The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Robinson hopes to follow his shin ty nightmare with a dream display
Jamie Robinson admits it has been a nightmare to spend two months watching his team while out injured but he is relieved to have timed his return nicely to play for Newtonmore against Kinlochshiel in tomorrow’s MacTavish Cup final in Inverness.
After being out with two broken fingers, the 32-yearold joiner played the full 90 minutes of last week’s 4-1 win against Lovat to prove he is ready for his seventh MacTavish final.
He said: “I’ve won four times and lost twice.
“My first final was against Kingussie in 2006 and we lost but I got my hands on a winner’s medal three years later.
“I got another winner’s gong in 2009 but we lost in 2012 before coming back to win the last two finals against Lochaber and Kilmallie.
“It’s 30 years since Newtonmore won it three times on the bounce, so it’d be great to match that achievement.”
Robinson added: “After getting my fingers broken against Kyles Athletic, it’s been extremely frustrating to miss a key part of the season. It’s a nightmare to watch the lads playing while I still couldn’t grip a shinty stick.
“But I’m thrilled to be back with no ill-effects. I was pleased with my contribution last week when the whole team put in a very accomplished performance. It is a great tonic for this final.”
Lining up alongside him will be his 19-year-old cousin Iain Robinson, who has become a regular in attack this season.
Robinson said: “Iain’s been in and out for three years but when the chance was there this season he’s taken it and hasn’t looked back. It’s great to see him make such progress.
“Kinlochshiel are riding the crest of a wave and will travel to Bught Park with confidence. They’re very physical and determined, difficult to beat.
“But when we’re at our best, I believe we can beat anyone. It’s a question of being up for it on the day.”
Robinson was man of the match in the 2013 Camanachd Cup final as well as skippering the winning team and scoring a goal.
He added: “I made my debut at Oban aged 15 but I’ve been a regular since I was 17 and it is days like these that we play for.
“It’s great to be in the season’s first final after the team’s glut of injuries earlier in the season. But we managed to grind out results and now we’re back in the groove at the right time.
“Norman Campbell will also be in his seventh final and he’s fitter than he’s been for years. Glen Mackintosh is ideal for big games and even though he’s been out with a broken rib, I’m optimistic he can play a part.” l In the National Division, bottom side Strathglass grabbed their first win of the campaign last week with a Scott Douglas treble and aim to maintain their revival against third top Glasgow Mid Argyll at Cannich.