Primary shinty teams acquit themselves well at national finals
Skye and Lochaber Primary Schools put on excellent performances at this year’s National First Indoor finals in Fort William, with North End Primaries taking the P7 honours for 2023.
Sponsored by Ferguson Transport and Shipping National, the finals brought together more than 150 of the best young players from across Scotland all vying for the coveted National P5 and P7 titles.
The P7 and Under tournament was played at the Nevis Centre, where the standard of play throughout the day was of the highest order with all the 11 teams giving a great account of themselves.
Section A saw the talented Caol Primary School driven on by the impressive Harry Stewart top the group on seven points, with the equally impressive North End Primaries (Skye) team one point behind, claiming the runners-up spot.
Caol were beaten 3-1 by Glasgow’s Ghleann Dail in the first semi-final, while North End beat Glenurquhart 3-2 in a closely contended game.
The final started at a frantic pace with play raging from end to end, with the standard of play of the highest order.
North End, however, driven on by the outstanding
Lachlan MacLeod, raced to a two-goal lead, before Ghleann Dail pulled back a well-deserved goal just before half- time.
Another two goals from MacLeod in the second half saw the islanders run out 4-1 winners and win the P7 and Under National First Shinty Championships 2023.
Michael Oliver of Ferguson Transport and Shipping presented the trophy and medals to all the players.
Over at Lochaber High School the P5 and Under tournament was taking place.
The standard of play was excellent, with all group games closely contested between the 10 top school teams from across the country.
Last year’s winners Bunsgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis (Inverness), Alvie (Kingussie), Rockfield (Oban) and Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh (Skye) all progressed to the semis, with BSGP winning their way through to a final against Alvie with an extra time golden goal against BSGI.
The final saw some skilful shinty from both teams with the Kingussie outfit running out tournament winners for 2023.
Leeanne Mackay Ferguson Transport Shipping presented the and medals. of and trophy