THE TWO Badenoch giants will be hoping to negotiate tricky semi-finals this weekend to set up the Camanachd Cup final that local shinty fans are dreaming about.
With reigning champions Fort William having been knocked out by Newtonmore in the second round there will be a new name adorning the famous trophy for the first time since 2006.
Premier Division champions Newtonmore have the tough task of facing John Smylie's Inveraray, fresh from their demolition of Kyles Athletic in the last round.
Meanwhile, Stevie Borthwick's Kingussie will face a Kilmallie side searching for their first Camanachd Cup success in almost 40 years.
A bumper day of shinty action will see the semi-final ties played as a double-header at Lochaber's Spean Bridge ground this Saturday.
Newtonmore boss Norman MacArthur, said: "We are delighted to be in this year's semi having not made it to the final for a good few years.
"We are determined to make our mark this year, however, Inveraray will be equally up for it, so I am expecting a hard, competitive match."
Inveraray's John MacKenzie said: "The whole squad are up for it and are really looking forward to the match.
"It is a one off game where anything can happen, and we are in no doubt that it will be a fast flowing and hard fought encounter."
Looking at the other semi-final, Mark MacPherson of Kilmallie said: "Since being back in the Scottish Hydro Premier Division this season, we have had played well and have held our own.
"Reaching the semi-final is major achievement and we are all focused on getting passed Kingussie and through to the final."
Kingussie captain and goalscoring legend Ronald Ross hopes to be heading to Inverness' Bught Park on September 17 with the new look younger squad.
He said: "Kilmallie are always tough opponents and we expect nothing less from them this Saturday."
Should poor weather result in the pitch at Spean Bridge being unable to host both games, a contingency for moving games to Bught Park in Inverness, possibly also Blairbeg Park in Drumnadrochit, is in place.
Supporters are advised to check the website www.strathspey-herald.co.uk, Facebook page and www.shinty.com for any late changes.
