Lovat again succumb to 'More in Macaulay Cup
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LOVAT’S Macaulay Cup dream is over after they crashed out of the tournament at the semi-final stage for the second year in succession.
In 2013, Newtonmore ended Lovat’s bid for glory in this competition and the same team were once more their tormentors 12 months later.
Lovat, however, only had themselves to blame. They produced a poor performance, allowing the Badenoch side an easy stroll through to a final where they will take on Kyles Athletic — the team they faced at this stage of the tournament last year.
Manager Alan MacRae was able to name an almost full strength Lovat side with the exception of full back Drew Howie, who is still suffering from a leg injury.
Newtonmore boss Paul John MacKintosh had international full back Norman Campbell on the bench, but star striker Danny MacRae, who had played in the North Division One match against Beauly the previous evening, took his place in the starting line-up as he continues his recovery from a knee problem.
Beauly’s Braeview Park looked magnificent ahead of the match and it seemed tailor made for Lovat’s fast-moving style of play, but they were overrun in midfield where eventual man of the match Jamie Robinson dominated from the full centre position. His midfield colleagues Paul MacArthur and Scott Chisholm also performed strongly, ensuring a regular supply to the ‘More forwards.
Lovat’s play rarely reached the level of intensity that had carried them to a sensational 5-1 MacTavish Cup triumph over Glenurquhart and the early signs were not auspicious as Newtonmore carried more of an attacking menace.
MacRae was first to show with a snap shot beaten away by Lovat goalkeeper Stuart MacDonald, but ut minutes later he was picking the ball out of the net when Evan Menzies was allowed too much room and he made no mistake from 20 yards.
Lovat continued to toil in midfield, leaving strikers Greg Matheson and Kevin Bartlett to drop deeper in search of meaningful possession.
Lovat survived until half-time without further mishap and the second half saw the introduction of both Owen Ferguson and Graeme MacMillan with Michael MacKenzie and Calum MacAulay being taken off.
The changes appeared to lift Lovat, but the feeling remained that Newtonmore were well in command. These feelings were confirmed in the 72nd minute when Menzies grabbed his second with a strike that MacDonald looked to have covered only to somehow squirm under his feet.
MacRae then added a third four minutes later before Matheson knocked in a late consolation for the Kiltarlity side.
There was no mistaking that this was a poor display by Lovat, but Newtonmore were irresistible on the day with few weaknesses
Newtonmore will now be favourites to close out Lovat’s challenge in the Orion Premiership when they pair face each other just under two weeks’ time. Lovat defender Callum Cruden will miss the title showdown after picking up a yellow card in the semi-final.
In the other semi-final, holders Kyles proved too strong for Oban Camanachd, running out 3-0 winners at Mossfield.
Grant Irvine hit the opener in the 13th minute and Kyles booked their passage into the final with further strikes from Dunkie Kerr and Roddy MacDonald in a three minute spell just after the interval.
There were just two matches in the Orion Premiership, but if proved to be a memorable day for Lochaber fans who cheered their side to a 4-1 win over Kinlochshiel in the relegation battle at Spean Bridge.
Needing both points to stay in the Premiership, Lochaber stormed into a 3-0 lead in the opening 30 minutes with two goals from Shaun Nicholson and a counter by Stuart Callison.
Keith MacRae struck for the Wester Ross in the 34th minute before Nicholson completed his hat trick five minutes later. In a more even second half, Lochaber held out to record their first win of the campaign.
Glenurquhart edged out Inveraray with a 2-0 win at the Winterton in their penultimate league match of the season. The visitors goals were scored by Dave Smart and Lewis MacLennan.
In Marine Harvest North Division One, Skye continue their march to the title, but were made to work hard for a 5-2 victory over Lovat colts at Balgate.
Inverness crashed to a 9-1 defeat at the hands of Kingussie with Thomas Borthwick top scoring with four goals, while Beauly were beaten 5-1 by a strong Newtonmore outfit with the scoreline flattering the Badenoch side.
Title favourites Fort William moved ominously into second place in the Marine Harvest National Division following an 8-0 thrashing of Glasgow Mid Argyll. Title rivals Kilmallie were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation threatened Bute.
Caberfeidh brought a five-match losing streak to an end as they beat Glenorchy 6-0 at Castle Leod, but had Jordi Gorski red carded which will effectively rule him out until the start of next season.
INVERNESS Shinty Club’s six-a-side competition at the Bught was proclaimed a huge success by the organisers with 28 teams participating.
The winners of the main event were the Broncos, a composite team comprising of players from several clubs around the area. They defeated Caberfeidh 1-0 in the final to lift the Jubilee Shield.
The Alistair Gow Shield for women’s teams was won by Glasgow Mid Argyll, while Kingussie retained the Ken Ross trophy for under-14 sides.
Edinburgh University took home the Rosedean Shield, competed for by teams who suffer an early exit from the men’s competition.
