STRACHUR-DUNOON strengthened their grip on top spot in South Division Two with a commanding 9-0 victory over Tayforth at The Haws in Bridge of Allan on Saturday.
The league leaders made the perfect start when Sandy Paterson found the net within seconds, in what could rank among the quickest goals scored in shinty this season.
The visitors doubled their advantage just a couple of minutes later through Brandon Wilson, who claimed his eighth league goal of the campaign with a composed finish from close range.
Hunter Black continued his recent scoring form by volleying home a fine first-time effort after ten minutes before Wilson struck again to make it 4-0 inside the opening quarter of an hour.
A scheduled water break allowed manager Andrew Rossi to rotate his squad and experiment with several positional changes, but the alterations did little to halt Strachur-Dunoon’s momentum.
Wilson completed a 20-minute hat-trick, while Roddy Cairns notched his tenth league goal of the season with a well-taken finish on the turn. Kyle MacMartin then added his third goal of the campaign with a powerful strike to send the visitors into the interval with a commanding 7-0 lead.
Further changes followed at half-time, with Cammy Middleton spending a spell in goal as Strachur-Dunoon continued to make full use of their squad.
Tayforth enjoyed their best period of the match after the restart with the aid of a strong wind, putting the visitors’ defence under pressure, but they were unable to find a breakthrough.
Instead, Paterson completed his own excellent afternoon by scoring twice more to complete the scoring and seal a comprehensive victory.
Although the result was one-sided, Tayforth battled hard throughout and showed encouraging signs with a number of players who have only taken up the sport this season.
Paterson was named man of the match after finishing with a hat-trick and providing several assists in an outstanding all-round display.
Strachur-Dunoon now enjoy a weekend off before returning to league action with what promises to be a crucial away fixture against Kilmory on August 8.
