Shinty: Macaulay Cup gets going with Mossfield double-header

The Macaulay Cup gets under way with a first-round double header at Mossfield Stadium which again hosts this year’s final.

First up are 2025 runner-up Oban Camanachd but they’re without talisman Daniel MacVicar for the visit of in-form National Division side Inveraray at noon.

Oban Camanachd assistant manager Iain MacMillan said: “Daniel MacVicar is on holiday, but Malcolm Clark returns to the squad.

“Ross Macmillan and Ross Campbell have a chance, and we’ll make a decision on them after Thursday’s training. Calum MacMillan’s injury keeps him out though.

“Inveraray are scoring freely and performing well. They’ve been on an upward trajectory for a few years now and we’re giving this game our full attention. We know we need to perform to a high standard to progress.”

Inveraray’s Robert Wood suffered a hand injury in last week’s win over Bute, but Lewis Montgomery is free of suspension.

Later in the afternoon, Oban Celtic welcome Aberdour with a 3pm start.

Celtic co-manager Cammy Mccallum is delighted with Gabriel Tidser return from injury and hopes 2025 Mowi South Area Leagues player of the year Kyle MacFarlane won’t be too far behind.

Mccallum said: “Gabriel was back to his old self against Ardnamurchan last week, dropping some lovely balls into the forwards.

“He also got forward from his full centre position to score a brilliant hat-trick. We’re still waiting on Kyle MacFarlane’s return from injury but hopefully we’ll see him back in the next couple of weeks.”

Elsewhere in the south half of the draw, Kyles Athletic, boosted by Innes Macdonald’s return from a broken hand last week, welcome Glasgow Mid Argyll whilst Col Glen host Bute.

Caberfeidh bolster their ranks

In the north, Caberfeidh manager Garry Reid revealed a new signing with Farquhar MacRae due to join from Beauly ahead on Fort William’s visit.

Reid said: “Farquhar trained with us last week, and we’re in the process registering his signature. He looks fit and strong and has undoubted talent.

“We hope that everything will be in place to allow him to feature for our second team on Saturday, but there is no doubt he’ll be an asset to our first team squad.

“Jamie MacIntosh and Russell MacKenzie return to the squad for Saturday, but Ben Macdonald drops out.

“We expect another tough encounter as we’ve already played Fort William twice this season, so we know each other pretty well.

“The big games are coming thick and fast, so it is important to regain our momentum following last week’s defeat to a strong Newtonmore team.”

Newtonmore, boosted by Michael Russell’s return last week, should have trio Matthew Sloss, Struan Ross and Euan Dingwall back for the tie with Kinlochshiel. Scotland defender Duncan Matheson returns for Shiel.

Falconer in line to start

After scoring four goals for the Kingussie second team on his return from injury last week, James Falconer is in contention to start for holders Kingussie against Lochaber at The Dell.

Manager Ronald Ross said: “James is huge player for us, and we have missed his energy and direct running since his injury in our first game of the season.

“We’re well aware of Lochaber’s strengths, and they will be full of confidence following a good away win against Skye last week so it will be a difficult game.”

It’s Skye’s designated free weekend so their tie at Lovat will be rescheduled.

Second-placed Lovat play one of their games in hand on Mowi National Division leaders Glenurquhart and it’s a second derby of the season at neighbours Beauly.

Lovat boss Iain Nicolson said: “Angus Mearns is three weeks into his recovery from a broken hand but, apart from that, everyone else is available so I’m pleased with that.

“It’s a tough league and we’re taking it a game at a time.

“We won our last encounter with Beauly in the cup but know this will be a different test and we’ll all need to be at it to take both points.”

[Source: Press and Journal]