News Article
Lochaber win North Area Under 14s
Monday, September 3rd, 2012 at 3:25PM
The four districts in the North area sent their U14 teams to Spean Bridge on Sunday 2nd September to contest the Ferguson Transport Shield.
As the first match got underway, Skye and Wester Ross against Badenoch, in dry mild conditions, the opening exchanges were very even. The end to end action and skilful shinty were to be a feature of the day and the 25 minute first half ended with no score but three second half goals from Sam Richardson, James Falconer and Craig Macleod saw the Badenoch side in to the final.
In the other semi – final Lochaber looked to be comfortable as they led 3 – 1 mid way through the second half thanks to a double from Craig MacIsaac and a Calum Shepard goal but when Blair Morrison added to his earlier strike it set up a nail biting finish with Inverness nearly grabbing an equaliser in the dying seconds but Lochaber held on.
The 3rd – 4th place play off proved to be a classic game of two halves as Inverness raced in to a 2 – 0 first half lead with another Blair Morrison double but Skye and Wester Ross dominated the second period and although they rattled the woodwork and tested Euan Pilture in the Inverness goal they could not break their duck before the end.
As Badenoch and Lochaber lined up for the final spectators had to remind themselves this was an U14 game as many of the players on each side must have been around the 6’ mark!
Lochaber were quicker out of the blocks and Craig MacIsaac and Finlay Macdonald had them two goals ahead before Badenoch really threatened but after a spell of pressure Sam Richardson pulled one back. Badenoch were still finding it difficult to gain control of the game and Craig MacIsaac made it 3 – 1 before the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern and although Badenoch had a couple of early chances it was no surprise when Macdonald and MacIsaac scored again for Lochaber. Craig Macleod pulled another back for Badenoch but when Craig MacIsaac completed his hat – trick to seal a 5 – 2 victory there could be few complaints.
Mr. Michael Oliver, Transport manager with Ferguson Transport (Spean Bridge)Ltd, presented the Badenoch players with runners up medals and the Lochaber players with winners medals and captain Calum Shepard with the Ferguson transport shield.
Thanks are due to Lochaber Camanachd Club for hosting the tournament, referee’s Neil Ferguson and Ronnie Campbell and to area coaches James Gallagher, Victor Smith, Michael Ritchie and John Macleod.
Michael Ritchie and Victor Smith have been appointed North Area U14 coaches for the match against the South Area on September 30th at Fort William.
They have selected a 16 man squad and players will be notified by letter this week, before the squad is announced.
