Lovat knocked out of Camanachd Cup
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Lovat’s bid for a third successive appearance in the Camanachd Cup final is over after they lost 3-0 after extra time to Newtonmore in a dramatic second round replay at Balgate.
Former Boleskine player Ewan Fraser – who had graduated as doctor earlier in the week – was the Newtonmore hero with two goals while Fraser MacKintosh struck in the final minute to complete the scoring.
The drama came at the end of a pulsating 90 minutes with Lovat enjoying periods of domination, but were met by a strong Newtonmore defence where keeper Kenny Ross was a standout.
Lovat’s fortunes turned when Craig Mainland was hospitalised after a shuddering collision with ’More’s Craig Ritchie.
That may ultimately have cost Lovat the match, with Mainland’s twin brother Martin missing because of injury and captain Calum Cruden suspended.
Manager Fraser Gallagher was disappointed with the outcome, but was full of praise for his players.
“At the end of the day it came down to resources, but I have no complaints about my players,” he said.
“They gave it their all. We now have to pick up ourselves up for Saturday’s MacAulay Cup game against Newtonmore which is vital for the rest of the season.”
Meanwhile in a rescheduled second round tie there was a fright for Premiership side Kinlochshiel who were matched by Glasgow Mid Argyll for almost the whole 90 minutes before an 86th minute strike from John MacRae secured a 3-2 victory and their place in the quarter finals.
With cup action dominating the schedule, only three matches were on the programme in the Mowi Premiership.
Kingussie stretched their lead at the top to four points following a 4-1 win over Lochaber at Spean Bridge.
The teams exchanged goals in the first half, with Findlay MacDonald’s finish in the 40th minute for the home side cancelling out a Savio Genini strike for the Kings five minutes earlier.
Kingussie pulled away after the break with goals from Ruaridh Anderson, James Falconer and Kieran MacPherson.
Oban Camanachd moved up the table to take a share of second spot with Newtonmore following a 2-0 win over Kyles Athletic.
Goals from Daniel Cameron and Andrew MacCuish secured their ninth successive win.
At the other end of the table Inveraray produced a major shock when they dug out a 3-2 win over Kilmallie at the Winterton to secure their first points of the 2019 season thanks to goals from Garry MacPherson, Allan MacDonald and Lewis Montgomery.
