Lochcarron's withdrawal poses problems for new season
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JUST five weeks before the start of the season and the sport has been dealt a blow with the news that Lochcarron have decided to withdraw their senior side from North Division One to concentrate on a rebuilding programme in North Division Three.
Their request to return to the junior ranks has been approved by the Camanachd Association, but has come as major surprise given the club has recently enjoyed time as a Premier Division side.
Lochcarron’s fall has serious implications for the shinty and leaves the ruling body a real conundrum as how to structure the fixtures in North Division One. The demise of the Wester Ross side will see the sport’s second tier reduced to just six teams — two short of the ideal number for a competitive league.
One possible solution would be for the clubs to play each other four times, but that idea would be unlikely to garner support from all six clubs, who would be committing to 20 league matches — two more than the number played by Premier Division clubs.
Playing a third fixture would also disadvantage clubs some of whom would have to face three away matches, while one of their rivals would have two.
On a brighter note Kincraig, who folded five years ago, are attempting a rebirth with the intention of fielding a team in North Division Three in forthcoming season.
Meanwhile, the cup programme for the new season has been released and it is broadly in line with last year.
Fort William will host the Camanachd Cup final at An Aird on 14th September, while the final of the MacTavish Cup goes ahead in Inverness on 15th June.
