Newtonmore seconds boss Peter Ross gets 10 out of 10 for his homework
Newtonmore manager Peter Ross asked his side for a reaction following two successive defeats and his charges responded in style, beating their Skye Camanachd counterparts 5-0 in the Strathdearn Cup final at Balgate.
Ross deserves a lot of credit too - he had certainly done his homework on the in-form Islanders, preparing his side well for the weekend.
Saturday’s final was originally scheduled for Craigard but when it became clear midweek that the wet weather in the west had left the pitch unplayable, the north second-tier showpiece game was switched to Lovat’s home.
Following the final whistle, the Strathdearn Cup was presented to Newtonmore captain Glen Mackintosh by Camanachd Association Director Alister MacKinnon with chieftain John MacKenzie also in attendance.
Getting the goals for the Blue and Whites on an unexpectedly comfortable afternoon for them were Kyle Clark (15th & 29th), Joe Coyle (19th), Glen Mackintosh (30th) and Xander Ross (86th)
A delighted Ross said afterwards: “That’s probably the best we’ve played this season, and we deserved it.
“I played down our chances beforehand and Skye have good players but so do we.
“We did our homework, and I had a team in mind after seeing their game at Glenurquhart.
“We made positional changes and we got it right.
“Kyle Clark started up front, playing his best game for Newtonmore, whilst James Ross, who is a great man-marker, was excellent against Jordan Murchison.
“Ross Haig played an unfamiliar role in midfield, winning possession and being aggressive.
“Xander Ross at centre forward opened up play and we had pace on the wings but we’re delighted with all the boys.
“We started well and haven’t always done that this season.
“We were 4-0 up at half-time but I was conscious that we were 4-0 up in a Strathdearn final once before and blew it but there was no danger of that happening again.”
Ross added: “I must also say that Lovat were great hosts for the final.”
Skipper Glen Mackintosh, who played in the side with his son Lewis, commented after the final whistle: “That went excellently, maybe even a bit better than expected.
“In the first half, the boys were brilliant from the goalkeeper right up to the forward line, with a special mention to Kyle Clark.
“I thought he was amazing today and Ross Haig, who was playing out of position in the middle of the field, he was also excellent.”
Newtonmore return to Mowi North Division 1 action on Saturday when they welcome the Glenurquhart second team to the Eilan.
Ross provided an update on team news: “James Ross misses the game through suspension whilst Declan Brannan is unavailable, and we won’t have Joe Coyle.
“It will be another good opportunity for our younger players though.”