First shinty match of 2023 will see neighbours clash for annual cup

The first shinty clash of the new year takes place on Monday as neighbouring rivals Beauly and Lovat clash for the annual Lovat Cup at Braeview.

It is the first time the match is scheduled to take place in three years, after both matches in 2021 and 2022 were cancelled due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lovat will be looking to win the trophy for the sixth consecutive time and won the last match at Balgate 3-1 back in 2020.

Beauly have not won the trophy since 2015, when they recorded a 3-1 win at Braeview.

However, Beauly will fancy their chances of being victorious and lifting the trophy for the first time in eight years, after winning promotion to the Premiership last season.

After finishing in second place in the National Division last season, this year will be the first time Beauly have played in the Premiership.

Lovat will be looking to use Monday’s clash as a springboard to what they hope will be a successful season after experiencing a disappointing campaign last year.

Considered major title challengers at the start of last year’s campaign, they finished in fourth place and 11 points behind champions Kingussie.

Lovat also reached the Camanachd Cup final last season, but lost to grand slam winners Kingussie 3-1 at The Dell as they finished the campaign trophyless.

A big crowd is expected to be in attendance at Braeview with throw up at 1pm.

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