Ballachulish opt to stay where they are
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BALLACHULISH have decided not to join North Division One for the 2012 season, opting instead to stay in the south area.
At a specially convened meeting of the club earlier in the week, the club narrowly voted in favour of the status quo.
Chairman Iain Brown conceded it was a very difficult decision but on balance he was convinced that it was the correct one for the club.
"We had an excellent debate and the vote at the end was quite close, but there was a strong feeling that it was best to stay where we are.
"Over the years, we have forged strong allegiances with south clubs and I think many at the meeting felt that we were turning our backs on old friends."
Brown also pointed out that the timescale given was too tight and that there was a lack of clarity on exactly what the move would entail, particularly for the club’s reserve and youth sides.
Ballachulish’s Jubilee Park ground, like Fort William’s An Aird pitch, has had major drainage works carried out and is unlikely to be available until mid-season, meaning that the opening home matches including cup ties will be played at another venue — another factor which Brown stated counted against the move.
Ballachulish’s decision leaves the Camanachd Association with the dilemma of what to do with North Division One, which as things stand will only have seven teams in the upcoming season. By contrast South Division One will be made up of 10 teams.
