The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Stewart’s drive to succeed
● Snowplough job affects training but overall commitment hailed
Calum Stewart’s job on a snowplough is hindering his chance to stake a claim for an attacking role for Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup holders Newtonmore.
The 25-year-old, whose goals have fired the club’s second team to three successive North First Division titles, has been brought into the first-team squad by new manager Orston Gardner.
But Gardner revealed yesterday: “Calum is out every evening on snowplough duty, which has affected his attendance at training, but he’s trying to compensate by doing fitness work through the day and I’m pleased with his commitment.”
Stewart, capped three times for Scotland’s under21s, is bidding to replace the injured Glen Mackintosh for the new campaign.
Meanwhile, the powerful Michael Russell has been appointed the new Newtonmore captain. He played in defence, midfield and up front last season.
Gardner said: “When Michael’s father John was captain 35 years ago, we beat Kingussie at The Dell in the Camanachd final.
“The final is back there this year and I’d like to think it could be an omen.”
With their pitch not playable, Newtonmore have booked the Kincraig pitch for tomorrow’s home friendly with Oban Camanachd.
Newtonmore, meanwhile, have had their fixtures changed and will begin with four away games out of five.
Gardner said. “This leaves us away to Kinlochshiel, at home to Glasgow Mid Argyll and then away to Kyles Athletic and Oban followed by an away MacTavish Cup tie.
“It certainly makes for a difficult start for us but we’ll just get on with it.”
With only two weeks until the competitive season starts, clubs are anxious that as many of tomorrow’s friendlies as possible can beat the weather.
Beauly hope to give Ryan Mackay and Robbie Brindle – new signings from Caberfeidh – their debuts against Fort William at Braeview Park.
Oliver MacRae, back from Glasgow Mid Argyll, is set to debut for Kinlochshiel at home to Glen Urquhart while Bailey Mackay returns for Lovat against Lochaber at Kiltarlity.
Kilmallie have a 1pm start against Oban Celtic at Mossfield while Ewen Fraser, signed from Newtonmore, is due for his first Glasgow Mid Argyll start at home to Inveraray. Strathglass face Inverness at Bught Park.
The Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup quarter and semi-finals have been brought forward due to BBC Alba revealing it is unable to screen the semifinal on its scheduled August 15 date. The semis will now be on July 25 and August 8, with the quarterfinals now brought forward a week to July 4.
This means the Macaulay Cup semi-finals have been switched from July 25 to July 18 while the Balliemore Cup final, due on that day, has been deferred to August 15.