'More closing in on Premiership crown

NEWTONMORE manager PJ Mackintosh is refusing to get carried away after a comfortable 5-0 win at home against Caberfeidh and results at the top of the table going their way elsewhere at the weekend.

A draw between their two nearest challengers, Kyles and Kinlochshiel, strengthened the Eilan side's grip on the league title race.

But Mackintosh warned: "We're not over the line yet as we still have tough games against a resurgent Oban Camanachd as well as our two nearest challengers."

His caution was repeated by veteran keeper Kenny Ross, who said: "We could not have a tougher run-in but we just need to take four points as our superior goal difference gives us a cushion."

Striker Glen Mackintosh said that the team did not perform to the high standards set for most of this season but results had worked out for them.

He said: "We did not play very well but it has turned out to be an important result.

"After a sticky start to the season with a glut of injuries the team has reeled off excellent results.

"It was important to bounce back after 'Shiel took our title last year and we've kicked on since beating them in the MacTavish Cup in June."

This latest visit means Newtonmore's last defeat was an incredible 15 games ago on May 5 when they lost 2-1 to Kinlochshiel in the Macaulay Cup first round.

A Glen Mackintosh double in 25 and 30 minutes started the rot for Cabers in the noon throw up, and thereafter the scoring could have been five going on 25.

But somehow it was not until 54 minutes that Fraser MacKintosh made it 3-0, then Evan Menzies added number four in 68 minutes and Ewen Fraser rounded things off in 73 minutes.

* In North Division 1, Skye beat Aberdeen University at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Ross Gordon gave the islanders the lead in eight minutes. Martin Pringle extended the lead to three on 31 and 49 minutes. Jamie Beaton pulled one back on 63 minutes but Gordon restored the cushion in 79 minutes.

Inverness finally won at the 17th time of asking in North Division 2 with a 6-5 victory over Lochaber. Lewis lost 4-2 at home to Boleskine; Kilmallie beat Strathglass 2-0 and leaders Lovat beat third placed Lochcarron 2-1. Lovat now need one point from their last two games to take the title.