Shinty: Favourites Newtonmore wary of cup underdogs Caberfeidh

Newtonmore manager Peter Ross is wary of the threat of counterpart Garry Reid as he bids to lead his side to the WM Donald MacTavish Cup final for the first time in seven years this weekend.

More last appeared in the final in 2019 when they lifted the trophy following a 3-0 win over Glenurquhart.

They have the chance to reach the final again when they meet Caberfeidh in this year’s semi-finals but Ross is braced for a challenging semi-final tie.

Ross said: “Garry Reid is the best Scotland manager I’ve seen, playing the game the right way, and he’ll have done his homework on us.

“This will be difficult. We won against Cabers at The Eilan recently, but past results are just that; in the past and this tie’s at their place although we have been good away from home this season.

“I like Caberfeidh, they play attractive shinty and have one of the game’s top players in Blair Morrison, so we’ll need a plan for him.

“They’ve also made a shrewd signing in the versatile Farquhar MacRae.

“We’re pretty much full strength although Declan Brannan’s suspended. Iain Robinson has been an unused substitute for our last two games, but he looks good to go whilst Michael Russell’s hand injury is only bruising.”

‘We’re under no illusions’

Caberfeidh boss Reid said: “We’ve not had a cup run for a few years, so by getting to the semi-final, we’ve given ourselves a chance.

“We’re under no illusion that we go into the game as underdogs, with Newtonmore the form team of the moment and they recorded a comfortable victory against us three weeks ago.

“We know each other well, so there will be no surprises.

“In order to give ourselves a chance, we have to break down the strongest defence in shinty at this moment in time. We’re at home, and there will be a big crowd.

“Semi-finals are not necessarily to be enjoyed, but to be won, so we’ll give it a go.

“We’ve no fresh injuries, but we’re still without a number of players.”

Cup holders aiming to keep grip on the trophy

Holders Kingussie still haven’t lost a MacTavish Cup tie since 2021 and the latest hurdle in their attempt for five-in-a-row comes at 2014 winners Lovat.

Kingussie manager Ronald Ross is without a key forward though.

He said: “Unfortunately, James Falconer’s out with a hamstring injury which is a blow. We’re monitoring Robert Mabon, Calum Grant and Savio Genini all who have injuries.

“Lovat with home advantage will be a real challenge as they always are.

“They have top players throughout their squad and are riding high at the top end of the National, so we’re well aware of the challenge in front of us.”

Lovat boss Iain Nicolson added: “We’ll have the same squad as the past couple of weeks.

“Obviously, we go into this tie as massive underdogs, but it will be a good test for my guys.”

Places in Challenge Cup final at stake

In the south, the Scottish Sea Farms Glasgow Celtic Society Challenge Cup semi-finals take place.

Inveraray stand between Oban Camanachd and a fourth successive final appearance.

Oban Camanachd assistant manager Iain MacMillan said: “We’ve the same squad as last week.

“Our game with Inveraray two weeks ago just reaffirms how big a challenge they pose, and we’ll have to be at the top of our game to reach the final.”

Col Glen play Glasgow Mid Argyll at The Clachan of Glendaruel in the other semi.

Aberdour welcome Beauly in the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup first round and a home tie against Oban Camanachd awaits the winners.

In the day’s only Mowi Premiership match, Kyles Athletic will look to put last week’s devastating defeat to Kingussie behind them when they host Fort William.

In the Mowi National Division, Fraser Watt scored four, including two penalties, as Inveraray won 5-1 in their midweek match at Oban Celtic. Coll MacKay also netted whilst Duncan MacEwan countered. Oban Celtic’s second game of the week is against Kilmallie whilst leaders Glenurquhart can go four points clear if they win at Bute.

The match of the day in the WCA Premier League is reigning champions Lochaber’s home game with third placed Kinlochshiel. Second place Skye visit Inverness

[Source: Press and Journal]