Shinty: Lovat reaching Camanachd Cup final again is pride of Kiltarlity
CLUB president John MacRitchie says Lovat reaching the Camanachd Cup final once again is not just a source of pride for them but for the village of Kiltarlity too.
For the sixth time in the last nine competitions, Lovat will contest the final of the most famous prize in shinty after defeating Oban Camanachd 3-2 in the semi final clash on Saturday.
Despite reaching the final so many times in the last decade, they have failed to win the trophy in their previous four attempts since last lifting the trophy in 2015.
However, Kiltarlity is once again bracing itself for another cup final day when they face either Fort William or Kingussie in the final.
MacRitchie says huge credit has to be given to head coach Jamie Matheson and his small squad for being so consistent in reaching the final.
“For the size of club that we are, we have done really well,” said MacRitchie.
“Since 2015, apart from one or two players coming in, we have had the same squad. The consistency of the guys that are playing, they have all come through school together, socialise and have that spirit.
“Jamie has been a great manager and the way that he motivates the players has been fantastic
“Shinty is the main thing in the village and we are lucky with the support we get from them and the village itself.
“We are probably one of the smallest places that has a team in the Premiership, to consistently get to the Camanachd Cup final in the last 10 years is remarkable.
“I played for Lovat for 30 years and we never got near it and if you asked me then, I would never believed we have got to this stage where we get to it so many times in the last decade.”
The final is set to take place at An Aird in Fort William on Saturday, September 21 when Lovat will face either Fort William or Kingussie in the final.
MacRitchie says preparations have already started at Lovat for the Camanachd final and says they expect to take a huge support with them next month.
“It is huge for the village and I am sure we will have a big turnout again. We get good crowds at Balgate and our fans travel well too. Hopefully we can give them something to cheer about.
“Preparations started for the final on Monday night, the boys are geared up and know what they need to do before next month.
“Our squad of players are really committed, the Camanachd Cup is the biggest trophy to play for so hopefully if we get everyone available, we can beat either Fort William and Kingussie.”
