Mowi Premiership

Glasgow Mid Argyll v Oban Camanachd

Oban Camanachd’s first competitive match under new manager Gareth Evans is a trip south to Peterson Park, Yoker, to play Glasgow Mid Argyll.

Alan MacRae is the new Glasgow Mid Argyll boss, taking over from former Oban Celtic player Mark Bain. This is GMA’s first full season in the top flight since their promotion at the end of the 2019 season when they finished second in the Mowi National Division.

MacRae is without two attackers as both Ewen Fraser and Calum McLay suffered broken fingers during the pre-season.

GMA’s pitch was damaged during the mid-month friendly with Inveraray but they hope the game will go ahead.

Daniel MacCuish misses the start of Oban Camanachd’s season due to football commitments with Oban Saints although he is also currently suffering from a hamstring injury.

Gareth Evans said: ‘The boys have been really enjoying the training put on by Fraser Inglis and they are looking really fit. We know the game in Glasgow will be a battle but we are really looking forward to it.’

Kilmallie v Lovat

Martin Stewart’s Kilmallie side welcome last year’s Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup runners-up Lovat to the Canal Parks.

With Daniel Stewart and Aaron Sandison relocated to London and Inverness respectively, Calum MacDougall still injured and Innes Blackhall and Stuart Callison both suspended, there will be changes for the Kilmallie manager to make. Alan MacDonald and Dugald MacPhee come into the reckoning whilst Kevin Toye replaces the unavailable Shane Gillies in goal.

Jamie Matheson remains in charge at Lovat and he has named Craig Mainland as his skipper for the season. Lorne MacKay is suspended for this one whilst Michael MacKenzie is likely to be unavailable for the start of the season at least.

Fort William v Kyles Athletic

Fort William have been given a difficult start to life back in shinty’s top flight as they face seasoned campaigners Kyles Athletic at An Aird.

Fort William co-managers Victor Smith and Adam Robertson have the experienced Bryan Simpson back in the fold which should help their young side.

Promising youngster Somhairle Thomson, who has relocated to the Glasgow area, has joined Kyles Athletic after skippering the Newtonmore second team to HIS Sutherland Cup success last season.

The sides will also play for the Drew Ferguson Memorial Trophy.

Kinlochshiel v Newtonmore

Kinlochshiel and Newtonmore clash at Rèaraig Park.

Kinlochshiel manager Johnston Gill is without Paul MacRae who has retired following a knee injury.

Norman MacArthur, Evan Cheyne and David Cheyne are now in charge at Newtonmore, replacing Orsten Gardner.

Kingussie v Caberfeidh

Champions Kingussie start their bid to retain the Mowi Premiership title against Caberfeidh at the Dell.

Thomas Borthwick remains on the Kingussie injury list whilst wing centre Kieran MacPherson has joined Caberfeidh and could make his debut against his former club. The game comes too early for Kingussie defender Calum Grant.