Fine win by Newtonmore to claim the Sir Tommy Macpherson Trophy
It has forever been one of shinty’s great occasions as two fierce rivals representing their communities only three miles apart, took the field in the final Badenoch derby of the season at the Dell.
As always on Friday, there was so much more than just two Mowi Premiership points at stake with local bragging rights also up for grabs as well as the Sir Tommy Macpherson Memorial Trophy.
Kingussie trio Thomas Borthwick, Liam Borthwick and Lee Bain trained through the week, making themselves available for selection and Lee Bain started at full centre with the Borthwicks on the bench alongside Eoin Baikie and George Taylor Ramsay.
Newtonmore’s Conor Jones returned from suspension to replace Iain Richardson in defence whilst youngster Joe Coyle started his first Badenoch derby.
Dan Craven, Rasmus Cheyne and Tristan Ross were on the bench.
‘More settled first, creating a couple of early opportunities before taking the lead on 11 minutes.
Martin Hall was brought down in a central position as he raced towards goal.
Iain Robinson played a diagonal ball to the right where Joe Coyle’s first-time, low cross was flicked on by Cameron McNiven, with Kingussie claiming the ball had gone out of play.
Robinson did not hesitate though as he ran forward from the initial set-piece, and he knocked the ball home as Alexander Michie tried to clear.
Referee Willie MacDonald awarded the goal after consulting with his goal judge.
The Blue and Whites continued to press and keeper Rory McGregor parried Cameron McNiven’s strike at the expense of a corner before Joe Coyle saw a shot saved.
Kingussie were only seen in flashes during the opening 30 minutes although James Falconer did go close from the right of the penalty spot following a flowing move up the park.
Falconer then went on a good run but Rory Kennedy did well to spread himself and block Falconer’s effort.
Martin Hall went close at the other end but ‘More had to settle for a 1-0 lead at the break.
Kingussie looked livelier after the restart and ‘More goalie Kenny Ross had to move smartish to get the ball away with Savio Genini closing him down whilst James Falconer’s shot dipped just over soon after.
The Red and Blues drew level on the hour.
Ruaridh Anderson spread play out to the right and James Falconer turned Struan Ross before arcing towards goal and he squeezed a waist-high flick between keeper Kenny Ross and his left post.
Alexander Michie received a yellow card from referee Willie Macdonald for chopping down Iain Robinson on the wing, following Conor Jones and Kenny Ross into the book.
Kingussie edged ahead on 72 minutes when Dylan Borthwick sent the ball low into the corner of the net to the keeper’s right after Ruaridh Anderson had dummied Savio Genin’s low cross from the left.
Joe Coyle saw a shot saved with his feet by Rory McGregor as the clock ran down and Dylan Borthwick’s goal looked to have settled it until a minute from time.
Craig Ritchie found Iain Robinson on the Newtonmore right.
Robinson’s reverse ball gave Struan Ross a shooting chance and although his effort was blocked, Joe Coyle prevented the home side clearing their lines.
Rory McGregor saved from the youngster in the goalmouth scramble with Struan Ross trying to get on the rebound.
However, Joe Coyle did not give up on the ball and he swept it into the net from a tight angle on the right and his maiden derby goal made it 2-2.
Both sides tried to win it during stoppage time, but had to settle for a share of the spoils.
It was not over though as a penalty shoot-out ensued to decide the destiny of the Sir Tommy MacPherson Memorial Trophy.
Newtonmore’s Steven MacDonald went first and confidently sent his spot-hit low to the keeper’s left so when Kenny Ross saved Dylan Borthwick’s shoulder-high effort, ‘More led 1-0.
Rory Kennedy’s perfect effort went into the corner to the goalie’s left with Alexander Michie going low to the keeper’s right.
Iain Robinson thumped a shoulder-high shot into the net, but Kenny Ross made a great save with his stick to deny Savio Genini, so it was now 3-1.
Newtonmore needed to convert just one more penalty and Struan Ross, left sided, fired the ball over Rory McGregor to give Newtonmore a 4-1 win on penalties, taking the trophy for just the second time.
‘More captain Drew MacDonald climbed the steps to be presented with distinguished trophy by Lady Jean Macpherson and Rory Kennedy was deservedly awarded the Jimmy Gow Cup as man of the match, handed over by Kingussie stalwart Davie Thomson.