The Mowi Premiership and National Division showcase thrilling matches and new talent.
Topics covered
The new shinty season has officially kicked off, and the opening matches did not disappoint. The Mowi Premiership clash between Caberfeidh and Newtonmore was particularly noteworthy, living up to its ‘match of the day’ billing. Newtonmore secured a convincing 2-0 victory, showcasing their determination and skill on the field.
Newtonmore’s strong start under new management
In a game that saw Iain Robinson score the opener with a stunning backhand shot, Newtonmore demonstrated their dominance early on. Following a well-executed free hit from Conor Jones, Robinson’s first touch set the tone for the match.
A quick break led to Joe Coyle doubling the lead, further solidifying Newtonmore’s control. Despite a late red card for Caberfeidh’s Liam Symonds, Newtonmore’s new manager, Peter Ross, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, stating, “We dominated the first half and could have been further ahead.” Ross highlighted the challenges faced, including injuries to key players, yet praised the team’s resilience.
Lovat and Fort William make winning debuts
In another exciting match, Lovat’s new manager Iain Nicolson celebrated a successful start as his team triumphed over an understrength Skye with a score of 2-1. Goals from Lewis Tawse and Marc MacLachlan put Lovat in a strong position, while a crucial penalty save by keeper Ronan Macmillan helped secure the win. Nicolson expressed his delight, noting the team’s effort despite the lack of pre-season games.
Meanwhile, newly-promoted Fort William also made a statement with a 3-1 victory against Kyles Athletic. Jack Fraser’s standout performance, coupled with Lachie Shaw’s two goals, highlighted Fort William’s potential this season. Co-manager Alan Knox emphasized the importance of scoring early in the second half, which proved pivotal in their success.
Champions Kingussie and Lochaber shine in their matches
The reigning champions, Kingussie, began their quest for a fifth consecutive league title with a solid 3-0 win over Beauly. Roddy Young opened the scoring, and substitute Eoin Baikie added two late goals, showcasing Kingussie’s depth and talent. In the Mowi National Division, Lochaber’s Max Campbell made headlines by scoring the first goal of the season just four minutes into their match against Col Glen. Campbell’s hat-trick, along with Shaun Nicolson’s contributions, led to a resounding 7-1 victory, with Lochaber’s boss Ally Ferguson praising the team’s strong start.
Other notable matches and performances
In other matches, Kilmallie’s Calum MacDougall and Ben MacKinnon turned the tide against Glenurquhart, but a late equalizer from Alfie MacLeod ensured a 2-2 draw. Glasgow Mid Argyll secured a convincing 4-0 win over Strathglass, with Calum McLay’s hat-trick stealing the spotlight. Unfortunately, Bute’s match with Inveraray was postponed, leaving fans eager for more action.
As the shinty season unfolds, it promises to deliver thrilling matches, emerging talents, and intense competition. With new managers and players making their mark, the excitement is just beginning.
