeod said: “Hopefully this tie will mark the real start of our season.

“The stop-start nature of our campaign so far has been frustrating for the whole squad.

“We now need to build some momentum, get a run of games together, and become a settled team again.”

William MacKinnon and John Gillies are Skye’s main concerns, while Kilmallie’s Shane O’Rua is suspended.

On-form Glenurquhart make the short trip to play neighbours Strathglass at Cannich.

Glen boss Iain MacLeod said: “We’re delighted to have Fergus Robertson back after his four-game suspension. Fergus gives us options, but that said, the other boys have done well covering his absence over the early games of the season, so he’ll have to work his way back into the team.”

There’s a derby tie between Lochaber and Fort William at Spean Bridge, while Caberfeidh start as favourites at lower league Inverness.

League fixtures as leaders Newtonmore have chance to capitalise

With others in cup action, Mowi Premiership table-toppers Newtonmore can extend their league lead when they play Oban Camanachd at The Eilan.

Newtonmore manager Peter Ross said: “Drew MacDonald’s our only worry. He’s playing very well this season and he’s having physio – but I’ve been bumping my gums about having a big squad this year, so I won’t risk him unless he’s 100%.

“Tristan Ross is playing with a broken finger, and although his arm was punctured last Saturday, he was holding a stick at training, so he’ll be fine.”

Oban Camanachd assistant manager Iain MacMillan said: “Louie MacFarlane finally returns from a two-game suspension carried forward from the end of last season when he was sent off, ironically also at Newtonmore.

“I’m not sure if Lorne Dickie will be available, and whilst Daniel MacVicar, Ross Macmillan and Connor Howe have had niggling injuries, last week’s postponement gave them additional time to recover.

“It’s a game we definitely don’t want to lose, and we don’t want Newtonmore getting further ahead of us in the league.

“They’ve had a steady run of fixtures and won some difficult games, so they are looking strong.

“It will be a big test, but one we’re ready for.”

Col Glen and Kyles Athletic have a derby at The Clachan of Glendaruel, where Kyles Athletic’s Jamie Forgrieve serves a one-match ban.

In the Mowi National Division, Glasgow Mid Argyll welcome Beauly, who miss Connor Ross and Charlie MacRae as they complete their two-game bans.

Inveraray’s Ross Montgomery is free of his suspension for Bute’s visit.

The Islanders welcome Marcus Planck and Rory McDonald back from their bans, but Scott Harvey is still suspended.

[Source: Press and Journal]