Newtonmore close in on title, remember...

Still chasing, but Kyles hopes are fading

In the wake of last weekend's huge Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup final in Oban, Newtonmore's success in the Orion Premiership seems almost to have been eclipsed.

But today - or maybe next week - the Badenoch side will claim the inaugural Orion Group-sponsored version of shinty's top league, and the third premier league crown on the trot.

Again this season Kyles pushed them hardest, and the Camanachd Cup champions might still nick the league from Newtonmore - but it's unlikely.

Drumnadrochit should witness the crowning of the new league winners as Newtonmore face Glenurquhart, but the home side, won't be in any mood to lie down while they are fighting to secure fourth spot in the league table - the best in the club's history and a nice achievement alongside the MacAulay Cup.


Anything other than defeat today for Newtonmore would secure the title. On the other hand, if the Newtonmore lads travel thinking the league trophy is already on its way back down the A9, a fired-up and very capable Glen side might take a goal or two off them.

Nursing a hangover or two after last night's Camanachd Cup celebration ceilidh, the Kyles boys will have half an eye on this. There is a thirteen-goal gap in Newtonmore's favour, who are also two points ahead.

A heavy defeat for Newtonmore would set up a clash next week that would have the mouth watering - Kyles to travel to last week's beaten Camanachd Cup
finalist's Inveraray to attempt to win the premiership title by scoring a barrowload.

Back in the land of reality, it will not, in all probability, turn out that way - but shinty fans all over the country will be harbouring just a little hope that  - just like last year - the premiership title fight goes right to the wire.