DESPITE missing some key players, ColGlen managed to put together a valiant performance at home against Badenoch giants, Kingussie. With the two sides having never met before, the novelty attracted a large crowd to the Clachan of Glendaruel on Saturday, May 2, with spectators getting their money’s worth.
ColGlen Shinty Club had rock-solid Cally McNaughton returning to full-back, and they certainly needed him as the defence had a frantic first ten minutes. Kingussie knocked the ball about with great confidence, yet the home team settled into the game and improved across the middle of the park as they started to increasingly move the ball on.
A number of chances were created and it was ColGlen Shinty Club who would get the first shot on target, with Sam Bulloch’s low strike forcing King’s keeper, Bob McGregor, to make a quick save with his feet.
Both teams had more chances throughout the remainder of the first half, although Kingussie certainly had more possession. In spite of this, it was still goalless as referee Robert Baxter blew for the interval. During the break, Glen manager Ronnie MacVicar brought veteran Steven MacKellar on for an injured Somhairle Fraser.
As the game resumed, Kingussie gaffer Ronald Ross urged his men forward, forcing ColGlen Shinty Club to play very deep at times. The game continued at a high tempo, and once again ColGlen’s fitness levels appeared impressive, showing they can match the best. Although the Glen had a few formidable forays forward, there was a great deal of traffic going the other way, and they were forced to put in an incredible defensive shift to keep the opposition at bay. Hunter Blackmade his Premiership bow and added some extra pace as he replaced wing James Hamilton, who had run his socks off.
As the clock ticked on, Kingussie stuck to their game plan and put the Glen defence under ever-increasing pressure. Team captain Murray McClymont led by example, showing endless energy, and everyone put their bodies on the line — notably Scott MacVicar, who must have been black and blue the next day. Keeper Scott Symons found himself in the thick of things too, as he pulled off a series of outrageous saves with his hand and club, showing what a high-quality stopper he has become.
Those watching must have thought the Glen had done it, holding out for a draw and their first Premiership point. However, they would be cruelly denied. With 87 minutes gone, Kingussie’s top scorer, Roddy Young, threaded a wicked ball through from 20 yards out to put the visitors one up. Then two minutes later, in what was pretty much the last hit of the game, Thomas Borthwick added another from the edge of the D.
To say the ColGlen support, who had been vocal throughout, were gutted would be an understatement. However, there is a sense of belief among them that their men are getting closer, and that if they keep playing to that standard, then the points will come. The management team of Ronnie MacVicar and Sam Bulloch were also clearly proud of their players. It was difficult to name a man of the match after such a team effort. However, Auryn Kerr, who is sponsored by MacVicar Butchers, was in superb form at half-back and was picked out as the Glen’s top man.
The club were also very grateful to Cowal Building Supplies for sponsoring the match.
ColGlen Shinty Club will be at home in the Clachan again this Saturday, May 9, where they take on local rivals Bute Shinty Club once more — this time in the first round of the Macaulay Cup.
