Strathglass Shinty Club - Match Reports Season 2010

16th July 2010: North Division 3

Caberfeidh 7 Strathglass 2

Team: Brian Mackay, Ali Rothe (sub: George Fraser), Aaron Redpath (sub: Robert Geddes), Rhu Mackay, Adam Todd, Mark Macleod, Ross Balharry, Ewan Wotherspoon, Neal Hemingway, Stuart Harvey, Ali MacAdams, Craig Stuart.

Strathglass had a first half to forget before regaining some pride during the second period at Castle Leod on Saturday. The home side fielded arguably the most experienced line-up that Strath have faced in Division Three this season – and they made the most of their chances in the opening half-hour to race into a 5-0 lead.

A much-changed Strathglass defence took time to settle and conceded twice, to Alan Ross and Ian MacDonald in the opening five minutes. The visitors were also struggling to cope with Cabers’ typically physical approach, and it was no surprise when MacDonald made it 3-0 from close range in the 18th minute. Worse was to follow as Ross and Archie Ritchie struck in the space of three minutes around the half-hour mark to stretch the hosts’ advantage. Martin MacDonald should have added a sixth but struck a post when it looked easier to score. Strath created chances as well but Ali MacAdams was denied by a fine save from Donald Mellis, and Craig Stuart fired over when well placed.

After the break Strathglass acquitted themselves better, although their former player Garry Maclennan made it 6-0 eight minutes into the second half. Ross completed his hat-trick in the 72nd minute before in the closing stages Strath finally gained some reward for sticking to their task.

Ali MacAdams, who was again thwarted by home keeper Mellis at full stretch, finally hit the target with a low shot through a ruck of players 10 minutes from the end. And in the final minute Strath earned the consolation of drawing the second half 2-2 when Stuart Harvey’s corner from the right came through for Rhu Mackay, pushed forward from defence, to drill the ball home.

26th June 2010: North Division 3

Strathglass 3 Lochcarron 3

Team: George Fraser, Steven Fraser, Aaron Redpath, Greg Fraser, Ross Balharry, Laurence Jones (sub: Mark Macleod), Laurie Wotherspoon, Ewan Wotherspoon, Neal Hemingway (sub: Josh Fraser), Stuart Harvey, Craig Stuart, Campbell Fraser (sub: Ali MacAdams).

A goal deep into stoppage time denied Strath victory after a Stuart Harvey hat-trick seemed to have secured both points for the home side at Cannich on Saturday. In a match where the large number of young players in both sides was an encouraging feature, Strathglass struck early when Neal Hemingway’s corner from the right in the fourth minute was blasted home by Stuart Harvey from 15 yards. Strath almost extended their lead after 21 minutes when Craig Stuart, one of two more “mature” players in the hosts’ line-up, hit a post in a goalmouth melee.

The teams turned round with the scoreline still at 1-0, but Strathglass then suffered from a sloppy five-minute spell not for the first time this season – and Lochcarron took full advantage. John Stewart saw an effort disallowed for offside four minutes after the break but, in the visitors’ next attack, the same player found the net again with a shot which this time counted.

Three minutes later the west coast side took the lead with a long-range strike from Adam Porrit. Strath steadied the ship and gradually regained the upper hand but just 15 minutes remained when a long ball forward by Ewan Wotherspoon gave Stuart Harvey the chance to equalise with a well-struck backhand drive.

Three minutes later he completed a belated 18th birthday celebration by rounding off his hat-trick, showing determination to chase down Mark Macleod’s pass and beating the keeper from an acute angle. Lochcarron kept plugging away but Strath maintained their lead until the fourth minute of stoppage time when Alan Stewart netted their leveller from close range following a free hit.

19th June 2010: North Division 3

Strathglass 3 Aberdeen University 7

Team: Ali MacAdams, Steven Fraser, Aaron Redpath, Lucy Macleod, Ross Balharry, Laurence Jones, Ciaran Melens, Ewan Wotherspoon, Brian Mackay, Stuart Harvey, Craig Stuart, Raymond Fraser.

Strath produced another spirited display in their penultimate home match of the season, when they faced league leaders Aberdeen at Cannich on Saturday. The home side led twice and, despite the final scoreline, had the consolation of netting three times against opponents who had conceded only eight goals in their previous nine league outings.

Strathglass took a ninth minute lead when Stuart Harvey set up Raymond Fraser to fire into the far corner of the net. Aberdeen equalised midway through the first half when Jamie Beaton turned to score following a corner, but Strath regained the advantage within a minute when Brian Mackay’s deep free hit was touched past University keeper Terry Stebbings by Raymond Fraser. The game turned on a five-minute period towards the break when the visitors punished slackness and hesitation in the Strathglass defence to score three times. A warning was fired by Aberdeen full centre Steven Mackenzie when his long-range shot crashed against the bar, but there were no further reprieves for Strath as Kenny Macleod twice and Scott Moffat hit the target to give the “students” a 4-2 interval lead.

Strathglass spurned a golden opportunity to reduce the arrears a minute into the second half when a kick led to a penalty being awarded, but Raymond Fraser’s hat-trick attempt thumped against the crossbar. Jamie Beaton added Aberdeen’s fifth in the 53rd minute after the home defence were unable to clear their lines following a smart save by Ali MacAdams. Kenny Macleod volleyed in his hat-trick goal from Jamie Beaton’s 65th minute cross, and the Skyeman added his fourth of the game five minutes later.

Strathglass, to their credit, refused to give up despite the heat and the fact that impressive full centre Ross Balharry was forced to soldier on after taking blows to both head and foot because the home side had no subs at their disposal. Stuart Harvey latched on to a flick from Raymond Fraser to fire home in the 73rd minute, and the hosts created further chances before the end but were unable to reduce the deficit further.

9th June 2010: North Division 2 (Ladies)

Strathglass 9 Ardnamurchan 0

Team: Pam Macleod, Sheena Mackenzie, Donna Mackenzie, Ciorstan Hughes, Lucy Macleod, Ciara MacPherson, Lisa Larkin, Helen Cromarty, Clarrie Murdoch, Gillian Currie.

Strath maintained their 100 per cent record for the season with a midweek win over a spirited Ardnamurchan side, who are already showing signs of improvement in their debut season. Lisa Larkin was again the Strathglass goalscorer in chief, netting six times to make her tally 25 in five matches so far this year.

Ciorstan Hughes set the Strath ball rolling with a first minute goal after good work by Lucy Macleod, and Lisa made it 2-0 three minutes later. Helen Cromarty set up Lisa for the home side’s third in the seventh minute, and three minutes after that Ciorstan added goal number four with a low drive. Helen was also the provider for the Strathglass fifth, scored by Lisa in the 16th minute. Five minutes later Clarrie Murdoch struck her sixth goal of the season, following up on a rebound after Lisa’s initial shot had been saved. Just before half-time Lisa added her fourth of the evening with a controlled backhand shot to make the half-time score 7-0.

When Lisa hit a post 90 seconds after the break, it seemed as though the goals would continue to flow but some wayward finishing – allied to stern Ardnamurchan resistance – kept the scoreline unchanged until midway through the second period when Lisa found the target with a long-range effort. The final goal of the game arrived a couple of minutes from the final whistle, Lisa again scoring with a first time forehand shot.

The match at Cannich was played in great spirit, and enabled Strathglass to give squad players an extended run in the absence of several regulars due to work and study commitments.

5th June 2010: North Division 3

Boleskine 8 Strathglass 0

Team: Mark Macleod, George Fraser, Aaron Redpath, Lucy Macleod, Steven Fraser, Laurence Jones, Davey Stirling, John Stirling (sub: Steve Harvey), Neal Hemingway, Stuart Harvey, Ian McCallum, Eilidh Fraser.

Lack of player numbers again proved to be Strath’s downfall as a burst of late goals sealed Boleskine’s clear-cut winning margin at Smith Park, Farr, on Saturday. Though Lewis Smith fired the home side into an early lead, Strathglass competed well in the opening stages with comeback man Ian McCallum and Neal Hemingway forcing smart saves from former Strath keeper Peter Tinney.

But the wheels started to come off for the visitors when they lost brothers John and Davey Stirling through injury in quick succession with less than a quarter of the match played. That left Strath to soldier on with just 10 recognised players plus manager Steve Harvey as a makeshift sub, Boleskine taking advantage of their numerical superiority to add three more goals before the break.

The Strathglass defence and centre line stuck gamely to their task and restricted their hosts to just one more strike in 35 second half minutes, but eventually their efforts on a warm day took their toll. Boleskine, with the luxury of a choice of five subs fresh and raring to go, scored a further three times in the final 10 minutes – their marksmen in the match were Lewis Smith (4), Iain Grant (2) and Ewan Fraser (2).

The final margin was hard on the Strath players who worked so hard against the odds, but the root of the problem was the list of those unavailable on the day.

30th May 2010: North Division 2 (Ladies)

Badenoch & Strathspey B 1 Strathglass 2

Team: Pam Macleod, Eilidh Fraser, Sheena Mackenzie, Lucy Macleod, Laura Fraser, Andrea Fraser, Lisa Larkin, Julia Duncan, Ciorstan Hughes, Gillian Currie, Ciara MacPherson, Helen Cromarty.

Strath made it four wins out of four so far this season with a morale-boosting victory at The Dell, Kingussie, on Sunday. The clubs had met six times previously and each time Strathglass had finished on the wrong end of the scoreline. But it proved to be seventh time lucky in a match which featured two outstanding goalkeeping displays by Badenoch’s Fiona Mackintosh and Strath’s Pam Macleod to keep the scores down.

The home side struck first after just three minutes when Danielle Bruce collected a bye hit and advanced before scoring with a low shot. Strathglass took just three minutes to equalise, Julia Duncan’s shot being saved by home keeper Mackintosh before Lisa Larkin pounced to net the loose ball. Play flowed from end to end thereafter in a splendid advert for women’s shinty, with the outcome remaining in doubt.

But gradually the Strathglass centre line marshalled by captain Lucy Macleod began to gain the upper hand, keeping front runners Lisa Larkin and Ciorstan Hughes well supplied. The scores remained level, however, until five minutes from the end when Strath sub Gillian Currie pumped the ball into the home D and sharpshooter Lisa Larkin fired in the winner – her 19th goal in four games so far this year.

29th May 2010: North Division 3

Strathglass 4 Ardnamurchan 1

Team: Ali MacAdams, Greg Fraser, Aaron Redpath, Lucy Macleod, Steven Fraser, Davey Stirling, Lewis Douglas, Josh Fraser, Stuart Harvey, Craig Stuart, Raymond Fraser, Brian Mackay.

Patience paid dividends as Strathglass struck four goals in the final 12 minutes at Cannich on Saturday to put breathing space between themselves and Ardnamurchan at the foot of the table. With just 12 players to call on, Strath had few options in their line-up which featured a 32nd different player in eight games so far this season – Davey Stirling slotting in at wing centre – and left Stuart Harvey as the only member of the side who has played in all eight fixtures.

The first half ended goalless as Strathglass failed to hit the target with any of the chances they created, and Ardnamurchan adopted a combative approach which saw Grant Symmers and James Strachan booked by referee John Macleod who kept firm control throughout.

Stand-in home keeper Ali MacAdams had rarely been troubled before the visitors took the lead on the hour mark, Strachan netting from close range following a free hit. Strath’s closest effort was a Stuart Harvey shot which Ard keeper Sandy Corrigan saved smartly with his hand. But just as time seemed to be running out, the hosts belatedly found their range in front of goal to turn the game round.

Davey Stirling and Josh Fraser combined to set up Raymond Fraser, who turned and fired past the keeper to equalise in the 78th minute. Four minutes later a long Steven Fraser free hit gave Raymond Fraser a chance which he cracked off a post. Just five minutes remained when Brian Mackay drifted a long-range effort into the goalmouth and, in the ensuing scramble, Craig Stuart forced in his first goal after a 13-year gap! In the 88th minute Josh Fraser’s long-range effort eluded the Ard keeper to make it 3-1, and in the final minute Raymond Fraser’s shot found the net via visiting defender David Wright to complete the scoring.

23rd May 2010: Caledonian Canal Div 2 Challenge Cup, Quarter-Final

Strathglass 7 Linlithgow 0

Team: Pam Macleod, Eilidh Fraser, Sheena Mackenzie, Lucy Macleod, Ciara MacPherson, Andrea Fraser, Lisa Larkin, Julia Duncan, Gillian Currie, Donna Mackenzie, Becca Hewitt.

Lisa Larkin netted her second seven-goal haul of the season as Strath advanced to the cup semi-finals on Sunday. The final scoreline didn’t reflect the contribution to the game made by a lively Linlithgow side, but Lisa’s eye for a goal proved decisive as she took her total to 17 in three games so far this year.

Strathglass gave up home advantage to help their south opponents, but wasted little time in making their 140-mile round trip from Cannich worthwhile when they took a second minute lead at The Dell in Kingussie – Lucy Macleod putting Lisa Larkin through to open the scoring with a low shot. Midway through the opening half, substitute Gillian Currie marked her return to shinty action after an unfortunate run of injuries by setting up Lisa to fire into the far corner of the goal. The same combination worked again two minutes later, with Gillian’s pass enabling Lisa to score with a volley that Linlithgow keeper Kay Barton reached but could only help into the roof of the net.

Having established a clear lead, Strath were able to give all their substitutes an extended run – and the second half started in similar fashion to the first with Lisa making it 4-0 after good work by Julia Duncan. Six minutes later Eilidh Fraser did well to win the ball and broke forward before sending Lisa on a solo run for her fifth goal of the afternoon.

Julia and Lisa linked up midway through the second period for Lisa to make it 6-0 with an overhead effort. The day’s scoring was rounded off four minutes from the end when Lisa made it seven up with a neat turn and shot. Linlithgow battled on to the end but couldn’t find the finish to match some enterprising build-up play.

Strathglass return to the same ground on June 20 for a semi-final tie against another south side in the shape of Glasgow Mid-Argyll, who progressed with a walk-over against Dunadd. And before that, Strath will be in Kingussie again this Sunday (May 30) for a North Division Two league match against Badenoch & Strathspey B – so they will have played more games at The Dell than on their own pitch by the summer break!

15th May 2010: North Division 3

Strathglass 1 Lochaber 5

Team: George Fraser, Barry John Phimister, Greg Fraser, Lucy Macleod, Ross Balharry, Laurence Jones, Ali MacAdams, Andrea Fraser, Steven Fraser, Stuart Harvey, Mark Macleod, Ian Reynard. Sub (not used) Steve Harvey.

Having conceded double figures to Lochaber in their previous meeting five weeks earlier, Strath put up a much more competitive showing against the league leaders at Cannich on Saturday. Injuries, work commitments, a school trip and the lure of Ross County’s cup final at Hampden conspired to leave Strathglass struggling to raise a team but the 12 who turned out could not be faulted for effort once again. Greg Fraser and Ian Reynard made their seasonal debuts, taking to 31 the total number of players fielded in Strath’s seven second team games so far this season.

The opening exchanges were fairly even, but a long stoppage midway through the first half when Lochaber’s Scott Knox sustained a head injury worked against the home side. They switched off at the resumption of play and allowed Alan Knox to fire the visitors into the lead. The Strathglass centre line of Ali MacAdams, Andrea Fraser and Mark Macleod did well to keep their side in the contest, and Lochaber were restricted to just one more goal before the break – Patrick Toal tapping in a rebound following a save by home keeper George Fraser.

Strath were caught cold for the second time in the game when they conceded twice in the opening four minutes after the break, missed tackles letting in Alan Knox for his second before the same player completed his hat-trick with a shot which deflected off home full back Barry John Phimister and into the top corner. Strathglass pulled one back when Ali MacAdams set up Ian Reynard to apply a cool finish in the 67th minute, but Lochaber had the final word when Alan Knox netted his fourth of the afternoon two minutes from time.

Despite the final scoreline, Strath could take some consolation of achieving their pre-match aim to narrow the gap on the previous result between the sides – and they will look to take their gradual improvement into the second half of their league programme.

1st May 2010: North Division 3

Strathglass 1 Caberfeidh 1

Team: Raymond Fraser, Barry John Phimister, Aaron Redpath, Rhu Mackay, Ross Balharry, Laurence Jones (sub: Andy Behan), Seth Jones, Mark Macleod, Craig Stuart (sub: Adam Todd), Stuart Harvey, Lewis Douglas (sub: Brian Mackay), Josh Fraser.

Strathglass moved off the foot of the table by collecting a hard-earned point against a resolute Cabers side at Cannich on Saturday. The final scoreline was a fair reflection of the game – Caberfeidh had the upper hand in the first half but Strath fought back to edge the second period, with both teams having clear penalty claims turned down.

Strathglass kept faith with the youngsters who have served the second team well in terms of commitment so far this season, and were also able to call on players who have been promoted to the first team while the club has fought to cope with an extensive injury list. Clear-cut openings were relatively few in the first half, but Cabers broke the deadlock 10 minutes before the break when a shot from distance by Alan Ross went in off the inside of the far post.

A feature of the game was the midfield tussle between home teenager Seth Jones and former Strathglass player Garry Maclennan, with honours finishing even in that contest. At the interval Strath made some positional changes, with goalkeeper Raymond Fraser moving to full forward and first team manager Brian Mackay taking over between the posts. Andy Behan also made his return to action after a spell of volunteer work in Ghana, and the changes helped Strathglass to match Cabers better physically.

The home side applied more pressure as the game wore on, and they were rewarded for their efforts in the 85th minute when Raymond Fraser turned to fire home a bullet-like shot.

24th April 2010: North Division 3

Strathglass 0 Lochcbroom 6

Team: Robert Geddes, Aaron Redpath, Lucy Macleod, Ross Balharry, Laurence Jones, Steven Fraser (sub: Eilidh Fraser), Andrea Fraser, Craig Stuart, Stuart Harvey, Lisa Larkin, Lewis Douglas, George Fraser. Sub (not used) Steve Harvey.

It was all change again for Strath’s second team as the club battled against a mounting injury list to field two sides on Saturday. Against a useful Lochbroom outfit, Strathglass had a completely different midfield trio and only one of the four defenders who had played in their previous match. But what the home side lacked in experience, they made up for with wholehearted commitment – and it wasn’t until they suffered yet another injury that the game at Cannich got away from them.

The 13th minute proved unlucky for Strath when Lochbroom wing centre Arran Matheson opened the scoring with a speculative effort from long distance. Just 90 seconds later Steven Bellshaw made it 2-0, but Strath knuckled down and made a better fist of the match until the break with Ross Balharry producing an energetic midfield display.

The most significant moment of the afternoon arrived in the 54th minute. Steven Fraser, who was coming on to a fine game in his comeback after a long break, seemed to be pushed in the back and was unable to avoid a swinging caman that left him minus a tooth and with a hole through his lip which ended his participation in the game. Strath assumed they would be awarded a free hit but a throw-up was ordered and, to rub salt in the wound, Cameron Macrae added Lochbroom’s third from the restart.

The rejigged hosts – for whom women’s team players Lucy Macleod, Andrea Fraser, Lisa Larkin and Eilidh Fraser all contributed well – battled on despite conceding a fourth to Bellshaw in the 62nd minute. George Fraser, who marshalled the Strath defence well, was forced to vacate his full back position through injury – and the home side conceded twice more, to Sandy Urquhart in the 84th minute and Matheson with another long-range shot which proved to be the last hit of the game.

Lochbroom certainly deserved their victory, but the final scoreline didn’t reflect the amount of effort put in by Strathglass throughout the match.

18th April 2010: North Division 2 (Ladies)

Strathglass 4 Lochaber 0

Team: Pam Macleod, Eilidh Fraser, Sheena Mackenzie, Andrea Fraser, Ciara MacPherson, Lucy Macleod, Laura Fraser, Lisa Larkin, Clarrie Murdoch, Ciorstan Hughes, Julia Duncan, Donna Mackenzie

Lisa Larkin took her goals tally into double figures for the season with a hat-trick as Strathglass maintained their winning start to the campaign at Cannich on Sunday. The teams agreed to play 10-a-side and, as usual, Lochaber provided a stern test for Strath throughout a keenly-contested game.

Lisa Larkin broke the deadlock after 10 minutes and she added a valuable second three minutes before half-time, but the visitors had shown enough to make Strathglass realise the contest was far from over. The third goal was likely to be crucial – and Strath scored it seven minutes into the second half, Clarrie Murdoch pouncing to fire into the roof of the net after Julia Duncan’s well-struck effort had been saved by Lochaber keeper Katie Dougan.

That gave the hosts more breathing space and they gained in confidence as a result, with Ullapudlians Ciorstan Hughes and Ciara MacPherson making a welcome return to the side after missing the opening game of the season. Lisa Larkin rounded off her treble and the scoring with her 10th goal in two matches midway through the second half, and Strath were also boosted by the determination shown by young Donna Mackenzie as they ended the game on the front foot.

17th April 2010: North Division 3

Strathglass 3 Inverness 1

Team: Robert Geddes, Barry John Phimister, Laurie Wotherspoon, Lucy Macleod, Ross Balharry, Laurence Jones, John Stirling (sub: Eilidh Fraser), Raymond Fraser, Stuart Harvey, Lewis Douglas, Seth Jones, Gordy Fraser. Subs (not used): Jonathan Wotherspoon, George Fraser

Strath’s second team youngsters may have seemed like lambs to the slaughter in their previous match, but the lambing season helped them to a morale-boosting first win of the season at Cannich on Saturday. First team goalkeeper Raymond Fraser’s lambing duties meant he was unable to travel to Portree, but he gave his considerable presence to the Strathglass cause with two goals as second team full forward. The return of team captain Barry John Phimister and the inclusion of on-call Gordy Fraser meant that Strath had some valuable experience to add to their youthful mix.

Ultimately their victory hinged on making better use of the wind at their backs in the first half than Inverness did after the break. Raymond Fraser opened the scoring after six minutes following a long free hit, and teenager Laurence Jones doubled the advantage 11 minutes later when he tucked the ball past former Strath keeper Allan Macleod from close range. Goal number three arrived from Raymond Fraser 10 minutes before half-time, but it remained to be seen whether the cushion was enough when Strath turned to face the elements.

Inverness were driven on by veteran Calum Macleod and they reduced the deficit through Gordon Mackenzie seven minutes into the second period. But Strath, with full back Barry John Phimister marshalling the defence well, repelled further attacks and kept stand-in keeper Robert Geddes well protected.

Indeed, Strath might have stretched their lead towards the end if Allan Macleod had not been alert twice – turning round a goalbound shy from Stuart Harvey, then reacting quickly to save Jason Macleod from putting the ball into his own net.

10th April 2010: Sutherland Cup, First Round

Strathglass 1 Lochaber 13

Team: Jonathan Wotherspoon, Laurie Wotherspoon, Lucy Macleod, Ross Balharry, Laurence Jones, John Stirling (sub: Eilidh Fraser), Andrea Fraser, Craig Stuart, Stuart Harvey, Lewis Douglas, Seth Jones, Neil Hemingway. Subs (not used) George Fraser, Steve Harvey.

Strath’s young second team were taught a harsh lesson by a powerful Lochaber outfit at Cannich on Saturday. First team calls left Strathglass with a largely inexperienced line-up once more, and it was to the home players’ credit that they kept battling until the bitter end as the heat and the strength of the opposition took their toll. Three “new signings” were drafted in on the morning of the game to enable Strath to field a full team. Jonathan Wotherspoon gamely volunteered to make his debut in goal and, despite the final scoreline, pulled off some brave saves amid the mayhem. Making a welcome return to Strathglass colours were university students Laurie Wotherspoon and Neil Hemingway, and both showed they would be assets to the club if available outwith term times.

Conor Sweeney fired Lochaber into an eighth minute lead from an acute angle, and when former Scotland international Angus Morrison doubled the advantage two minutes later the outcome looked bleak for the home side. But Strath were competitive for much of the first half and the scoreline remained unchanged until the 30th minute when Sweeney added his second. Strathglass pulled one back three minutes later when John Stirling ran from the halfway line and held off several challenges before bundling the ball in from close range. But two more from Sweeney in the final five minutes of the half gave Lochaber a 5-1 interval lead.

An injury sustained by John Stirling just before the break meant he had to vacate his wing centre berth – and that, combined with the energy expended all round during the opening period, meant that Strath found it increasingly difficult to stem the tide in the second half. Morrison, who found more freedom when he pulled out to buckshee forward, made it 6-1 in the 54th minute and that was the signal for the floodgates to open. Patrick Toal added Lochaber’s seventh before three more from Morrison in the space of six minutes took the visitors into double figures. Toal struck goal number 11 before Strath enjoyed a moment of respite with Alan Knox firing a penalty wide.

Morrison netted his sixth goal and Lochaber’s 12th before finally making way for one of the visitors’ six substitutes with just nine minutes remaining. Knox rounded off the scoring in the 89th minute and, on Saturday’s evidence, the Spean Bridge side are likely to score plenty more as the season progresses.

For Strath, the immediate task is to keep spirits up as they await the return of players currently missing for a variety of reasons. Finally, referee “Bobo” Morrison – in charge of only his second match – deserved credit for his sensible handling of the game.

3rd April 2010: North Div 3

Lochcarron 4 Strathglass 2

Team: Ali MacAdams, Aaron Redpath, Lucy Macleod, Ross Balharry, Laurence Jones, Andrea Fraser, Craig Stuart, Stuart Harvey, Lewis Douglas, Seth Jones, Josh Fraser, Eilidh Fraser. Sub (not used): Steve Harvey.

Strath’s young second team produced another encouraging display and arguably deserved to take a point from their trip to Lochcarron on Saturday. The visitors fielded nine teenagers in their line-up – and the three “older” players were captain for the day Lucy Macleod and Eilidh Fraser from the Strathglass ladies’ team, plus Craig Stuart who made a welcome return to the sport after more than a decade away.

Playing up the Battery Park slope in the first half, Strath enjoyed a fair share of possession and territory. Most of their early chances fell to Craig Stuart at full forward, but he was unable to find the finish to match his promising build-up play. Lochcarron netted the only goal of the opening period eight minutes before half-time, when a rare breakdown of communications in the Strath defence allowed Iain Cameron in to score.

With the benefit of the slope in the second half, Strathglass wasted no time in pushing forward and they took just four minutes to equalise – Eilidh Fraser setting up a chance from the right which full centre Seth Jones finished with a crisp low drive. Strath’s defence did well to contain the menacing figure of Davie “Ham” Mackenzie for most of the game, but the veteran forward – who has been a thorn in the side of countless opponents down the years – was given a rare moment of time and space to restore Lochcarron’s lead six minutes later. With 20 minutes remaining, Strathglass sent Stuart Harvey forward from full back in a bid to turn the chances they were creating into goals – but soon afterwards Mackenzie, who later went on as a sub for Lochcarron’s first team in their MacTavish Cup-tie, bundled the ball over the line in a goalmouth scramble to put the hosts 3-1 up.

Strath replied within 60 seconds when Seth Jones, who linked well with Josh Fraser throughout the game, scored his second goal of the game via home keeper Craig Callaghan’s chest. Despite creating further openings, Strathglass were unable to find the net again and their hopes of any reward were dashed five minutes from time when Iain Cameron pounced to slot in a rebound after keeper Ali MacAdams had saved from Davie Mackenzie.

In another spirited team effort, young Lewis Douglas caught the eye with his efforts first at wing forward and then at wing centre. Andrea Fraser also showed up well in a hard-working centre line.

27th March 2010: North Div 3

Aberdeen University 6 Strathglass 0

Team: George Fraser, Stuart Harvey, Lucy Macleod, Aaron Redpath, Ross Balharry, Laurence Jones, Barry John Phimister, Josh Fraser, Lewis Douglas, Andrea Fraser (sub: Eilidh Fraser), Lisa Larkin, Steve Harvey.

After failing to field a team despite strenuous efforts for their first two league fixtures of the season, it was important that Strathglass raised a side to travel to Aberdeen. The squad of 13 comprised six players aged 17 or under, four of the club’s women’s team, two over-50s, and captain Barry John Phimister who battled through to the final whistle virtually on one leg following a recurrence of his knee injury. In those circumstances – and given that Aberdeen have made an impressive start to the campaign themselves – Strath can be proud of their efforts in limiting their hosts to three goals in each half.

The defensive quartet of Stuart Harvey, Aaron Redpath, Ross Balharry and women’s captain Lucy Macleod emerged with particular credit for battling hard throughout, despite being under pressure for much of the game. Playing with the wind at their backs in the first half, Strath managed to mount a number of raids and their best attempts came from the left through Josh Fraser and Lisa Larkin. Malcolm Ferguson put Aberdeen ahead on the quarter-hour mark despite a hint of offside, and a Scott Moffat double made the half-time scoreline 3-0.

Against the wind in the second period, Strathglass were pinned back for long periods but the spirit in the team remained strong – even when Barry John Phimister was forced to switch from full centre to full back after receiving treatment to his knee. John MacFadyen added Aberdeen’s fourth just after the hour mark, Scott Moffat completed his hat-trick – and Malcolm Ferguson added a late sixth, aided by an unfortunate deflection. Aberdeen deserved credit for their sporting approach, given the strength of the opposition, in a match which rarely needed the intervention of the referee.

Now Strath must aim to field a side consistently in the coming weeks. As a footnote, Strathglass created a piece of club history at Balgownie by fielding both father and son and father and daughter combinations in the same league match.

21st March 2010: North Div 2 (Ladies)

Ardnamurchan 0 Strathglass 12

Team: Pam Macleod, Sheena Mackenzie, Eilidh Fraser, Julia Duncan, Lucy Macleod, Lisa Larkin, Clarrie Murdoch, Helen Cromarty, Andrea Fraser, Rebecca Hewitt.

Strathglass eventually overpowered league debutants Ardnamurchan – but for most of the first half at Strontian, the final scoreline had seemed highly unlikely. A young home side started brightly and their clean hitting gave them an early edge as Strath struggled to shake off close season rustiness.

Helen Cromarty went close twice for Strath but Ardnamurchan had the best chance of the opening quarter, just failing to convert in a goalmouth scramble. Lisa Larkin finally settled any nerves that Strathglass might have been feeling with two goals in as many minutes just before half-time.

The visitors knew they needed to start the second half better than they had the first – and that’s exactly what they did. Clarrie Murdoch marked her league debut with a goal and Lisa Larkin completed her hat-trick within 90 seconds of the resumption. Andrea Fraser made it 5-0 direct from a corner, before Lisa Larkin added two more in the space of three minutes.

Ardnamurchan found it increasingly difficult to contain a more confident Strathglass side as the goals continued to flow. Clarrie Murdoch made it 8-0, and two more by Lisa Larkin from her midfield position took her personal tally for the afternoon to seven and her team’s total into double figures.

Clarrie Murdoch rounded off a hat-trick and also added her fourth of the game to complete the scoring. Despite the final result, Ardnamurchan should take comfort from their first half showing and with more games beneath their belt they should prove to be a valuable addition to the women’s game.

20th March 2010: North Div 1

Inverness 0 Strathglass 3

Team: Raymond Fraser,Gordon Fraser, Robbie Stokes, Rhuairaidh Mackay, Donald Fraser, Darren Reid, Andy Behan, Adam Todd, Scott Douglas, Alistair Macadam, Garry Reid, Robert Geddes

Substitute: Alistair Rothe, Aaron Redpath, George Phimister, Josh Fraser

Following on from the defeat at Cabers the previous week it was away to Inverness at the Bught. Second game of the season on the big park would be a test for the fitness or lack of it as it was evident the previous week that Strath was lacking in this department.

However with forced changes caused by both Michael and Leslie being unavailable along with the return of Scott the line up was changed to maximise areas of play where it was believed Strath would benefit from. Gordy at full back , pushing Donald’s out to half back where his hitting would be of benefit. Rhuaraidh filled in at wing back to enable Adam to be pushed to the wing center berth along side Darren at full center. This allowed both Garry and Scott to join the forward line where it was believed Strath would be strong. Substitutes were bolstered only through the disappointment of the cancellation of the second team fixture through lack of players.

From the off Strath demonstrated that their movement up front could and certainly would cause Inverness defence problems. The ball movement was good with one touch shinty being played and their men being found with the pass. Unfortunately in the early exchanges it was only the shots on target that were missing. Inverness were matching Strath in area’s on the park and were not shot shy themselves.

Strath took the lead through Robert after only 10 minutes, this was the result of a well worked move that ended with Robert in space allowing him time to slot the ball pass the keeper with ease. Inverness to their credit came right back at Strath and possible midway through the half had their best spell where they were certainly on top. Rhuaraidh was finding it difficult at wing back to contain his opponent and it was only down to Raymond in the Strath goal that Strath went in at half time holding that one goal advantage. Raymond pulled of a number of reflex saves from varying angles as Inverness looked for the equaliser.

From the restart Rhu was replaced with Ali Rothe going on at wing centre and Adam dropping back to wing back. This seemed to steady the Strath who now seemed to be in control of the game. Strath doubled their lead early in the second half when Ali Macadams found space to work the ball past the keeper. It was what was deserved from the outfield play being shown by the Strath.

Strath were rarely troubled in the second half and Josh replaced Alistair Macadams at wing forward midway through the half. Strath got their third goal through Garry from the penalty spot following a kick within the D. Garry hit a well taken penalty high into the net and away from the keeper.

Overall a good steady performance from the Strath which saw the team fight and play for each other, backing each other up and running off the ball to find the space.

13th March 2010: North Div 1

Strathglass 1 Caberfeidh 3

Team: Raymond Fraser, Garry Reid, Robbie Stokes, Adam Todd, Donald Fraser, Leslie Fraser, Andy Behan Michael Stokes, Darren Reid, Alistair Macadam, Gordon Fraser, Robert Geddes

Substitute: Rhuairaidh Mackay, Barry John Phimister, George Phimister, Josh Fraser

With the Strath park unplayable for the second week the game was switched to Cabers, following much discussion with the Camanachd. But that said first game of the season away to Cabers never an easy game as you know for sure what to expect.

With a changed team from that of last year with the enforced changes this was added to with the injury to George Phimister and also the unavailability of Scott Douglas. Gordy and Alistair were drafted in and to be fair will no doubt be permanent features for the season, and is justified. Rhuaraidh, Barry John and Josh were also drafted in following the second team game being called off.

From the throw up it was even for the first 10 minutes or so it was pretty even. Donald was been tested to the full by Kevin Bartlett who was full of running on and off the ball. Cabers were putting everything through him. Raymond was the busier of the two keepers and was performing extremely well between the sticks.

Strath took the lead on 26 minutes following a long ball from Michael who found Darren and who was able to lose his marker and fire a shot into the back of the net. A well deserved and well worked goal. However Cabers had others thoughts than letting the Strath build on their lead and drew level within five minutes, this was following hesitation in the defence and the ball not being cleared at the first opportunity which resulted in Cabers getting the break of the ball and it being fired goal bound. Raymond made a gallant effort to stop it but it ricocheted of his club and high into the net. This was followed extremely quickly by Cabers second when again hesitation in the centre line lost the ball and from then it was worked through the Strath defence and into the back of the net to make it two one at half time.

The game was still there for winning at the restart and to be honest Strath did have a fair bit of play but failed to capitalise on this with goals. Adam was having a difficult time from the wing forward at times. Overall Strath began to slow down and it was obvious in the centre of the park that the fitness or lack of it was now telling. The center line was starting to lie deep in their own half with no drive towards the Cabers goal. Strath went further behind midway through the half when Cabers got their third.

Following this changes were made with Gordon being replaced by Barry John, Adam with Rhu and positional changes on the park as well. Garry joined the forward line with Donald going to full back and Michael to half back with Darren to wing centre all in the search of a goal. This nearly and should have come when the ball was put across the D to where Ali was running but he failed to connect with it and the chance was gone. On a good day he would have no doubt buried it where he should have. Josh replaced Ali for the final 10 minutes or so enabling him a run out.

Overall Strath did not perform to their capabilities in various areas of the park, yes it was the first game of the season on a park that was not ideal, however will be addressed.

13th February 2010: MacDonald Cup

Strathglass 2 Glenurquhart 2

Team: Raymond Fraser, Garry Reid, Robbie Stokes, Adam Todd, Donald Fraser, Leslie Fraser, Andy Behan, George Phimister, Darren Reid, Alistair Macadams, Gordon Fraser, Robert Geddes.

Substitute: Josh Fraser, Seth Jones, Alistair Rothe

First game of pre-season and it was to be against the old rivals “The Glen” who along with everyone else had made the Strath the underdogs. Well they say “one likes a challenge” so the team to a man were out to prove all the doubters wrong. There were a number of positional changes within the team from the previous season, some of which were forced upon us. However the belief was evident for all to see, that each team member was more than capable of fulfilling their given position and role.

Both Michael Stokes and Scott Douglas were unavailable for this fixture. Gordon Fraser, Alistair Macadams and Raymond were making a welcome return to first team shinty, whilst young Josh was also included as a sub. From the throw up it was obvious that the Glen were up for this, but were being matched in all departments by a robust Strath team who were willing to match the Glen both physically and with equal amounts of skill. It was evenly balanced for periods in the first half but the Glen took the lead when following a mistake by Adam in not clearing the ball at the first attempt the forward was able to drive a shot past Raymond. This was much to the delight of the travelling support.

However Strath continued to play their game getting the ball forward with ease at times, only to be met with a doggit defence. Strath were attempting shots at the goal but these were not coming off for them. Andy Behan at wing center was suffering from a sickness bug and was not on top of his game, but was still holding his own to an extent. Garry’s inclusion in the defence was settling and this enabled Donald to play at half back where his hitting was of benefit.

Unfortunately the Glen doubled their lead through a mix up with the officials, the ball had been struck at goal but was obviously going wide, goal judge raises his flag, ref blows his whistle for a bye hit, somewhat premature one might add. The ball hits the post and remains in play, Strath attempt to defend their goal only for the ball to be forced over the line. Bearing in mind the whistle has gone, confab between both officials and goal stands !!!!!! two nil to the Glen. Somewhat confused Strath attempted to educate the ref on this error but to no avail. Half time came and it was still two nil to the Glen. Strath had matched the Glen throughout that half and did not deserve to go in two nil down, however they were all still upbeat about the task ahead and out they went full of enthusiasm to turn the game around.

From the off it was more of the same, full on tackling from both sides which has to be said is what it is about, it wasn’t dirty just hard and fair. Strath were pressurising the Glen and most of the play was now in the Glen half. Andy was still struggling and was replaced by Seth Jones who was on home leave from the Navy. Gordy was also tiring having given his usual 110 percent effort from the off. He was replaced by Alistair Rothe. Strath continued to plug away with the defence coping with what Glen were offering, Robert was being given a lot of attention by the Glen defence when on the ball and this paid off for the Glen in the first half, but was to be their downfall in the second. Shortly after going on Ali Rothe had got a goal back for the Strath following a speculative cross come shot across the goal which either deflected across the line or bounced but either way it was now 2 1 to the Glen.

Strath continued to believe in them selves and with the encouragement from the sides for a change, didn’t give up, they continued to fight for and match the glen all the way. This enabled the pressure to remain in the Glen half and it eventually told on the Glen. The ball broke outside the D to Ali Rothe who was being given space due to the attention that Robert was receiving, the Glen were slow to react and Ali fired a well struck ball high into the back of the net to make it two two.

This was more than deserved, the travelling support went quiet and with only a matter of minutes left the Strath held on and it ended in the two two draw which saw the Strath retain the cup for yet another year. Overall this was a decent performance from a changed Strath side, one that has more than matched their Premier league opponents and shown that they were not worthy of the underdog tag that the majority of folk not connected to the club had labelled them with.

13th February 2010: Ali Ban Cup

Strathglass 1 Glenurquhart 7

Team: Brian Mackay, Ali Rothe, Ryan Balharry, Ross Balharry, Aaron Redpath, John Stirling, Barry John Phimister (captain), Seth Jones, Josh Fraser, Stuart Harvey, Lucy Macleod, Laurence Jones.

Substitute Not Used: George Fraser

A young Strathglass second team were beaten but far from disgraced against a talented Glenurquhart side on their first outing of the new season.

First team calls, injuries and illness left Strath struggling to field a team, but the players on duty could not be faulted for their determination and effort throughout. Eight of the Strathglass side were aged 17 or under – and the club also made history when Lucy Macleod became the first female player to participate in the annual local derby clash. Some textbook blocking and spirited running showed that she merited her place in the team.

Signs looked ominous for the hosts when a Kelvin Mackenzie double put Glenurquhart two up inside the opening nine minutes, but Stuart Harvey reduced the arrears with a 12th minute shot drilled into the bottom corner for his first senior goal. Glen maintained their fast start and further efforts from Ewan Menzies, Calum Fraser and Ewan Brady put them 5-1 ahead with only a quarter of the match played. Gradually Strath adjusted to the pace of the game with their youngsters gaining in confidence, and half-time arrived with the scoreline unchanged.

Early in the second period Strathglass reshuffled their pack with captain Barry John Phimister, who was troubled by a long-standing knee injury, moving to full back from full centre. His powerful presence and big hitting bolstered the home rearguard, in which another injury-hampered player in the shape of goalkeeper Brian Mackay shone with a string of fine saves.

Seth Jones settled well into the central midfield slot and, with his brother Laurence and fellow youngster Ryan Balharry also battling hard throughout, Strath continued to make a contest of it. Veteran Stuart Morrison, a half-time substitute, added Glen’s sixth 10 minutes into the second period and David Smart rounded off the scoring midway through the half.

Undoubtedly the much stronger side deserved to retain the cup, but the Strathglass youngsters showed enough to demonstrate that they will be valuable to the club in the years ahead.