Shinty: Kingussie defeat Newtonmore in feisty MacTavish Cup final

Savio Genini, so often the man for the big occasions, produced what opposition manager Peter Ross described as “a wonder strike” to send Kingussie on their way to a fifth successive WM Donald MacTavish Cup success as they beat Newtonmore 2-0 in a full-blooded final in Inverness.

Iain Robinson and Ruaridh Anderson had the best first half attempts, but keepers Rory McGregor and Kenny Ross were equal to them.

Sparks flew on-field and extra-time seemed inevitable before the Kings broke the deadlock on 75 minutes.

Substitute Lee Bain, who had a big impact on the game after coming on at the break, cut the ball back from the left and Savio Genini sent a glorious strike into the roof of the net.

More pressed for a leveller but, deep into stoppage time, and with Lee Bain involved again, Ruaridh Anderson, back on the field after taking time-out following a heavy Daniel Sloss challenge, sent a great strike from the right across the keeper and just inside the far post to make it 2-0.

Newtonmore’s 55-year-old keeper Kenny Ross was awarded the Tom MacKanzie medal as player of the match for a string of super stops before Ruaridh Anderson climbed the Bught Park steps to raise his first trophy as Kingussie captain.

A sparky handshake between the managers at full-time only whetted the appetite for this season’s forthcoming clashes between the sides, beginning with Saturday’s MKM Oban Macaulay Cup quarter-final tie.

Kingussie boss Ronald Ross said: “It was an excellent all-round team performance against a well-organised Newtonmore side who are in good form.

“We scored two top class goals from Savio Genini and Ruaridh Anderson and that made the difference.”

Ruaridh Anderson said: “Newtonmore made it very tricky for us, but we defended excellently when we needed to. We had a great support, and we heard them.”

A moment of magic makes the difference

Newtonmore manager Peter Ross said: “It was a pretty even final but for a wonder strike from Savio Genini and fair play to him.

“That left us chasing the game and we were caught cold for their second at the end. This won’t impact us one bit though and we’ll be ready for this coming Saturday.”

Earlier in the day, Newtonmore retained the MacTavish Juvenile Cup, twice coming from behind to beat Skye Camanachd 4-2 whilst Rockfield primary won the MacKay Cup with a 4-3 victory over last year’s winners Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh.

In the MKM Oban Macaulay Cup quarter-finals, Oban Camanachd beat lower league Bute 3-0 at Mossfield.

Ross Campbell got the opener after just 2 minutes, but the win wasn’t sealed until two goals in 60 seconds around the hour through Daniel MacVicar and Lewis Cameron.

Aberdour put in a terrific performance before eventually going down 2-1 to Kyles Athletic in the other south quarter-final tie.

Aberdour led through Calum Murray but Ethan Kerr, just before half-time, and Ross Macrae’s late goal gave Kyles a 2-1 win.

Skye boss hails best display of the season

Skye despatched Lovat 4-0 in the remaining first round tie. Archie Millar played in the returning Ruaraidh MacLeod who beat his marker before scoring the opener.

Millar then made it 2-0 and was also involved in the lead up play ahead of subsequent strikes from Neil MacVicar and Daniel MacDonald.

Lovat’s Craig Mainland suffered a suspected broken finger.

Skye manager David Taylor said: “That was our best performance of the season and it’s no coincidence that we had everyone back for the first time this season.”

The rearranged Mowi Premiership meeting between Kinlochshiel and Fort William fell to a waterlogged pitch at Rèaraig.

Beauly go third in the Mowi National Division after coming from behind to beat Glasgow Mid Argyll 2-1.

The visitors led through player/assistant manager Ross Brown but second half goals from David MacLean and Connor Ross won it for Beauly.

The encounter between Inveraray and Kilmallie was a weather postponement as was the WCA Premier League fixture between Skye and Lochaber.

[Source: Press and Journal]