Aird derby in MacAulay Cup
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NEXT year’s MacAulay Cup draw has produced several keenly-awaited ties with the pick of the action sure to the Aird derby where Lovat entertain 2012 champions Glenurquhart.
Glen managers Drew McNeil and Fraser MacKenzie could hardly have envisaged a more tricky first round tie as they begin the defence of the trophy the club won for the first time its history in August.
For Lovat, who produced their highest ever league finish in 2012, it is an early opportunity to embarrass their close neighbours.
The winners of the tie, which will be settled on the day, face a trip to either Kingussie or Kinlochshiel in the next round.
In other north area ties, Fort William have home advantage for their derby clash against relegated Kilmallie with both clubs in transition under the guidance of new management teams.
Adam Robertson and Victor Smith, legends of the Fort’s four in-a-row Camanachd Cup success, take over at An Aird, while Kilmallie are seeking replacements for Peter Jackson and Lachie Innes, who stepped down at the end of the season.
The winners of the derby will face a round two clash against either Newtonmore or Lochaber, who meet at the Eilan.
In the south, beaten 2012 finalists Oban Camanachd are away to Glenorchy, while Camanachd Cup winners Kyles Athletic have drawn Cowal rivals Bute.
The full draw is as follows:
North: First round — Fort William v Kilmallie; Kingussie v Kinlochshiel; Lovat v Glenurquhart; Newtonmore v Lochaber. Second round — Newtonmore/Lochaber v Fort William/Kilmallie; Kingussie/Kinlochshiel v Lovat/Glenurquhart. South: First round — Bute v Kyles Athletic; Oban Celtic v Taynuilt; Glenorchy v Oban Camanachd; Inveraray v Glasgow Mid Argyll. Second round — Oban Celtic/Taynuilt v Inveraray/Glasgow Mid Argyll; Glenorchy/Oban Camanachd v Bute/Kyles Athletic.
Dates for the opening rounds will be confirmed when the 2013 fixture list is published. The final is set for Mossfield Park, Oban, on 17th August.
Meanwhile, Lovat have confirmed the appointment of Graeme MacMillan as their second-team coach.
MacMillan is a vastly experienced coach having managed Inverness before moving to An Aird as Drew McNeil’s number two.
His strengths are recognised in the area of youth development and with Lovat bringing forward several juvenile players, MacMillan’s appointment comes at an opportune moment for the club.
