‘I’m disappointed FIFA didn’t listen to my request to move the Brazil game’

Mowi Premiership leaders Newtonmore return to league action at Lochaber and after two consecutive cup defeats to neighbours Kingussie, manager Peter Ross is looking for a positive reaction from his players.

He said: “We were very wasteful against Kingussie last week.

“We had some good performances in defence, as well as Tristan Ross in midfield and it was good to see Iain Robinson scoring.

“The rest will need to up their game and they will. Kingussie played well and they have a class player in Thomas Borthwick. He may play midfield but can often be an extra man for the defence and then an additional player for the forwards.”

More have a 100% league record to protect.

Ross added: “We need to get back to keeping it simple and do what we were doing before in the league.

“That’s served us well so far. Michael Russell was to start last week but pulled up in the warm-up so he’s our only concern.”

Lochaber’s Max Campbell, who has a spell with Newtonmore, misses the game through suspension.

Focus moves to the Premiership

Second-placed Kingussie turn their attention to the league. They trail Newtonmore by six points with two games in hand so can’t afford any slip-ups when Kinlochshiel visit.

Kingussie manager Ronald Ross said: “Our full focus is now on Saturday and we’re looking to continue our good form.”

Calum McLay is one of several shinty players at the World Cup and the Kingussie boss has an anxious wait to see if he’ll return home in time.

Shiel haven’t played for three weeks, and manager Willie MacRae added: “The worst thing about the break is getting going again but we’ve done some good drills at training so we’re ready.

“The big bonus is that Conor Cormack’s fit again and took part in the recent Highland Cross with not ill-effects. That lets me put players like WD MacRae back in their usual position.

“I’ve some boys working away from home this week and I just hope everyone’s back in time. I’m not sure whether Zander MacRae will return from the World Cup in sufficient time though.

“We meet Kingussie in the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup quarter-finals in a fortnight so I reckon neither side will want to fully show their hand.”

Fort and Skye ready for run of games

Fort William host Skye Camanachd in the second of three meetings between the sides over four weeks.

Skye won 4-0 in the MKM Oban Macaulay Cup last week, but the Fort were without Lachie Shaw, Ali MacRae, Padraig McNeil and Ewen Campbell so they will be strengthened this time around.

It’s one in and one out at Skye as Seonaidh Alex Macleod returns after suspension but Dan MacDonald is banned.

Oban Camanachd host Caberfeidh a fortnight before the sides clash in the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup quarter-finals.

Oban assistant manager Iain MacMillan said: “We’ve a full squad available with the exception of Ross Macmillan who is attending a wedding.”

Cabers are another side who haven’t played for three weeks.

Derby day in Balliemore Cup

There’s a derby between Lovat and Beauly in the Ferguson Transport & Shipping Balliemore Cup semi-finals.

Lovat manager Iain Nicolson said: “These derbies are always ones the players and supporters from both sides look forward to.

“We’ve a few boys away at the World Cup so I’m disappointed FIFA didn’t listen to my request to move the Brazil game so I could have the lads available.

“We’re still in good shape though and I’m sure it will be a close contest against a Beauly side who’ve picked up a bit of form recently.”

Beauly’s Finlay MacLennan misses out as he’s copped an untimely one-match ban.

Inveraray and Bute play their quarter-final tie, and the suspended Craig Fisher misses out for the Islanders. Kilmallie await the winners in the semi-finals.

Kinlochshiel and Skye Camanachd play their outstanding WCA Mowi Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup quarter-final tie. Badenoch, Glasgow Mid Argyll and Lochaber are already through to the semi-finals.

[Source: Press and Journal]