The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Cup cracker for University
Aberdeen back in Camanachd action against either Beauly or Skye
Aberdeen University, back in the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup after several years’ absence, have landed a top tie against Beauly or Skye, both quarter-finalists last year.
Tayforth, also out for some time, and Kilmory, after a two-year absence, have swollen the cup entry to its highest in 20 years. Yesterday’s ballot at Bught Park, Inverness – scene of the final in September – required three preliminary ties instead of the usual one.
Skye co-manager Willie Cowie said: “A trip to Beauly is manageable and will be a cracking tie. But having to go to Aberdeen if wewinwouldcertainlybea marathon 500-mile round trip for us.
“We’ve always had a strong player connection with the university and their manager Jamie Beaton is a former Skye player.”
The islanders beat Mid Argyll in the second round last year before losing4-2to eventual cupwinnersNewtonmore in the last eight.
Beauly manager Allan Macrae, with Daniel Lamont in scoring form, reckons the Skye visit will be a crowd-puller at Braeview Park.
Varsity became eligible for a Camanachd comeback after winning the North Second Division with 18 successive victories, which earned Camanachd Association awards for coach Jamie Beaton and player Rob Urquhart. Gregor Cushnie has begun the season in scoring vein and they will be out to cause an upset.
Fort William, who won 2-1 at Oban Celtic on the opening day of the season, will play host to the Green and Whites. Fort won the Camanachd trophy four years running from 2007, while Celts last won it 44 years ago.
Kevin Bartlett, whose goals won the trophy for Lovat two years ago, will line up for home club Caberfeidh, unbeaten this term, away to Inverness, with a huge trek to Bute awaiting the winners.
Inveraray, cup winners 13 years ago, will entertain Tayforth on the Musselburgh men’s re-entry to the tournament.
Margaret Davidson, leader ofHighland Council, helped make the draw and said: “My ward includes six shinty teams, Glen Urquhart, Beauly, Lovat, Boleskine, Strathglass and Glengarry, so it is a stronghold of the game.”
GeorgeFraser, chief executive of new sponsor TullochHomes and aNewtonmore legend with eight Camanachd winner’s medals, said: “I’m extremely pleased to see so many teams in this year’s tournament. The BeaulySkye game looks the pick of the preliminary round, while Fort versus Oban Celtic could be the most intriguing tie of an interesting first round as teams tussle for a place in the second round, when the Premiership clubs come in.”