Season’s greetings from the sporting community – part 2
Dalmally Golf Club
Despite restrictions on most sports, Dalmally Golf Club has had one of our most successful seasons in a long time.
As one of the few sports where social distancing is relatively easy to achieve we, like many of our fellow clubs, have recorded a substantial growth in membership and visitors.
An early highlight of our year was the Ladies’ Putting and Prosecco evening which saw more than 30 women gather for a fun evening.
As a result, we attracted a significant number of new lady members, most of whom took advantage of the regular Sunday coaching sessions run by club captain Graeme MacKechnie.
The club decided to err on the side of caution and postpone our regular programme of open competitions. We have, however, been fortunate in being able to hold a busy and successful club gents, ladies and mixed fixture list throughout the year.
Thanks to our new greenkeeper Garry Bidmead and greens convener Jim Livingstone along with great voluntary help from members, the course this year has been in superb condition with plaudits from members and visitors.
We hope all our members, friends, visitors and all readers of The Oban Times, which has also given us great support over the year, had a very happy Christmas and wish them a healthy New Year. Tony Graham, match secretary.
Oban Saints FC
The Covid-related postponement of the West of Scotland Amateur Cup fourth round tie against Uddingston Anvil on Saturday December 18 was the final act in a year which, for the most part, Oban Saints will be keen to see the back of.
Saints’ first post lockdown action of 2021 didn’t come until July 10 when they were pitched into action against Castlemilk Dynamo in the Central Scottish Amateur Football League Division One play-off.
The Division 1A winners had the advantage of competitive action in the weeks leading up to the game which saw them pip Gartcosh United to top the Covid-disrupted 2019-20 Division 1A.
Saints, however, had been confirmed as Division 1B winners as far back as March 2020 and had only one warmup game against Lochgilphead Red Star under their belts.
A close match ended level. Neither team could find a winner in extra time and it was Castlemilk who came out on top in the penalty shoot-out to be crowned overall Division One Champions.
Consolation for Saints came when captain Craig
MacEwan was presented with the long-awaited Division 1B trophy, however, the main prize for both teams was to be confirmed as competing in the Central Scottish Amateur Football League Premier Division, widely considered to be the best amateur division in Scotland.
After more Covid-related fixture disruption, Saints finally got their 2021-22 league campaign under way with a heavy defeat away to early pacesetters Lesmahagow. The reverse against the on-fire league leaders unfortunately set the tone for a frustrating run of results where Saints harvested just four points from a possible 24 before bagging a first home league win of the season against Gartcosh United and finally putting smiles on the faces of their loyal home support.
Saints are due back in action on Saturday (January 8) with a fourth round West of Scotland Cup tie away to Uddingston Anvil.
Oban Saints extend season’s greetings and best wishes to sponsors D and K Lafferty Contractors, MKM Oban Building Supplies and Aulay’s Bar and to all of the club’s faithful supporters. David Buchanan, secretary.
Taynuilt Golf Club
Taynuilt Golf Club has had a successful year, despite the challenges of the pandemic, albeit with a much-reduced social calendar.
We hosted the gents and senior opens with fantastic attendance and our thanks go to our sponsors on the days of the events, S and S Services and Munros of Oban.
Despite the lack of social activities, £807 was raised with donations made to prostate and breast cancer charities, Macmillan in Oban and the Dove Centre. Both ladies and gents prizegivings have been moved to the New Year.
We were delighted to welcome Craig Lee and the roving pro initiative which encourages juniors into the game of golf. The club was encouraged by the number of new juniors taking up membership. The club is open to applications for new members across all categories of membership for 2022.
Taynuilt Golf Club wishes you all a happy New Year. Marlyn Milne, secretary.