Shinty: Glenurquhart take a step closer to promotion after beating Lovat

Glenurquhart are on the cusp of a return to the Mowi Premiership following their 3-1 midweek win over title challengers Lovat.

The Mowi National Division leaders led through Neale Reid with Daniel MacLean and Alfie MacLeod adding goals before the break.

The returning Lewis Tawse countered for Lovat on 76 minutes, and Marc MacLachlan saw a late penalty saved by Glen keeper Tommy Ellis before hitting the post with a retake. Lovat keeper Ronan Macmillan impressed.

A delighted Glen boss Iain MacLeod said: “I can’t remember the last time we beat Lovat, and we could have won by more.

“We played some lovely, mobile shinty up front. John Barr, Andrew Corrigan and Fraser Heath held the midfield and let the forwards run riot.”

Glenurquhart and Lovat are back in action on Saturday.

Glen will check on the injured Ali MacKintosh ahead of their visit to Kilmallie whilst Lovat have Graeme Macmillan and Angus Mearns free of suspension for the trip to Bute.

Oban Celtic drop out of the league

Bottom of the table Oban Celtic have intimated to the Camanachd Association that they’re unable to complete the season due to a shortage of committed senior players.

Despite their best efforts, Celtic have found it increasingly difficult to fulfil their fixtures and all points from this season’s league games will be nullified.

This decision wasn’t taken lightly and the club hope to stabilise and rebuild in Mowi South Division 1 next season.

Oban Celtic found themselves in a similar position towards the end of their 2024 campaign before bouncing back the following year and they’re one of several clubs that have struggled to field teams over recent weeks.

Beauly’s Euan MacCormick remains suspended for the meeting with Inveraray.

The Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup is down to the final four with the semi-finals scheduled over the next two weekends. First up is Kingussie’s tie with Skye Camanachd at the Bught Park, Inverness.

Both sides make late checks after testing times through injury. Calum Grant, Roddy Young, Dylan Borthwick, James Falconer, Fraser Munro, Savio Genini and Lee Bain all missed Kingussie’s win over Col Glen last weekend whilst Zander Michie went off injured early in the game.

Skye manager David Taylor said: “John Gillies is definitely out, and a few boys are carrying niggles, so we’ll see how everyone is at the end of the week before making some final decisions.”

Throw up is at 4.10pm and the match will be broadcast live on BBC Alba.

More boss expecting tough test

Mowi Premiership leaders Newtonmore travel to Col Glen.

More manager Peter Ross said: “We have respect for Col Glen, and we know they’ll have a right go at us.

“Everyone’s seen how well they did against Kingussie this season, but we’ve said to the boys that we want no excuses, and we’re going there to get two points. Struan Ross is fit again which is good, but I think the match comes too soon for Michael Russell.”

Oban Camanachd and Kyles Athletic along with Fort William and Kinlochshiel brought their fixtures forward as all four clubs have their second teams in HIS Sutherland Cup semi-final action on Saturday.

Oban Camanachd beat Kyles Athletic 4-1 on Wednesday evening.

Daniel Macmillan gave Kyles a shock early lead but Donald Irvine’s own goal three minutes into the second half levelled the contest. Connor Howe and two-goal Kyle MacFarlane sealed victory.

Fort William host Kinlochshiel on Friday evening. Fort’s Ewen Campbell copped a whopping six-match suspension following his double red card at Kinlochshiel which rules him out until the Fort’s final two games of the season.

Shiel boss Willie MacRae said: “WD MacRae felt his hamstring tighten last week but I think we got him off in time.

“Conor Cormack and Keith MacRae return but Zander MacRae and Ollie MacRae are still out. I’ll leave Jay MacRae and Owen Mackenzie with the second team.”

Lochaber check on Shaun Nicolson and Gregor Cameron ahead of Caberfeidh’s trip to Spean Bridge.

[Source: Press and Journal]