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
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
Thig ann ma tha thu timichioll An Gearasdan. an latha sin.
