News Article
ONE DOWN, ONE TO GO IN SCOTTISH HYDRO CAMANACHD CUP
Monday, August 6th, 2012 at 2:49PM
Reigning champions Newtonmore will do battle with Premiership rivals Kyles Athletic for a place against Inveraray in the final of the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup on Saturday 11th August.
Newtonmore will be looking to repeat last month’s defeat of Kyles which saw the Badenoch club run out comfortable 5-2 winners at Tighnabruaich.
Kyles meanwhile will be looking to reach the final at Mossfield once again having pushed Fort William all the way in 2009 in one of the most exciting Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Finals in recent years.
The winner of the Mossfield contest will face an Inveraray side which disposed of Kinlochshiel 3-1 in the first of the semi finals at An Aird on Saturday. Gary MacPherson put Inveraray ahead in the first minute of the match, the first to be played at An Aird following a year-long upgrade.
Three minutes later Euan McMurdo extended their lead, but Keith MacRae restored hope for ‘Shiel soon after.
Early in the second half MacPherson netted once more for what turned out to be the decisive goal.
Inveraray, who last won the cup in 2004, must now wait to learn who they will face in their first final since 2007.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s second semi final, Newtonmore Manager Norman McArthur said: “The squad are really looking forward to next week’s clash with Kyles Athletic – it will be a very close-fought contest as the league has proved over the last two seasons. Our boys are desperate to get to the final and retain the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup. Last year was a huge monkey off the whole town’s back and to go on and win it again would be fantastic.”
Kyles Athletic Coach James Perlich said: “Saturday is a massive game for both clubs; you lose and that’s the end of your Camanachd Cup dream for another season. I don’t feel there is much separating Kyles and Newtonmore with regards to ability; I believe it will come down to which team wants it more. Both clubs have a long history in the competition and this will be reflected in the crowd attendance and the performance both teams will produce on the day. I just hope this Saturday its Kyles who go the extra mile to reach the final of the biggest trophy in the sport.”
Jonny Petrie, Sponsorship Manager at Scottish Hydro, said: “Congratulations to Inveraray on reaching the 2012 Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final, it’s a fantastic achievement. I’m sure next weekend’s second semi final will be another great occasion with the top two teams in the country right now going head to head – best of luck to both squads.”
Kyles Athletic v Newtonmore takes place on Saturday 11th August at Oban’s Mossfield Park. The match throws up at 4.05pm and will be shown live on BBC Alba.
The final of the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup will return to Mossfield Park, Oban on Saturday 15th September.
PHOTO: Kyles’ Coach James Perlich and Newtonmore’s Manager Norman MacArthur with the Camanachd Cup
