NEWTONMORE SKIPPER HIT BY INJURY BLOW

Newtonmore’s new skipper Conor Jones will miss the start of the Mowi Premiership season after sustaining a freak injury.

The 30-year-old joiner had an overnight hospital stay after colliding with a Skye player in last weekend’s friendly at The Eilean.

He said: “I have to rest up after sustaining a bleed on my kidney. I’ve been ruled out of action for six weeks and it’s a big blow to miss the opening competitive games, especially after being chosen as captain.

“But I’ll be cheering on the lads and pushing to get back as soon as I can.”

Manager Norman Macarthur said: “It’s a setback to lose Conor. He’s a wholehearted performer who picks up his fair share of injuries, but this is an unusual one.”

Newtonmore, who visit Oban in the Mowi Premiership opener on March 4, are at home to Caberfeidh in Saturday’s pre-season friendly card.

Kinlochshiel, who finished runners-up to Kingussie in last season’s Premiership, face the champions at The Dell. Robert Mabon, missing last week after a work accident, returns for Kings.

Bute have volunteered to make the long trip to Kiltarlity to face Lovat in their record long-distance friendly trek.

Oban Camanachd, with Daniel MacCuish back in attack, host Glasgow Mid Argyll while neighbours Oban Celtic head for Kilmallie. Inveraray visit Kyles Athletic while Beauly get their first action when they face Glen Urquhart at Braeview Park.

A gambler’s declaration from Ben Stokes paid off in style on day one of England’s day/night Test against New Zealand, following swashbuckling scores from Harry Brook and Ben Duckett.

Stokes tossed convention to the wind by calling an end to the first innings at 325 for nine – Brook, pictured, having top-scored with 89 and Duckett making 84.

His decision to put the Black Caps batters in under lights at Mount Maunganui proved to be right as England made the most of conditions to leave the hosts 37 for three at stumps.