Oban High at First Shinty festival
LAST week a team of six pupils from Oban High School’s Support Department travelled up to Aviemore to participate in this year’s National First Shinty Festival.
On arrival at Dalfaber Golf and Country Club, the team comprising Brandon Williams, Robert MacInnes, Logan McHoul, Aidan MacLeod, Naomi Rimmer and Jade MacKenzie mixed with players from other school teams during coaching sessions and practice games.
The sessions were organised by shinty legend Ronald Ross along with other coaches.
The following day the team took part in an indoor competition against schools from other parts of Scotland and started well with a convincing 4-0 victory against Stanecastle B and a 1-1 draw with James Reid School.
Unfortunately Oban’s goal machine Logan McHoul suffered bruising to his foot which forced him to sit out the next match against Park from Ayshire. Despite a brave effort, the depleted Oban side lost 2-0.
In the team’s final group match Logan recovered sufficiently to play in goals against Abercorn A, but unfortunately the Oban youngsters went down 2-0 to their more experienced opponents who eventually won the tournament.
The Oban High School team finished a creditable third in their group and every player received a well-earned medal.
Ronald Ross was full of praise for the team’s efforts and was more than happy to pose with them for a photo.
Special thanks go to the Macaulay Camanachd Association (funded by Artemis) for their kind £400 donation which helped to purchase a new set of strips for the school’s Support Department and assist towards paying for their successful trip to Aviemore.