The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Cabers look to upset More
● Goal machine Morrison eager to extend stunning 14-game run
Caberfeidh skipper Craig Morrison aims to maintain a remarkable scoring sequence as he bids to upset holders Newtonmore in tomorrow’s Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup semi-final at Inverness and lead the Strathpeffer side into the final for the first time in 70 years.
Newtonmore, who have carried off the game’s Blue Riband prize for the past three years, have mixed news on the injury front as they aim to move to within 90 minutes of their 34th Camanachd triumph.
Morrison, a 23-year-old plumber, has scored in each of Cabers’ last 14 games and is the Premiership’s leading marksman with 24 goals.
Craig said: “We’re massive underdogs and everyone expects Newtonmore to win – but this is a huge opportunity for us as it is 55 years since we last got to the semi-finals.
“We’ve done really well to get here and if we hit form on the day we’ll have a chance.
“I’m amazed by my scoring run and it’s helped to have my cousin Kevin Bartlett supplying good passes and encouragement.
“We’re the highest scoring first team in shinty but Newtonmore have an excellent defence, including Rory Kennedy – the best player in the game.”
Craig, whose 21-year-old brother Blair plays at halfback for the Castle Leod club, added: “We need
to play a lot better than last week’s disappointing display against Kyles Athletic. But we’ll be up for this one and ready to give it a real go.”
Manager Jodi Gorski has Ryan Mackay fit again, giving him a full squad.
He said: “Player-coach Kevin Bartlett watched Newtonmore last week, when he was suspended, and as he won the cup with Lovat in 2015 we’ll rely on him to calm nerves and help his team-mates to settle into the game.”
Going for four in
arow, Newtonmore will be without key attackers Glen Mackintosh (knee ligaments) and Michael Russell (dislocated collarbone) but they welcome back skipper Evan Menzies to the forward line after a two-game suspension.
Manager Paul John Mackintosh said: “Ewen Fraser, who missed last weekend through stitches in a shin wound, is fit to return and strengthen our forward options.
“But midfielder David Maclean, who made his
comeback from a groin problem, has suffered an adverse reaction and is very doubtful.
“In defence, Andy Mackintosh still isn’t 100%, but he’ll play with a heavy strapping on his ankle, while Craig Ritchie is having physio treatment but he’ll be OK.”
“Cabers have been scoring goals for fun, with Craig Morrison obviously a threat, but we’re strong at the back. Evan Menzies scores important goals so it’s a relief to have him back.” with Ruaridh Anderson and Savio Genini scoring. It’s a clash of two good young teams.”
Kyles Athletic, five points off the top with two games in hand, wait to see if full-back Calum Miller can make his comeback against Kinlochshiel at Tighnabruiach.
Keith MacRae remains injured for the Wester Ross men while his brother John MacRae faces a fitness test.