SHINTY – Chance for Lovat to close gap to top flight leaders Kingussie
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This weekend presents a rare chance for Premiership clubs to close the gap to league leaders Kingussie, who instead have a cup final to deal with.
Kingussie, who have only dropped points in two league matches all season, will take on Oban Camanachd in the Macaulay Cup final.
That opens the door for the likes of Lovat, who still mathematically have their Premiership fate in their own hands, to put some pressure on the Badenoch giants when it comes to the title picture.
It will not be an easy task for them this weekend, though, as it is Newtonmore set to travel to Kiltarlity.
While Lovat can count on games in hand to bring them closer to the top, Newtonmore are reliant on favours from other teams as they sit five points behind their local rivals with the same number of matches played.
Both teams go into the match off the back of wins.
Lovat defeated Kyles Athletic 2–0 last time out, while Newtonmore’s game against bottom of the table was closer than expected, with ‘More winning 3–2 after going behind early on.
The rest of the top flight fixture list sees Kinlochshiel – still in the title race themselves – host Glasgow Mid Argyll, while Fort William and Caberfeidh travel to Kilmallie and Kyles Athletic respectively.
It could be a pivotal weekend in the National Division title race too, as league leaders Beauly look to take a step closer to returning to the top flight when they take on Lochaber.
With two promotion spots available, victory on the road would all but take Lochaber out of promotion contention, but Beauly will have eyes on becoming champions.
To that end, they will hope second-placed Skye drop points against Glenurquhart, with Strathglass also hoping to take a step away from a relegation battle against Inveraray.
As well as Inverness’ match in North Division One, Glengarry host Kinlochshiel and Lovat host Glenurquhart, while Fort William go on the road to Lochcarron and Newtonmore and Kingussie face off in a Badenoch derby.
In North Division Two, leaders Beauly take on closest rivals Aberdeen Uni, while Inverness travel to Boleskine and Lochaber face Lewis.
