Less games, more goals in shinty
Things were a little quieter in the shinty world over the weekend as many teams were on scheduled breaks.
However, three games did take place in the Scottish Hydro Premier League.
Kilmallie hosted Glenurquhart at the Canal Parks knowing a win would leapfrog their opponents into joint fourth spot, but this would still leave the Caol men with two games in hand.
Michael Rodgers made no mistake when he bagged himself a hat-trick, topped up by strikes from Liam MacDonald and John Stewart.
Lewis MacLennan did claw one back for the away side, although this was no more than a consolation strike as Kilmallie claimed both points after a 5-1 win.
Last year's champions, Newtonmore, travelled north up the A9 to Kiltarlity to face Lovat.
Newtonmore have gained something of a reputation recently of finishing games off strongly, and their second-half display proved this again.
With the game still goalless at half-time, manager 'Brick' MacArthur's words must have shaken up the away side, with Ackie MacRae scoring after only a minute of the second half.
Glen Macintosh doubled 'More's' lead when he found the net on the hour mark, before the game then took an unfortunate twist for Lovat's Martin Bell, as he scored an OG and the scoreline finishing up 3-0.
Inveraray met Oban Camanachd at the Winterton Park with both clubs in desperate need of points to keep out of the relegation zone.
Matt Ripon opened the scoring for Oban after only eight minutes, but 'Rary's' Grant Griffin found an equaliser for the home side moments later.
Stuart Robertson's second-half strike completed the scoring and wrapped up both points for Inveraray leaving Oban Camanachd, Inveraray, and Lovat all on a precarious nine points.
A very special Sutherland Cup Final took place in Aberdeen over the weekend to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Shinty's oldest constituted club, Aberdeen University.
Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, was on hand to award Kingussie the prize for the eighth time in this competition after they swept aside Kyles Athletic 6-1.
With only three Premier fixtures again this weekend Newtonmore, Glenorchy, Lovat and Kilmallie all get a rest, with some north clubs requesting the weekend off to attend the Tartan Heart Festival at Belladrum.
Kyles Athletic face Oban Camanachd down at Tighnabruaich while Glenurquhart take on Inveraray at Drumnadrochit.
Fort this week travel to the Dell to meet their old friends, Kingussie.
This is a must-win game for Fort if they are to stay at the top of the Premier table, however three of Fort's most promising stars may be unavailable after all being involved in a serious assault last week.
After being knocked out of all other competitions, Fort William's main focus is the league, however, I'm hoping King's manager Stevie Bothwick has one eye on next week's Camanachd Cup semi-finals and puts out the club's under-17 team.
Go on Stevie, give the boys a rest!
Safe travels to all clubs and supporters.
My name is Gary Innes and I play shinty for Fort William and Scotland. When not swinging my caman on the field, I play traditional music for a living and travel widely up and down the country to accommodate both passions. I'm looking forward to sharing my thoughts, and hearing from you on Scotland's oldest and wildest sport: shinty.
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