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
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
Other results in North Division Three were:
Strathspey 1 Kilmallie 3
Boleskine 6 Strathglass 3
Lochbroom 1 Lochcarron 0
Next League match
Away to Strathglass at Cannich. Saturday 17th. March.Throw up 1pm.
