ELEVEN GOAL THRILLER - WHAT A FINAL

The rampaging Roddy MacDonald breaks through to level at 1-1

What can you say about a game and occasion like today's Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final?

There was all kinds of pressure on both of the teams in this match - make no mistake. But they produced the type of game that the fans wanted. A modern contest; fast, furious, full of passion and with no little skill on both sides.

The energy and spirit of this Kyles side ultimately proved to be the difference - but Inveraray could have won this final, if they had given themselves a bigger cushion when they were on top in the first half - with the wind at their backs.

The tall, rangy Roddy MacDonald is proving to be as important to his side as his father - venerable goalkeeper, Kenny - these days. Kenny won today's winner's medal a mere 29 years after winning his first (also against another south side in another dramatic match versus Strachur). Roddy, on the other hand, represents the future. If he stays fit and well, he could drive this side on to much greater success. But he's not alone. He belongs to a crop of players brought through as kids by Kyles greats of the past; people like Barney Crawford, Tom Nicolson and Dan Macrae. These young kids are now Camanachd Cup winners.

With Norman MacDonald's quiet, studied approach, aided by the input of wise men like Scott Turner, Barney and others - plus the sheer energy and application added by James Perlich - this Kyles side has been coming for around five or six years.
They look likely to narrowly lose out in this year's premiership to Newtonmore, but their time will come in the league.

Kyles captain Andrew King with the trophy

But back to today's game at Mossfield - which again was looking great despite the elements.

The result was tough on Aray, who managed five goals against big Kenny and still lost. I was left with the feeling, though, that this was a win for everyone involved in shinty - north and south. It was a really good, exciting game played in a good spirit. The crowd was good, in fantastic spirits and very vocal.
It was a great showpiece occasion for shinty.

Shinty's administrators, sponsors, clubs, supporters and the media should acknowledge and celebrate two Saturdays of really, really good, thrilling entertainment. The lads playing in today's Camanachd Cup Final had a lot to live up to after last weekend's women's shinty finals day, which was an unqualified success (as you will read elsewhere on this website).

They managed an equally exciting spectacle, win or lose.

Well done to both Kyles and Inveraray for another great day for shinty.