A photo finish for Inverness athletes in 2019
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There were plenty cheers and tears for Inverness athletes during 2019.
![McDonald And Munro Speyside Rally Stages . Paul Beaton [Left]And Euan Thorburn Check in Their Winning Time.Picture: Eric Cormack. Image No.043776.](/_media/img/6UXJBTTPWJ67TT05E0LI.jpg)
Inverness Caledonian Thistle had an incredible run to the semi finals of the Scottish Cup when their dream ended after losing 3–0 to Hearts at Hampden.
Caley Thistle finished third in the Championship and reached the play-off semi final when their hopes of promotion to the Premiership were dashed losing to Dundee United.
It was a big year for women’s football in Inverness as three teams were formed.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle were rebranded from Inverness City to play in SWF Division One North. Clachnacuddin and ICT Development joined the new Highlands and Islands League.
Clachnacuddin Women became the first winner of the Highlands and Islands League by winning all 14 games during the season and also making the League Cup final losing to Lewis and Harris at the Caledonian Stadium. Meanwhile Clach appointed Sandy McLeod as manager of their Highland League side.
There was joy for Highland as they achieved back-to-back promotions by securing second place in National Two to reach National One.
Highland also reached the National League Cup final, but they came up second best losing 26–10 to Aberdeen Grammar.
Inverness co-driver Paul Beaton and Duns driver Euan Thorburn were once again crowned Scottish Rally Champions for a third time.
Golfer Kyle Godsman lifted the Inverness Four Day Open championship at Culcabock beating teenager Calum Daun in the final.
Highland Cricket Club also had a season to remember as they were crowned North of Scotland Cricket Association League champions.
Rivals Northern Counties Cricket Club also lifted silverware when they won the T20 Cup.
Inverness City Lions made the step up to national basketball for the first time and are in contention for promotion to the top flight.
In athletics, 17-year-old Megan Keith caused a major shock when she won the River Ness 10k.
She was also chosen for the Great Britain squad which competed at the European Cross Country Championship in December.
At the Loch Ness Marathon, Kenyan Isaiah Kosgei won for the first time with Katie White from Garscube winning the women’s championship.
Culloden’s Jamie Gillan earned a dream move to play for NFL side Cleveland Browns as a punter.
Hilton Primary School head teacher Lynda Banks was crowned European Masters powerlifting champion.
Lochardil Primary School pupil Fraser MacKenzie qualfied for the Junior World Golf Championships.
In shinty, Drumnadrochit outfit Glenurquhart reached the MacTavish Cup final but the National Division side failed to cause an upset losing to defending champions Newtonmore at Bught Park in Inverness.
