Trophies add edge to shinty friendlies
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THIS Saturday two local derby clashes, both with silverware up for grabs, stand out as the pick of the pre-season shinty games.
This will be the final chance for all clubs to get their teams in order for the following week’s opening fixtures in the Orion Group Premiership and Marine Harvest Leagues.
The Torlundy Cup is at stake when Fort William face Lochaber at An Aird and Fort will be brimming with confidence after their convincing 4-0 win over Inveraray last weekend.
The thought of another Premiership scalp, especially if it is that of near neighbours Lochaber, will prove appealing to Fort, who last season struggled in the top league before finishing second bottom to experience relegation for the first time since a top league on a national basis was initiated.
At Cannich, the annual MacDonald Cup encounter takes place between holders Glenurquhart and local rivals
Strathglass.
Glen undoubtedly start as firm favourites to retain a trophy they have won on three consecutive occasions since 2011.
With Glen now accustomed to competing at the top level in the Premiership, Strath will find themselves up against quick, fit and sharp opponents and their defence look like being in for a busy time containing a lively Glen attack more than capable of exploiting opportunities created by an ample supply of ball.
In last year’s challenge, Strath kept themselves in contention until the 81st minute when Ewan Brady extended Glen’s lead to 4-1 with further late goals from Brady and John Barr making the final score 6-1.
Whilst Strath have won both their pre-season challenges to date by 5-1 and 4-1 scorelines against Aberdeen University and Oban Celtic respectively, in Glen, they face a considerably higher standard of opposition intent on making an impression in the Premiership this coming season.
Prior to the MacDonald Cup, the reserve teams of Strath and Glen play for the Ali Ban Cup.
Glen retained this trophy last year after a 6-0 rout on their own pitch.
A number of other attractive challenges are set for Saturday with Lovat manager Allan MacRae hoping to name a full squad for the visit of Kilmallie to Balgate, whilst Kinlochshiel travel south to take on their former Premiership adversaries Oban Camanachd at Mossfield Park.
Kingussie aim for a third win on the trot against National Division One opposition when Glasgow Mid Argyll provide the opposition at The Dell.
Saturday’s games: Fort William v Lochaber (Torlundy Cup), Strathglass v Glenurquhart (MacDonald Cup), Kingussie v Glasgow Mid Argyll, Lovat v Kilmallie, Oban Camanachd v Kinlochshiel, Aberdour v Kyles Athletic (2pm), Ballachulish v Glenorchy, Strathglass reserves v Glenurquhart reserves (Ali Ban Cup), Oban Celtic v Glengarry (Robert Wylie Memorial Cup), Lochbroom v Lewis (Minch Cup), Ballachulish reserves v Glenorchy reserves, Lochcarron v Kinlochshiel reserves, Kilmory v Lochside Rovers, Aberdour reserves v Kincraig (noon), Strathspey v Newtonmore reserves (venue to be confirmed), Fort William reserves v Lochaber reserves (Torlundy Shield, 11am).
