The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Full steam ahead for Shiel, More in MacTavish
Shinty: Both sides have players back from injury for cup final at Inverness
Bus bother for Kinlochshiel and a boost for Newtonmore is the backdrop to today’s eagerly-awaited MacTavish Cup final at Bught Park, Inverness.
Premiership champions Shiel are making their first appearance in the final, which is being televised live from 4pm, while their Badenoch opponents are seeking their 42nd win and their first hat-trick of victories in 30 years.
Johnston Gill, the Kinlochshiel manager, said: “We’ve a huge support trying to make it but a cruise liner is in port at Invergordon and all the buses are booked for their passengers.
“It’s a pity but we’ll have a fleet of cars heading to Inverness.
“Centre-half Conor Cormack has shaken off a muscle tweak and we’re all fit and ready to try to make history. Newtonmore are the toughest opponents in a final, given their track record but we’re coming in on a high.
“This is a special day for us and we’ve players like Keith MacRae, John MacRae, Jordan Fraser and Ally Nixon who are in fine scoring form. It’s got the makings of a great game and I wouldn’t be surprised if it goes to extra time.”
For Newtonmore, Glen Mackintosh, who has been out with a rib problem, is fit again and could start.
Manager Paul John Mackintosh said: “It’s great to have Glen back in the reckoning at the right time.”
He revealed that Steven MacDonald, who has played in the forward line in his two comeback matches, will drop back to his usual centre-half spot after not having played there this year through illness.
He said: “We’ve got over our injuries at just the right time and we’re in good form to go for the hat-trick.
“Shiel are a big, strong side but we’re quietly confident.”
Newtonmore goalkeeper and former Lochcarron favourite Kenny Ross plays his first senior final at the age of 47, while full-back Norman Campbell, at 39, is playing in his seventh MacTavish final.
“This is a special day. It’s got the makings of a great game”