Nicolson win historic first match at Sir E. Scott

Sir E. Scott 2 The Nicolson Institute 3  

Last Friday The Nicolson Institute shinty team lined up against Sir E. Scott to compete in the first shinty challenge match between the two schools. The game was Sir E. Scott’s first competitive match and hopefully the first of many between the two sides.

The Leodhasaich  were  in confident mood having competed against Uist Camanachd  and Kinlochbervie High school in the Minch Medal tournament over the last few years.Their experience showed when right wing centre Daniel McFadden struck a low shot  from twenty yards past the Sir E. Scott goalie after 4 minutes.1-0 to The Nicolson and the Leodhasaich were off  to a good start. Then after 8mins. Referee Donald Lamont awarded The Nicolson a penalty for a kick by  the Sir E. Scott goalie.Unfortunately for penalty taker Connor Chalmers the ball went wide of the right hand post. The Hearaich were however competing fiercely and  Fraser Binns showed his previous shinty playing experience  by showing some nice touches in the centre.

The Nicolson continued to pressure with Nicolson captain Paddy Sinclair beginning to control the midfield. With the Leodhasaich pressuring near the Sir E. Scott goal Connor Chalmers latched onto a loose ball and fired in from ten yards. 2-0 after 15minutes. The Hearaich  fought back and started to put together some attacking moves.This led to a goal line scramble which the Leodhasaich failed to clear and Stuart Morrison fired in Sir E. Scott’s first competitive goal much to the crowd’s delight. The Leodhasaich were dismayed and replied immediatedly .The ball went up field from the throw-up and Connor Chalmers and Ryan McCafferty played a nice one,two which led to a Ryan McCafferty score.

The second half was as entertaining as the first. With the crowd growing in number the Hearaich were given something to shout about.  At the beginning of the second half The Nicolson failed to clear their lines and the ball broke to Brendan Latham.He struck a fine shot which Nicolson keeper Euan Gilmour could not prevent from bursting the net.The Leodhasaich rallied and with Al Reed playing well in defence and Paddy Sinclair creating chances for the forwards, the Hearaich were pinned back. The Nicolson had around six corners but couldn’t add to their tally of three.

So great to have the first competitive match between Lewis and Harris. Sir E. Scott coach Adam Johnson was pleased his players had competed so well.Iain Sinclair Nicolson coach commented,” I  feel that youth shinty has moved on in the islands with this game. That is shown by the Causeway Shield Tournament on Saturday 24^th.September here at Sir E. Scott at 11am. It is the first time three island teams will be  competing with each other for the shield. It should be a great day.Thig ann !