Shinty: Newtonmore survive penalty shootout drama to reach MacTavish Cup final

Fierce rivals Newtonmore and Kingussie will meet in next month’s WM Donald MacTavish Cup Final for the first time since 2009.

However, More were made to sweat before eventually seeing off Caberfeidh 3-2 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Drew MacDonald ran in behind the home defence to get onto a Conor Jones ball and give More a first half advantage before Struan Ross added a sensational second after beating his marker.

However, Gavin McLauchlan lifted the ball over the keeper to half the deficit before a Caberfeidh corner deflected off Craig Ritchie as it went by keeper Kenny Ross to force extra-time.

Matthew Sloss’s angled drive put More back in front but, with Blair Morrison pushed forward, Farquhar MacRae fired a 30-yard rocket-shot following a set-piece to make it 3-3.

It took 16 penalties to eventually settle the tie with Kevin Bartlett and Gavin McLauchlan converting for Cabers and Steven Macdonald, Rory Kennedy and a decisive Struan Ross strike making the difference.

Newtonmore manager Peter Ross said: “We dominated the first half and started the second half strongly, but Cabers showed great character to come back, and they might feel aggrieved in the end.

“Struan Ross deserved to score the winning penalty. He’s a bit of a maverick but he was our best forward.

“Tristan Ross and Daniel Sloss stood out whilst Connor MacGregor, Kevin Bartlett, Blair Morrison and Farquhar MacRae were great for Cabers.”

Caberfeidh manager Garry Reid said: “It was just heartbreaking. We said we’d give it our all, and we did just that with all 15 players leaving everything out on the pitch, but unfortunately, we just fell short.

“We competed so well throughout the game and caused problems to their back line throughout the game.

“Coming back from 2-0 and then 3-2 in extra-time showed real spirit and character from the team. A penalty shoot-out is a lottery, and it fell Newtonmore’s way.”

All the goals were scored in the first half as holders Kingussie saw off Lovat 8-0.

Four-goal Roddy Young and efforts from Savio Genini, Dylan Borthwick, Ruaridh Anderson and Rory Munro’s debut strike won the day.

Kingussie manager Ronald Ross said: “I’m delighted. Some of the shinty we played and the goals we scored in the first half were excellent. You never get an easy game at Kiltarlity, and Lovat were on a good run of form.”

GMA come from behind to edge Col Glen

Glasgow Mid Argyll came from two goals down to beat Col Glen 3-2 and reach the Scottish Sea Farms Glasgow Celtic Society Challenge Cup Final.

Neily Mcnaughton and Brandon Wilson had the hosts two-up but Calum Morrison’s brace, either side of Ross Brown’s strike, sent GMA through.

Manager Nick Lavin said: “It was a real fighting performance from us, coming back from 2-0 down then holding them out for the whole second half under intense pressure. Several players stepped up from our second team and never looked out of place, so credit to them.”

Holders Oban Camanachd chase four-in-a-row, after defeating Inveraray 6-1 in their semi. Daniel Madej scored twice and Connor Howe, Malcolm Clark, Craig Macmillan and Danial MacVicar the others. Ruaraidh Graham replied.

MacLellan’s treble makes the difference

Beauly will play Oban Camanachd in the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup second round after winning 4-2 at Aberdour. Angus MacCallum and Ciaran Burns scored for the hosts, but 17-year-old Louie MacLellan’s hat-trick and his older brother Leon MacLellan’s shot fired Beauly through.

Fort William go third in the Mowi Premiership after Archie MacKinnon’s double and Victor Smith’s strike earned a 3-0 win at Kyles Athletic.

In the Mowi National Division, Kilmallie won 7-1 at Oban Celtic. Kyle MacFarlane scored for Celtic, but four-goal Shane O’Rua and efforts from Archie MacNiven, Calum MacDougall and Martin Stewart gave Kilmallie victory. Kilmallie’s Jay MacLeod was sent off.

Leaders Glenurquhart went four points clear after beating Bute 4-0. John Barr’s early opener came before Charlie MacLeod’s brace and a strike from his brother Alfie MacLeod.

[Source: Press and Journal]