Spring back to winter for packed shinty weekend

Kyles' Thomas Whyte under close supervision during his side's defeat of Glenurquhart in last week's round of premiership ties. Photo by Donald Cameron

AS forecasters predict a return to cold, wet weather for Saturday, Kyles will be looking to strengthen their position at the summit of shinty's top league, taking on a Fort William side that has yet to find its feet in the Marine Harvest Premiership in 2015.

 
Champions Newtonmore face a potentially tricky tie as they host Glenurquhart at the Eilan, while current second-placed side Lovat make the journey to the shores of Loch Fyne to play Inveraray.

 

The premiership aside, it's the romance of two of shinty's cup competitions that has the mouth watering in anticipation. Catching the eye in the Balliemore Cup is an inter-island clash on the Isle of Bute, where Skye Camanachd are the visitors. A tasty tie will be there to savour at Strathglass, as city slickers Glasgow Mid Argyll come calling. Also in the Balliemore, the match between Aberdour and Inverness should be interesting, and the National Division side from the capital of the Highlands will find their trip to Fife no picnic.

 

The sport's national junior cup competition, the Sir William Sutherland Cup, also gets going this weekend. The tie of the round is arguably in Drumnadrochit, by Loch Ness, as holders Kyles Athletic travel from Cowal to play Glenurquhart.

 

Everything, as always, depends on the fickle Scottish weather, and though the nation's shinty pitches are basking in welcome warm, drying sun - the forecast isn't too hot for the weekend. The Met Office tells us that there is a big change coming from warm and dry to cold wet and windy weather on Saturday. Details below:

 

Friday:

Another rather warm day with long sunny spells, especially in the morning with highest temperatures towards central Scotland. Turning cloudier and breezy through the afternoon. Maximum Temperature 18C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

An abrupt change to markedly colder and windier weather on Saturday and Sunday with showers and snow on hills. Drier and brighter on Monday, but wind and rain returning later.