Eilan legend's hand is forced in title triumph

NEWTONMORE have made it an incredible eight Premiership league crowns in the past nine seasons after seeing off a second half fight back by a spirited Oban Camanachd.

But the club's elation at completing the treble after winning 3-2 was tempered by an injury to Norman Campbell who has now played his last ever match for the first team.

Campbell said afterwards: "Maybe it was fate I would play my last game at the Eilan. I've enjoyed every minute of my time with the club.

"We are only custodians of this club and there is no point in being selfish about it.

"Players like Rory Kennedy and Andy Mackintosh have another 10 years in them, but it's my time to let go.

"I will be at Kyles for the trophy presentation this weekend and I'll be supporting the team in the seasons ahead proud of my contribution."

While his teammates were celebrating Campbell was at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness for an X-ray of his hand injury.

He had to return on Monday to get a metal plate inserted.

Campbell commented: "Ironically I've never had a broken hand in my life. It wasn't a wild swing by the Oban lad but it caught me on the knuckle and suddenly I knew my playing career was over."

Manager PJ Mackintosh was delighted to lead the team to another league triumph to make it a memorable year, adding to the Camanachd Cup and the MacTavish for the 2018 season.

He said: "I am proud of the achievement of the squad. We had a slow start to the season and were being written off yet again.

"Norman's injury at the start of the second half was hardly the way the script had been written for his farewell.

"He's been a pretty special player for our club and bows out in an elite group with eight championship medals."

The Newtonmore camp had kept the extent of their injury crisis quiet heading into Saturday's game at the Eilan knowing that they needed two more points from their two remaining league games.

Already missing was Fraser Mackintosh to a broken collar bone, which also cost him a Camanachd Cup winners medal, and Jamie Robinson to a hamstring injury. Steven MacDonald was not risked to start as his dead leg from the previous week was still causing problems.

David MacLean had been having intensive physiotherapist all week and both Evan Menzies and Mike Russell were not fully recovered but played. MacDonald was on fairly early however as Craig Ritchie received treatment for the first of several facial and head injuries. It was not just Norman Campbell that was jinxed.

Visitors Oban Camanachd turned out to be one of the Eilan side's toughest challenges as they took the play to the home side particularly in the second half after trailing 3-0.

Two Andrew MacCuish goals set up a tense finish but the Eilan side held on to secure the title. They are due be presented with the league trophy this Saturday when they face Kyles at Tighnabruaich if the pitch is playable.