SHINTY: Lovat title hopes suffer major blow after defeat to champions

LOVAT’S hopes of challenging for shinty’s Premiership title was dealt a huge blow after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Kingussie in Kiltarlity.

Ruairidh Anderson scored the only goal of the game at Balgate to give Kingussie victory and move them to the top of the table on goal difference.

Kings have two games in hand on nearest challengers Newtonmore as they now sit in pole position and are now considered favourite to retain their title.

Lovat remain in third place, but are now three points behind Kingussie have played two games more.

Meanwhile, Beauly have dropped into the relegation zone after losing 2-0 at Kinlochshiel. The game was level until the 78th minute when Archie Macrae scored with John Macrae doubling their advantage two minutes later.

The defeat means Beauly are now ninth on goal difference with Skye moving into eighth place after a 1-1 draw at Oban Camanachd.

Kyles Athletic have risen to seventh after thrashing sixth place Caberfeidh 4-0 in Strathpeffer.

All the goals came in the first half with Connor Kennedy and Scott MacDonald both scoring twice.

In North Division One, Glengarry’s early title challenge appears to be evaporating after losing 5-2 to Glenurquhart at Drumnadrochit. They are now four points behind leaders Newtonmore having played two games more.

Inverness beat Kingussie 1-0 with Steven Knight scoring the winner. Beauly lost 3-1 at Skye, Lovat were thrashed 7-0 at Fort William and Newtonmore beat Kinlochshiel 6-0.

In North Two, Boleskine lost 6-3 at Kilmallie and Caberfeidh lost 6-1 to Lewis.

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