SHINTY - Captain to realise lifetime ambition of leading Beauly to promotion
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CONOR Ross says he will realise his career’s ambition of getting Beauly promoted to the Premiership for the first time after spending his entire career at the club.
Beauly only need a point against Inveraray at Braeview on Saturday to secure second place in the National Division and promotion to the top flight.
But due to the significant goal difference between the two teams, even defeat is unlikely to prevent Beauly claiming the second promotion spot in the league.
Ross (33) says Beauly stepping up to the big time of shinty has been a long time coming.
He says promotion to the Premiership will mean a lot to the village as well as the club.
“In the past, there perhaps has been a gap between the club and community, but in the last few years the ties between the two have become closer,” he said.
“Gaining promotion to the Premiership can only be a good thing and encourage more people to join the club and watch big games every week.
“Getting promotion will mean a lot to so many people at the club and in the village.”
Having been brought up in the village and making his first team debut 16 years ago, serious injury did threaten his career during his mid-20’s.
But he was determined not to give up the game he loves and play a vital part in Beauly’s recent success.
“I’ve pretty much spent half my life playing first team shinty,” he said.
“I had knee injuries for three years where I was in and out of the squad and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to play again.
“But I have managed to get fit and continue playing.”
Ross also hailed the work of co-managers Gregor MacCormick and Niall Maclennan from transforming Beauly from a mid-table National Division team to being on the verge of winning promotion.
“Considering where the club was a few years ago, when we were down in the dumps and not going anywhere, the way things have turned is massive credit to Niall and Gregor.
“Everyone is at a good age where we have bought into the club and knuckled down to put in the work required.
“It was our aim at the start of the season to get promotion.
“To achieve this along with winning the Balliemore Cup has been great.
“It would be nice to win the league along with it, and it could still happen. But we are happy with how the season has went.”
Victory for Beauly in their final game would send them top of the league on goal difference from Skye who would need a point in their last game at Inveraray next weekend to win the title.
Ross is determined that Beauly make Skye work in their final game to claim the league title.
“Our goal difference is far superior to Inveraray, so promotion is all but done.
“But we want to win on Saturday and finish the season on a high.
“We don’t want to hand over anything to Skye and want to force them to go into their last game having to win the title.
“Our mindset is to win and to keep the title race going as long as possible. We know Skye only need a draw to win the league, but we want to make sure it comes down to their final game.”
