Lovat make it five in-a-row over Beauly to retain annual shinty trophy
Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.
Lovat retained the Lovat Cup with a comfortable 3–1 victory over Beauly to extend their winning sequence in the annual shinty clash to five.
Last Thursday’s match attracted the usual large festive crowd although the game rarely lived up to its reputation for non-stop action.
Both sides were along familiar lines although Lovat fielded the experienced Drew Howie back
from his world travels which
saw him miss the 2019 season entirely.
Lovat came racing out of the blocks with fierce intensity and it took top scorer Greg Matheson just 15 seconds to open his account.
He finished brilliantly from a narrow angle with Beauly goal keeper MacKay Murray and full back Andrew Morrison all at sea.
Lovat continued to pile on the pressure with Lorne MacKay orchestrating their attacks.
Beauly’s goal survived a few narrow squeaks.
But it was breeched for the second time in the 12th minute when MacKay’s clever free hit found Lewis Tawse in space and he brushed aside the attentions of a Beauly defender before smashing the ball high into Murray’s net.
The one-sided flow of the match continued but the Beauly goal line remained intact although it had a narrow escape in the lead-up to half time when a Matheson strike came back off the post with the keeper beaten.
The second half proved a more even affair although Beauly’s hopes were crushed in the 61st minute when Matheson swooped to finish a slick Lovat attack with a crisp shot from just inside the area.
Lovat continued to dominate but Beauly produced a strong finish seemingly out of nowhere.
Dan Lamont saw his close-range strike saved by Lovat keeper Stuart MacDonald but minutes later MacDonald was left well beaten when Beauly substitute David Fraser volleyed home from 20-yards with a spectacular finish.
Lovat co-manager Jamie Matheson was well satisfied with the victory but thought his side should have scored more goals.
“We were well on top for the first hour or so and we created many chances,” he said.
“I am pleased for the lads because this is a cup which means a lot to our club.”
“We were well on top for the first hour or so and we created many chances.Pleased for the lads because this is a cup which means a lot to our club”.