Friday 30 March 2012

Friday - Sports Video of the Week

Check this out:

http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/a-goal-of-the-season-contender-you-wont-have-seen-thamsanqa-sangweni-amazulu-v-witbank-spurs/

and...



Have a great Easter holiday everybody!

What a week for Nicolson Institute Sport

What a week it has been for sport in the Nicolson. Congratulations to the Junior Girls Rugby team who beat Bell Baxter High School to win the Brewin Dolphin Bowl Final at Murrayfield last Saturday 14th March




The girls played a 13 a side game and this was the first final for girls rugby ever for the Nicolson Institute. The girls showed great determination and won the match 66 -19.  Pick up a copy of the Stornoway gazette and the West Highland Free Press to see a full report and match photos.

The Junior Girl's line was:

1. Chloe Thompson
2. Nina Swanson
3. Emma Macdonald
4. Sarah Macleod
5. Kitty Darling
8. Catriona Rennie
9. Eleanor Smith
10. Amanda Nicolson
11. Kirsty Macdonald
12. Lorna Latimer
13. Amy Macdonald
14. Nicole Maclean
15. Peigi Ann Scott

Subs:

16. Elaine Macdonald
17. Sally Maclennan

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In other news the Junior Girls Football team have returned back to school today fresh from a tough victory over Greenwood Academy in the Semi Final of the Scottish Schools Shield. To reach the final is an absolutely fantastic achievement for the girls and their coach Miss MacLeod. The girls won 5-2 but Miss MacLeod had this to say about the game:

Congratulations to the junior girls football team - they beat Greenwood Academy (Irvine) 5-2 yesterday in the semi final of the Scottish cup. Although the score may suggest an easy win, it was in fact a tough game with the score line poised at 2-1 right up until the last ten minutes. The girls showed great levels of determination and fitness to keep going and to keep pushing for the next goal which they thoroughly deserved when it eventually came. It says a lot about our girls when they can hold their own against a team such as Greenwood Academy who had a Scottish International player in their centre of midfield along with six other girls who play club football for Kilmarnock Ladies and Ayr United. It is a fantastic achievement by the girls and we look forward to playing in the Scottish cup final against the winner of Mintlaw Academy (Aberdeen) vs Braes High (Falkirk). Well done to the girls - they are a credit to the school.

We wish them all the best for their preparations for the final.

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Well done to all pupils and staff who helped the school raise £281.60 for Sport Relief. All S1 - S3 pupils walked a mile on the track last Friday to support this charity event. Well done everyone.

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Good luck also to Kara Hanlon who competes at the Scottish Age Group Championships this weekend! Kara has already achievement a lot this year and everyone at school wishes her all the best for this weekend. Kara will swim two distances both in the breaststroke event and will be competing in the u15 age group.

Thursday 22 March 2012

Friday - Sports Video of the Week

The quality of the video footage is not the best but you cannot deny the quality of the football

Junior Girl's Rugby Brewin Dolphin Bowl Final

The Nicolson Institute Junior Rugby team have their Bowl Final on Saturday 24th March at 10am against Bell Baxter High School at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. Wish the girl's luck!

The squad is:

 
Chole Thompson
Nicole Maclean
Lorna Latimir
Emma Macdonald
Sally Maclennan
Amy Macleod
Sarah Macleod
Amanda Nicolson
Peigi Ann Scott
Eleanor Smith
Nina Swanson
Kirsty Macdonald
Elaine Macdonald
Kitty Darling
Catriona Rennie

Monday 19 March 2012

Goalless in Glen Affric !

Camanachd Straghlais  0  Camanchd Leodhais  0

Na Leodhasaich travelled far on Saturday for this season’s away fixture to Strathglass.This was their third game of the season and they were looking for their first win after two narrow defeats away to Lochbroom and Caberfeidh.
For probably the first time in  their North Division Three fixtures Lewis were able to field the same team as the previous week. The previous encounter at Cannich had been a 2-2 draw and it proved to be the same end result again but with Lewis dominating to a greater extent this time.
From the off it looked like Lewis would dominate in the picturesque surroundings with conditions perfect for shinty on a mild Spring day.Early on vice-captain and half forward Donald Lamont lashed a shot into the side netting.It was maybe a sign of things to come that Lewis would dominate but not covert their chances.Strathglass did however win  a corner and threatened the Lewis goal early on .The highlight of the early play was a fine shot by full centre Scott Murray which was well saved by veteran Brian MacKay with his hand . The ball rebounded to Calum “Stompy” Stamper but the angle was tight and the ball just went wide.
 As time went on Lewis had chances falling to Donald Lamont, Scott Murray and Calum “Stompy” Stamper but Brian MacKay was resolute in goals and his defence withstood the pressure.Lucy Macleod for Strathglass was effective at wing back and showed that the ladies are more than a match for any opponent. It is a feature of Lewis’s play that hitting has generally improved .The referee had taken the decision to award a throw up between teams if the ball fell into a divet of which there were many.This was to stop the possibility of dangerous play. However it tended to disadvantage Lewis who were doing most of the attacking.It also made it difficult to hit accurately on goal. Lewis were further disadvantaged when top scorer Will Church sustained a nasty knock to his arm early on  which limited his use of the caman.
So half-time was goalless and player/manager Paul Duke encouraged Na Leodhasaich to continue to pressurise Strathglass and convert their chances. Again Lewis attacked and Scott Murray came close again. Strathglass managed to mount a series of attacks but Eoghan Stewart was outstanding at left wing back and any danger was mopped up by him and fellow defenders Daniel “Gaga” Gallacher and Innes Lamont. Captain Stuart “Tyson” Campbell had moved up the park to full forward with Calum “Stompy” Stamper moving to wing forward in an attempt to utilise his hitting skills to get a goal. Paul Duke had taken over at half back and Ally MacKenzie had moved back to wing centre.These tactical changes proved  effective as during one of Lewis’s numerous attacks Will Church was bundled over and a penalty awarded. Stuart “Tyson” Campbell readied himself and hit a clean shot to his left.However Brian MacKay made a superb save with his hand and the ball was cleared from  danger once again. As time agonisingly  passed for Na Leodhasaich Paddy Sinclair replaced Ally MacKenzie at wing centre. He immediately made his mark  accidently breaking his opponent’s caman as they tussled in midfield.He also was unluckly to see a shot bobble wide as the game drew to a hectic conclusion.
Michael Macleod had again put in a sterling performance at right wing centre and the pressure continued as he fed Donald Lamont who was only denied on two occasions by undoubtedly man of the match Brian MacKay in the Strathglass goal.
Daniel McFadden came on for a brave but injured Will Church at wing forward and Lewis had further chances as the Strathglass defence tired. Despite 5 minutes injury time due to Strathglass injuries the game ended goalless.
Player/manager  Paul Duke felt this was a lost opportunity of a win and this was certainly to prove true with Lochcarron providing the shock of the day with a 7-1 win at home against well placed  Kilmallie. President Iain Sinclair commented,” Dukey wasn’t happy with the result and we are still due him our first win of the season.But there are positives we can take from the game. Our general play is improving, we gained our first point away from home and we had our first  ever clean sheet in a League match. We will go to Kilmallie next week  determined to do our best again and hopefully convert some of our chances this time.”
To see results and league tables go to  The Camanachd Association website.
Next game is away to Kilmallie at Canal Park, Caol . Saturday 24th March .Throw up 2.30pm.
 Thig ann ma tha thu timichioll An Gearasdan. an latha sin.

Friday 16 March 2012

Friday - Sports Video of the Week

Maradona

North of Scotland Schools Senior Girls Quarter Final

Lochaber High 2 The Nicolson Institute 5

The Nicolson girls travelled to Fort William to play this long anticipated (and often postponed) fixture. They decided to play with the fairly strong breeze and were immediately rewarded by a goal on 39 seconds when Louise Martin took advantage of a mix up in defence to slot home. This did little to settle early nerves and it was no surprise when Lochaber equalised from a long range effort eight minutes later.
The next ten minutes were pretty scrappy with the Nicolson struggling to get their passing game going. This may have been the result of a long lay off since their last competitive fixture but gradually they gained the upper hand against a resolute Lochaber team. Louise Stewart gave the girls the lead when she fired in a great free kick in the far corner and Christie Houston rattled the post with a long range effort. Hannah Macleod followed up to tap in the third goal before Louise Stewart hit the crossbar with another powerful free kick. The Nicolson were creating chances and dictating play at this stage.
In the second half Lochaber began on the offensive and the Nicolson had to defend against a determined side and a rising wind. However, they looked dangerous on the break and Louise Martin and Hannah Macleod combined well before Hannah produced a good finish to give the Nicolson a 4-1 lead. Eilidh Macinnes came on  to bolster the midfield before Alicia Macsween showed her pace with a run and shot which a hapless defender eventually turned  into her own net. Near the end Lochaber scored a consolation goal but the Nicolson girls deserved their win in a hard fought but fair contest. They now look forward to a home tie in the semi-finals.
THE NICOLSON TEAM: Sarah Gillies, Mairi Graham, Heather  Black, Louise Stewart, Annabel  Maclennan, Rhoda Maclennan, Christie Houston, Sammy Mitchell, Alicia Macsween, Hannah Macleod, Louise Martin.   Sub: Elidh Macinnes

Narrow defeat for Camanachd Leodhais at Strathpeffer

Caberfeidh 3 Camanachd Leodhais 2

For the second time in two weeks Lewis Camanachd have narrowly missed out on their first points of the season in close and exciting games. After being edged out by Lochbroom 4-2 last Saturday at Inverlael and despite being without experienced players Duncan MacIntyre (foot injury) and Dougie Shaw (work commitments) Na Leodhasaich were confident they could put up a good fight against Cabers who are well known for their uncompromising style of play.
Lewis dominated the early stages threatening the Cabers goal and it was clear that full centre Scott Murray would be on his usual top form. Ally “Bleach” MacKenzie suffered a painful groin injury after only a few minutes and was replaced by youth Paddy Sinclair at right wing forward. The play raged from end to end as Cabers realised the Lewis team would be no pushovers. However it was Cabers who opened the scoring after 16mins. when a cross from the right was drilled home by  Cabers forward Colin Maclellan with Lewis keeper Conor MacDonald managing to get a touch but unable to stop the shot.
For the next twenty minutes or so both teams had promising attacks but  it was Cabers’ persistence which  paid off with a similar move to the first goal .A cross from the right was hit home by Colin Mclellan in off the post after 43 mins..A noticeable feature of Lewis’s play this season so far has been their resilience and willingness to fight on against the odds and the next goal proved this point. On 45mins youth Michael Macleod,who had an outstanding game at right wing centre passed to full forward Calum “Stompy” Stamper whose forward pass was latched onto by left wing forward Will Church who scored.This is Will’s third goal of the season and his understated style and thoughtful play are proving a real assest to the Leodhasaich. The half-time whistle was blown by referee Calum Duff and Lewis were back in the game. 2-1 at half time.
Lewis had started the second half well and captain Stuart “Tyson” Campbell’s excellent hitting was proving a real thorn in the Cabers’ side. But Cabers clever set piece play paid off after 50 mins. when a Cabers corner was drilled home by Kirk Taylor from outside the 9metre line. Again Lewis fought back and on  51mins. and straight from the throw-up Calum “Stompy” Stamper scored an excellent goal on his back hand to reduce the deficit .Score now 3-2.Paddy Sinclair limped off after having put in a good shift to be replaced by a recovered Ally “Bleach” MacKenzie. The match had one booking for Cabers whose robust style was being more than matched by Lewis’s excellent hitting.
Lewis dominated but couldn’t convert their excellent play in the centre and Cabers came close towards the end with a shot off the crossbar. Youth Ruaraidh Urpeth came on as sub in the dying minutes of the game as Lewis sought an equaliser. Changed days from last season’s defeats to Cabers as was noted by the sizeable crowd and the Cabers coaches after the match.
So next week’s game at Cannich against Strathglass will be a crunch game for both sides with Lewis looking for their first points of the season and Strathglass looking to erase the memory of the draw Lewis achieved at Cannich last year. Camanachd Leodhais President Iain Sinclair commented, “ Another sterling team performance by the boys and good to see the opposition commenting on the improvement in our play.We are all looking to put a smile on the manager’s face ‘cos Dukey says he hates losing and the rest of us agree.Saturday’s game was also notable as Dukey made his twentieth consecutive league appearance a feat which I would like to see the youth players try to emulate in years to come.”
Camanachd Leodhais squad was: Conor MacDonald, Daniel “Gaga” Gallacher, Innes Lamont, Eoghan Stewart, Stuart “Tyson” Campbell(Capt.).Michael MacLeod, Scott Murray, Paul Duke(Player/Manager),Donald Lamont (Vice Capt.), Will Church, Calum “Stompy” Stamper, Ally “Bleach” MacKenzie, Paddy Sinclair, Ruaraidh Urpeth, Daniel Mc Fadden and Connor Chalmers.


Other results in North Division Three were:
Strathspey  1 Kilmallie     3
Boleskine   6 Strathglass  3
Inverness    1 Beauly        8
Lochbroom 1 Lochcarron 0

Next League match
 Away to Strathglass at Cannich. Saturday  17th. March.Throw up 1pm.

Monday 12 March 2012

Senior Boys Match Report - 10.03.12

Senior Boys – NI 4-1 Culloden Academy – QF NoS Cup

Culloden Academy Seniors were welcomed for the NoS Cup QF in Stornoway. The NI boys lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and were at full strength. Culloden immediately won a free kick in NI territory, a quality ball swung in to the back post caught the defence cold and all it required was a slight touch to send Culloden into the lead. NI did not panic after the early setback and started to compete all over the pitch and within minutes they were level with a superb move. Innes Morrison received a pass from Campbell Macdonald deep in his own half and slipped past two midfielders sprayed a cross field ball for Sam Macsween to motor past the Culloden left back and deliver a low cross which a defender cleared only for the onrushing Morrison to finish the move by smashing the clearance into the net from 15 yards. This lifted the team spirits and they had the upper hand for the rest of the half, with the only clear chance being turned round the post by NI keeper Ali Macleod. The half time team talk asked for much of the same in the second half and the boys went out and cranked up the pressure on the visitors chasing in packs and hunting down everything. This pressure was rewarded 10 minutes into the second half as Dol Barden moved the ball out left where Innes took a touch and split the defence with a perfectly weighted pass which Gordon Maclennan latched on to, he cut inside the last defender and coolly sent the keeper the wrong way with his finish for the 2-1 lead. NI were now in the ascendancy winning their battles all over the pitch against a strong Culloden side. Pressure in the box from an NI corner lead to a ball back in from Innes which Sam Macsween bundled over the line at the second attempt, this put the much needed daylight between the teams. With 15 minutes to go Gordon dispossessed the defender bringing the ball out of defence and angled a lovely ball for Innes to get their before the onrushing keeper and chip it over him for the fourth and final goal and well earned victory. This was the best performance by the team so far and means they have now set up a home semi in the competition with the opposition to be confirmed. Well done boys.
Team – Ali Macleod, Jake Rivett, Caz Macphee (c), Chris Dempster, Campbell Macdonald, Sam Macsween, Dol Barden, James ‘Titch’ Morrison, Innes Morrison, Gordon Maclennan, Caley Macleod. Subs Connor Mackay, Andrew Macmillan, Micheil Russel-Smith, Kevin Flower, James ‘Jambo’ Morrison.

U-15 Match Report - 10.03.12

U-15 – NI 5-0 Culloden Academy – SF NoS Cup

The U-15 boys showed their prowess in this competition making the final for the second year in a row, after winning the trophy at U-14 level last year.
Andrew ‘Shakes’ Macaulay gave the home team the lead when he stole the ball from the defender and then cooly chipped the keeper. A long clearance from goalkeeper James Macleod evaded the Culloden defence and Shakes was on hand to out sprint the defenders and volley in to double the NI lead, 2-0. Shakes was involved in everything and he set up the third with a pinpoint cross which Jamie Sullivan scored from with a fantastic overhead kick.
In the second half NI continued to turn the screw, Shakes again winning the ball in the Culloden box with a strong challenge which Ruairidh Mackay latched on to and slotted past the keeper. The fifth and final goal came from Calum Macrae with a sweetly struck shot from 25 yards which arrowed into the right the right corner. Well done boys on a very good performance to get to the final.
Team – James Macleod, Seumas Macleod, Scott Montgomery, Iain Murdo Macleod, Josh Campbell, Jamie Sullivan, Dennis Macdonald, Ali Morrison, Ross Allison, Andrew Macaulay, Ali Maciver, Ruairidh Mackay, Stuart Macdonald, Calum Macrae.

Saturday 10 March 2012

Friday 9 March 2012

S1 Boys Team vs Culloden Academy 20/3/12

The following boys have been selected to play against Culloden Academy away on the 20/3/12

1.        Lewis MacAlpine
2.        David MacRitchie
3.        James Muir
4.        Angus MacDonald
5.        Andrew MacKay
6.        Finlay MacSween
7.        Rory Morrison
8.        Daniel Duffy
9.        Hugh McKenzie
10. Lewis Cummings
11. Dean Drummond
12. Lewis MacDonald
13. Michael Clark
14. Luke MacKay

Thursday 8 March 2012

Friday - Video of the Week

Tribute to one of the best Goalkeepers of all time...

N.I. Football

Senior Boys v Culloden Academy, QF North of Scotland Cup, Saturday 10 March, 11.00 k.o. (U-15 Boys v Culloden, SF NoS Cup 10 March, 09.00 k.o.) both games on the astro turf.

Senior Boys - startting 11 (subs to be named on the morning of the game)

GK - Ali Macleod
LB - Jake Rivett
CB - Caz Macphee (c)
CB - Chris Dempster
RB - Campbell Macdonald
LM - Innes Morrison
CM - Dol Bardon
CM - James 'Titch' Morrison
RM - Sam Macsween
CF - CaleyMacleod
CF - Gordon Maclennan

Subs from
Peter Macaskill
Innes Macdonald
Iain Welsh
James Morrison
Kevin Flower
Micheil Russell Smith
Andrew Macmillan
Connor Mackay

Good Luck to the boys

Tuesday 6 March 2012

Kara has another successful weekend in the swimming pool!

Kara Hanlon S3 was away competing in Peterhead last weekend. It was a demanding weekend for Kara as she had multiple races over two days.

On Saturday Kara swam to a personal best (p.b) in the 100m freestyle in 1.05.27. Kara also got a silver medal in the 200m breaststroke in 2.48.02 just short of her p.b.

On Sunday Kara smashed her 100m backcrawl p.b with 1.13.80. In the afternoon she qualified for the final of the 100m breaststroke and in the final put in an fantastic effort to win the gold medal with 1.15.82.

Absolutely great performances from Kara yet again. Everyone at the Nicolson is delighted to see her get rewarded for all her hard work that she does in the pool week in week out.

Monday 5 March 2012

Senior Girls Football Team vs Lochaber

Here are the names of the Senior Girls Football Team who will play Lochaber in the North of Scotland Cup on Wednesday. Good luck Girls:

Sarah Gillies 6F2
Mairi Graham 5A1
Sammy Mitchell 4S1
Kathleen Mackay 5M1
Annabel Maclennan 5A1
Christy Houston 5G1
Heather Black 5F1
Rhoda Maclennan 6
Ella Macaulay 5
Louise Martin 6
Hannah Macleod 5M1
Louise Stewart 6
Eilidh Macinnes 5A2
Alicia Macsween 5

Friday 2 March 2012

Junior and Senior Girls Rugby Squads

The following girls have been selected for the Junior Girls and Senior Girls Rugby teams. The girls will compete in their Semi Final in the Brewin Dolphin Bowl fixture. Good Luck to both teams!

Thompson
Chole S3
Maclean
Holly
Latimir
Lorna
Macdonald
Emma
Maclennan
Sally
Macleod
Amy
Macleod
Sarah
Nicolson
Amanda
Scott
Peigi Ann
Smith
Eleanor
Swanson
Nina
Macdonald
Kirsty S2
Mann
Chole S1
Darling
Kitty S1


Senior Girls

Shona Marie Mackinnon S4
Laramie Finleyson
Megan Murray
Kayleigh Smith
Evelyn Macdonald
Jenny MacTaggert
Jodie Sinclair
Hannah Macleod
Aimee Macleod
Joanne Macauley
Louise Macauley
Katie Macdonald
Daisy Macdonald
Katie Vann S6

Friday - Sports Video of the Week

Interesting new sport, looks like a mixture of Tennis and Squash...

Sports Round Up

Well done to the Junior girls who beat Forfar Academy 7-0 last week to book their place in the Quarter Final of the Scottish Cup. You can also see a great team photo and report in this week's Stornoway Gazette.

http://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/sport/seven_s_heaven_for_niccy_girls_1_2137370

Congratulations also to the S1 Boys who beat Dingwall Academy 7-1 at home in the Quarter Final of the North of Scotland Cup. The boys now face Culloden in the Semi Final on the 20/3 away.

Finally a big well done to the 10 athletes from the School who travelled to the North of Scotland Schools Cross Country Championships last week. The school performed well and had 5 top 20 placings. The course was flat and the pace was very fast from the start.

U14s Girls Freya 18th, Eilidh 33rd, Kirsty 60th, Sarah 68th.
U14 Boys: Hugh 4th, Andrew 43rd.
U15 Girls: Jane 19th. U15 Boys: Michael 20th,
Over 15 girls: Alison 20th. Over 15 boys: Jason 22rd
Next week is another busy week of sport with the senior and junior girls rugby team's travelling to Glasgow mid week. The senior girls football team are playing Fort William away in the North of Scotland cup on Wednesday.

The u14 boys football team are playing Culloden in the Quarter Final of the North of Scotland Schools Cup away next Friday. The Senior Boys Football team are playing Culloden in the Quarter Final of the North of Scotland Cup at home on Saturday 10th, also on the same day the u15 boys are playing guess who?! Yes, you guessed right they are also playing Culloden at home in the Semi Final of the North. It would be great to see as many supporters coming to watch the game on the 10th to support the boys. Good luck to all teams for next week.