Weekend of ‘what ifs’ for teams in the semis

On a weekend Orkney and Aberdeenshire could reasonably have been expected to reach the finals of two national finals at Murrayfield next month, the two clubs were left frustrated by the suspension of fixtures due to Covid-19.

Orkney would have been strong favourites to reach the final of the National Shield on April 25, especially with home advantage against Edinburgh side Royal High.

Garry Coltherd, the islanders president and coach, thought his team would win. He said: “We were within touching distance of our first final at Murrayfield. I very much doubt if our semifinal will be played. It’s very frustrating, but there are other more pressing matters in the country at the moment.”

“It’s difficult to keep focused, but these are difficult days”

Aberdeenshire’s head coach Barny Henderson was similarly frustrated.

He said: “It would be good if we were to be given some indication of if or when our home semi-final with Dalkeith in the National Bowl will go ahead or not. It’s difficult to keep the guys focused, but these are difficult days for us all.”

Shire are also waiting to see if their promotion from Caley 2 North will be confirmed in what has turned out to be a nightmare of a season due to the virus.

Orkney, the runaway leaders in Caley Division 1, are eight points ahead of nearest challengers Ellon and have two games in hand on the Meadows men.

In Caley 3 North, RAF Lossiemouth are 12 points clear of Kinloss Eagles, while in Caley 4 North, Aberdeen University Medics have already won the division.