GAME OF PATIENCE

Clubs turn down Camanachd Association’s localised leagues proposal

Several shinty clubs have decided not to take part in the Camanachd Association’s proposed localised leagues this autumn.

These fixtures could start next month and most clubs are champing at the bit for some action – but others are expressing no appetite for an early return to action.

The various risk assessments and protocols involved for training and playing are a deterrent to clubs with a less robust admin setup.

National development manager Graham Cormack said: “Some clubs have indicated to me that they won’t be taking part in any games until next year.

“These are mostly smaller clubs who have opted to shut up shop and focus on next season. They’re in the minority but we have to appreciate their reasons and respect their decision.”

Orston Gardner, manager of Camanachd Cup holders Newtonmore, said: “We want to play but there needs to be several weeks set aside for training to get the players prepared for a comeback.

“There will be an issue at a few clubs with self-employed lads who have lost money during lockdown who will need to work on Saturdays to generate much-needed income.”

Fort William comanager Victor Smith said: “While I can understand some clubs feel it would be too much hassle to play in the next few months, we’re desperate to get going. Our players are enthusiastic about the prospect and it can’t come quickly enough.

“After being promoted, the lads were keen to sample the Premier Division but our first game against Kyles Athletic was rained off and then lockdown came. They’re anxious to get some matches played this autumn to get them tuned up again.”

Cormack explained that the Scottish Government’s ban on outdoor contact sports will last until July 31.

“But once there is clarity on the prohibition being lifted, clubs could get cracking on senior training”, he added.

“We’ll need to identify which clubs wish us to arrange fixtures for them.

“Once we have that information we’ll then then study what kind of leagues we can introduce, whether they are local or even regional in some cases, depending on which clubs are taking part.”

Cormack disclosed that the Premiership, National Division and North and South Divisions will next season adhere to the same fixture programme as was drawn up for the campaign which was aborted after the opening day in March.

“The board have agreed that there is no point in drawing up a fresh fixture list”, he added. “It will probably be a similar story with the various cup draws, but that will have to await a check on which teams are committed to which competitions next year.”