Season 2007 results

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Season 2007

Boleskine adult team will play in North League Div 2 competing teams are

Boleskine, Caberfiedh, Fort William, Glengarry, Kilmallie ,Kingussie , Lovat, Newtonmore, Skye and Lochaber

Boleskine will be entering an U14 team & an U17 team into competition this season.

For direction to Boleskine's Shinty pitch , Smith Park click on MAP

Forthcoming Fixtures

In the event of the pitch being unplayable the game is switched to the other teams pitch

Results

Results & Scorers Season 2007

For U12, U14 & U17 results and scorer's see BOLESKINE MAGAZINE JUNIOR TEAM NEWS

Saturday 27 October Fort William 6 Boleskine 0

For our final league fixture of the season, we travelled to An Aird to play a Fort William side, who had been crowned North Division II last Saturday. As in a few recent matches, we only had twelve players available, only four of whom were over the age of 18. The match was preceded by a minutes silence, in memory of former Boleskine player Johnny Kennedy, who passed away this week. From the start the Boleskine team were under pressure, but coped well until the twentieth minute, when a high strike into the corner beat Peter Tinney in the Boleskine goals, to make it 1 - 0. The rest of the first half continued in the same manner, with the Boleskine forwards having very few chances, but the defence coping with everything that was thrown at them. After half time the game continued in the same vane, and as the Boleskine defence tired Fort William scored another five times. Similar to our last match the team spirit was again excellent, and the players battled bravely till the end, on a day where driving wind and rain did not dampen morale. Guest reporter this week Ali Fraser

Saturday 6 October Boleskine 3 Fort William 4

For our last home game of the season the opposition could not have been stronger than in the shape of top of the table Fort William. Even the most optimistic home supporter would have hardly believed we would have been leading 3 - 2 with only 5 minutes of the match remaining but this was the case. The fact we had again to field an under-strength team due to quite a few players being on holiday and having work commitments and yet ran the visitors so close spoke volumes for tremendous team spirit which has not always been present this season. The match started with Boleskine being put under pressure right from the start and we found ourselves 2 -0 down after conceding goals in the 7th and 15th minutes .In the 23rd minute things where looking even worse when Peter Tinney was adjudged to have kicked the ball and a penalty was awarded to Fort William but the strike rebounded of the crossbar and was cleared to safety. The remainder of the half was very much one-sided but the Boleskine defence stood firm and in the 41st minute a long pass forward found Sandy Fraser at full forward who controlled the ball and slammed it past the out- rushing goalie. Two minutes after the start of the second half Jamie Hunter caught the Fort keeper napping with a shot from wide on the right and we began to wonder was it going to be our day. In the 65th minute Lewis Smith scored with a cracking long range shot to make the score 3 - 2 and the match was turning into one of the most exciting of the season. Fort William pressed more and more and as we only had 12 players no subs were available for the management to make any changes. In the 85th minute constant Fort pressure finally paid of when an equaliser was scored and it looked like the points were to be shared but cruelly in the 91st minute the visitors were awarded their second penalty of the afternoon and this time they made no mistake to make the final score 3-4.The Boleskine defence had a superb afternoon dealing with constant pressure but all 12 players pulled together and battled bravely and it would be unfair to single out individuals. With results elsewhere going against us we are now relegated to the North League Div 3. Guest reporter this week Ali Fraser

Saturday 29 September Strathdearn Cup final at Smith Park Kilmallie 2 Kingussie 1

Smith Park hosted the Strathdearn cup final for the second time in its short history, the previous one was the inaugural 12 a side match on the park in 2002, when Glenurquhart defeated Fort William to lift the cup by five goals to three. Once again one of the finalists came from the Lochaber area in the shape of current Scottish junior champions Kilmallie while Badenoch supplied the other in Kingussie. A very close game was anticipated as the only time they met this season resulted in Kilmallie winning by three goals to two. The park was in an excellent state which is a testament to all the work, Joey Smith and others have put in over the season. This was commented on by great number of visiting supporters plus association officials . The weather though initially dull was dry with no wind, which made for ideal playing conditions . After the early opening exchanges Killmallie made the breakthrough in nine minutes through Liam Macdonald, there was no more scoring in the first half though Kingussie had some chances, they were thwarted by a strong Kilmallie defence and good goalkeeping . Eight minutes into the second half Killmallie increased their lead through the same player and were worthy of their advantage, but in the sixty seventh minute Rory Borthwick netted from close in to open up the match again. From then till the finish Kingussie went looking for the equaliser, though they made a few openings, the Killmallie team stood firm to lift the cup . A well contested match between two able teams with Killmallie's superior teamwork ruling the day.

Saturday 15 September Boleskine 1 Kilmallie 4

Strathdearn cup cup finalist Kilmallie travelled to Smith Park where they meet Boleskine in league duty, two weeks prior to the cup final appointment here against Kingussie. The visitors rested some of their more experienced players, whilst the Boleskine squad had only seven players who featured in their last match against Caberfeidh due to work commitments and restrictive selection practices. Kilmallie in the first period had the wind in their favour settled early and took the game to Boleskine whose defence had to look sharp to keep their goal in tact . In the twenty third minute Killmallie broke through the home defence from the right side to score from close in and a few minutes later James Fraser came to Boleskine's rescue with a fine save from a deflected shot . A good first period with Boleskine having little play in their opponents half against the strong wind, while our defence played well limiting the chances the visitors had, considering their overall possession. The second half with the wind we came more into the play, however in the fifty second minute Kilmallie made it two. Boleskine had a penalty claim for kicking kicking the ball in sixty minutes turned down, then four minutes later we pulled a goal back when James Hunter netted from close in. We were reduced to eleven men for a lengthy period when Andrew Sumner have to leave the field to get medical treatment and our substitute had already been used in the first half . In the fifty seventh minute Kilmallie regained their two goal cushion with a shot high into the net from the left side and ten minutes later ended the scoring for the day with a similar goal as the last, this time from the right.

Saturday 1 September Inverness Jubilee 6 a sides

This years Inverness 6 a sides were held at the Braeview Park Beauly, as a result of the damaged caused to the grounds at the Bught park during the Inverness Highland Games and World Pipe Band Championship. Boleskine entered two teams into the event. The A team played four matches in their group, losing the first game against Lochbroom by two goals to one, Lovat B beat us one goal to nil, Beauly beat us four goals to nil and in the final game we went down to Lochaber by two goals to nil, Scott Ferguson scoring our only goal . The B team had only three teams in their section, Lovat A beat us one nil in the first game, Newtonmore did likewise in the second game by the same score. In the final game against Caberfeidh B we won by one goal to nil, Lewis Smith scoring our only goal. As both teams had finished bottom of our relevant groups, we were entered into the Rosedene Shield a four team knock out competition. Boleskine A played Glasgow University whom they beat by two goals to nil, a fine Lawrence Parrot individual goal and a Sandy Fraser penalty to reach the final. In the other game Boleskine B played London, which was deemed to have ended in a two all draw, though only three centres were taken during play, Lewis Smith scored both goals. In the resultant penalty shoot out London won by two goals to one, Lewis Smith scoring our penalty. In the Rosedene Shield final London beat Boleskine A by four goals to nil though we had chances, two early London goals ensured that it was not to be our day. In the Jubilee Shield Final Kilmallie beat Newtonmore by one goal to nil.

Saturday 25 August Caberfeidh 6 Boleskine 1

Boleskine with a young team due to work and other commitments, travelled to meet Caberfeidh at Castle Leod . In the first half, Cabers had the better of the half, though the youthful Boleskine defence were managing to keep their goal in tact. However in the 41minute the home side opened the scoring and three minutes later they scored again to lead by two goals at half time. Very early in the second half Cabers made it three, Boleskine came more into the game and James Fraser snatched a counter for Boleskine with a low shot from twenty yards . Caberfeidh increased their lead with twenty to go and in the final minutes scored another two to to win by six goals to one . Some fine individual performances by the youngsters, Sandy Fraser played well at full back as did Shane Mason also in defence, but against a more experienced team it was always going to difficult . With results going against us at Newtonmore this leaves us firmly at the foot of the table with three games left to play.

Saturday 18 August Boleskine 1 Kingussie 3

With the weather conditions wet and windy, the players from both sides observed a minute silence in respect of former Boleskine captain Alistair Forbes who passed away earlier in the week prior to the league encounter with Kingussie . Boleskine with the wind and the rain at their backs, started brightly having plenty of possession within their opponents half, but clear cut chances were few and far between . In the twenty fourth minute a Kingussie player from the right dribbled the ball right through the Boleskine defence and was only foiled by a great save from Peter Tinny . The remainder of the half was very even, however in the fortieth minute Jimmy Gow first time volley from the edge of the box found the net to give the visitors the lead. Three minutes later Boleskine hit back when David Fraser won the ball on the right hand side and his cross found James Fraser who took advantage of the full backs slip to score from twenty five yards with a cracking drive .The second half with the wind and rain in their favour Kingussie took a grip on proceedings and the Boleskine defence were put under the cosh for long periods and it was no surprise when Kingussie went ahead with long speculative shot in the sixty first minute. Fourteen minutes later Kingussie concluded the scoring with a high shot . Boleskine had limited openings in the second half as they struggled against the weather to maintain any concerted pressure in their opponents half .

Saturday 4 August Kilmallie 2 Boleskine 0

Boleskine travelled to Caol with several players unavailable due to work commitments and holidays, to met this years Sutherland cup finalist Kilmallie, who too were unable to field their strongest team due to similar reasons . With the strong sea wind blowing across the field, it was the home team who settled first taking the lead in the sixth minute . The rest of first half play was mainly Kilmallie's with the Boleskine defence managing to keep them at bay. Just before half-time Boleskine were denied a penalty, when it was deemed a foul on Kevin Hunter was just outside the circle. After the break Kilmallie had by far the better of the game and made it two goals to nil in the fifty second minute minute . Midway through the half Lewis Smith had to retire with an arm injury and team manager Neil Ferguson came on to replace him .

Saturday 28 July Boleskine 1 Skye 1

The game started twenty minutes late, due to the Skye team encountering transport problems prior to leaving the island. However they posted their intentions early on in the third minute, when only a brilliant Peter Tinney high save kept the score sheet blank. With both defences on top of their game, few clear scoring opportunities were forth coming in the very even first half, though Boleskine had a penalty claim turned down and Skye again brought out the best of the home keeper two minutes before the break with another high shot. Boleskine's aspiration of a first league home win since early March took a blow in the fifty first minute, when a Skye corner came off keeper and into the net to open the scoring . The team fought back into the game and had most territorial advantage for the rest of the game ,but were finding the Skye defence in determined mood to hold on to their advantage. Whilst our defence had the better of the Skye attack, it was a surprise to see wing back Keith Nicholson up in almost wing forward position sending in balls to the D, to create a goal to bring us back into the game . The breakthrough came in seventy nine minutes with a goal scored direct from a shy by Paddy Bryden, from then till the end of the game we went close in a few occasions to take all the points, but in the end had to settle for just a point .

Saturday 21 July Lovat 3 Boleskine 0

After their sojourns down south on Sutherland Cup duty , Boleskine returned to league business at Balgate intent on getting points to elevate the relegation threat . The first period with referee John Sloggie laying down the law's of the game in his own inevitable style was relatively even, with Lovat just having the edge on possession within their opponents half. With only a few chances falling to either side and those were dealt competently with by both keepers, the whistle blew for half time with no score on the board. After the break we started brightly and hopes were raised of coming away with at least a point .But these hopes were dashed in the sixty fourth minute following a stoppage in play, a free hit found a Lovat player in space who scored with a fierce drive from thirty five yards. Three minutes later failure to clear the ball in defence, resulted in Lovat snatching the second . Boleskine gamely tried to get a goal back to bring themselves again into the game, but Lovat with quarter of an hour to go scored the concluding goal with a low shot from the left side . Boleskine had contested the game well, but lapses in concentration were clinically finished by the very young Lovat team .

Saturday 14 July Inveraray 4 Boleskine 0 Sutherland Cup quarter final

Due to work commitments and other factors it was an under strength Boleskine that arrived at Inveraray on Saturday 14/07/2007. The squad was so depleted that manager Neil Ferguson had to play in goal and veteran Joey Smith stepped into the breach at full forward. Boleskine started a man short with eleven players but were brought up to twelve with the welcome arrival of Paddy Brydon, shortly after the throw up. The early exchanges were fairly even with chances at both ends. As the game went on however Inveraray began to dominate the play. Around the 30 minute mark Boleskine went behind when a long diagonal ball to the far post found an unmarked Inveraray player who slotted home from short range. On 40 minutes it was a deficit of two when Inveraray scored with a decent shot from about 20 yards out. Just minutes from half time Boleskine were down to eleven players when Gary MacLennan was sent off for a second bookable offence. The decision appeared harsh as Gary had swung at the ball and caught an unprotected Inveraray player who was standing directly in front of him with his follow threw. The Inveraray player was also red carded for retaliation.

The second half started with both teams down to eleven men and continued with the home side dominating proceedings. Around the 60 minute mark Inveraray went further ahead when some clever stick work saw an Inveraray forward dribble threw the away defence and slot home from a few yards out. On 63 minutes Inveraray went 4-0 up when loose marking allowed one of their forwards time and space to shoot home again from close range. Neil Ferguson in goal had some excellent saves and along with some tenacious defending from his colleagues kept the score respectable.

In summary Inveraray are a tidy outfit and thoroughly deserved there win. Their style of play involves a lot of movement with players running of the ball and using short inter passing techniques to move the ball up the park. This type of game can make it difficult for defenders to pin down their opposite number especially when they are used to the more route one approach favoured by most North clubs.

That said if Boleskine had been at full strength then the result might well have been different with their name and not Inveraray's going into the semi- final draw for the prestigious Sutherland Cup. Although the final result was disappointing there were many positives to take from the game; Every single player on the pitch gave 100% commitment throughout the entire game from youngsters like John Fraser to the slightly less young Joey Smith. It was a great opportunity for several players who had predominately been on the bench in the past to feature on the pitch for a full ninety minutes; they rose to the occasion superbly and will have gained a great deal from the experience. At no time during the game or after it was there anything other than positive comments made and encouragement given. This type of response is very encouraging and bodes well for the future. Guest reporter this week Peter Macdonald

Saturday 16 June Boleskine 0 Caberfeidh 4

On a cold wet Smith park with conditions more akin to an November day, than less a week prior to the shortest day. Boleskine started the game with a flourish, creating three good chances in the opening five minutes, but the keeper saved a couple and one went wide . Caberfeidh began to come into the game and after several close calls went ahead in the twenty sixth minute , nine minutes later they made it two following a spell of sustained pressure . Peter Tinney in the Boleskine goals had some good saves to keep us in the game but we weren't winning enough of the ball in the centre to relieve the defence and to feed the forward line, to get back into the game . The second half early on opportunities were fairly even, then Caberfeidh struck their third goal in fifty two minutes a good interchange of passes concluded with opening being created and the chance taken . The game was fairly even after this with Boleskine possibly creating the by far the more scoring chances, but good goalkeeping and delays in shooting resulting in no goals. Though there was a controversial moment in the eighty first minute when a Lewis Smith shot appeared to enter the goals only to ricochet back out again off the back stanchion of the goals. However the goal judge deemed it to have came of the post and the goal never counted . In the last minute of play Caberfeidh scored their fourth goal to complete a miserable afternoon for us .

Saturday 9 June Lochaber 4 Boleskine 3

Boleskine after last weeks good result ,came down to ground with a bump at Lochaber. At half time they were one down and shortly into the second half had conceded another three to trail by four goals to nil. Boleskine came back into the game after this scoring three goals , a one each from Kevin Hunter, Lewis Smith and Lawrence Parrot ,while Raymond Robertson had a penalty well saved by the Lochaber keeper . Near the end Ben Macpherson received his marching orders following a second yellow card. A bad day out in glorious sunshine in Lochaber, which has now pushed us firmly into a relegation cat fight .

Saturday 2 June Boleskine 2 Lochside Rovers 0 Sutherland Cup 2nd round

Boleskine's second round Sutherland Cup tie against Lochside Rovers was the first time the club have ever faced a club from the Oban area, with the contrast between the North & South styles of play made the match a compelling one . The opening period with Boleskine having the strong wind in their favour was very even, both teams having their attacking moments but each defence having the upper hand in every occasion and it wasn't till the sixteenth that a keeper was called into action, Oban's Spider having a fine stop by the hand from a David Fraser long range shot. The first goal was going to be crucial in this tight match and in twenty one minutes Boleskine made the breakthrough, a Garry Maclennan pass found Kevin Hunter who turned the full back to run on and deliver a low fast shot into the net. Boleskine had a couple of opportunities to increase their lead before half time ,whilst their back division were smothering the Oban forwards, blocking all shots before the reached the Boleskine keeper . The wind in the second half was not so strong but more gusty in spells . In the fifty fifth minute following a break up field Kevin Hunter received the ball wide on the right, drew the full back and delivered a weighted pass on to a free Lewis Smith who has evaded his marker with an anticipated run on the edge of the D and his resulting low shot made two goals to nil to Boleskine . Both teams had chances to score after this, the Oban forwards any time the managed to get a shot through the excellent Boleskine rearguard , they found James Fraser in fine form pulling of a couple of outstanding saves . An excellent tightly fought match which if the visitors had managed pulled a goal back it could have made for a more nail biting finish. Boleskine had saved their best performance of the season to date for this match, with all departments of the team outstanding from the start to the finish and to single any individual player out would discredit an excellent team performance.

Saturday 26 May Boleskine 3 Kingussie 6 Strathdearn cup 1st round

Kingussie started of the Strathdearn Cup tie impressively being at least a half yard faster to the ball and abetted by smart forward play, it was no surprise when they opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a low shot from Steven Dormer from close in . Boleskine were having difficulty to mount any sustained period of play in the visitors half, though in the twenty third minute Kevin Hunter forced Ackie Demster the Kingussie keeper into a good save with a shot from the centre of the park . However the visitors stamped their authority on the match in the twenty fifth minute, following up on a rebound after a save by James Fraser, Kingussie's Ryan Borthwick made it two. Six minutes later a shot from thirty yards by Fraser Munro found the net following a good solo run from half way and in the thirty third minute Allan Macrae made it four goals to nil to the visitors . Boleskine' s hopes were raised by a goal from a good drive by Scott Ferguson in the thirty seventh minute and just prior to half time Lewis Smith latched on to a high ball over the visitors defence, but unfortunately his shot went past the post from close in . The second half Boleskine came more into the match and in the fifty sixth minute were awarded a penalty, however the resulting hit by Kevin Hunter went past the post . Boleskine continued to take the game to the visitors and were rewarded in sixty seven minutes when Lewis Smith scored from thirty five yards, ten minutes later Peter Tinney scored with a snap shot from forty yards to bring us back within striking distance of the visitors . Only three minutes later our chance was gone, when a long pass from the left hand side deflected off the Boleskine defence and into the net . We continued our spirited comeback trying to pull another goal back, but were caught out two minutes from time when Peter Dixon found himself free at the edge of the D to make it six goals to three in favour of the visitors . For the second week running a slow start has been our downfall, leaving us far too much leeway to make up, when we got back into the game .

In a game of broken sticks and broken hearts when the realisation hit home, that we will only play the role of hosts when the Strathdearn final is contested here at Smith park in September.

Pictures of today's match courtesy of Peter Paul, can be viewed at http://www.chadan.co.uk/ within photo album

Saturday 19 May LD2 Newtonmore 6 Boleskine 2

Boleskine got off to a worst of starts in the first minute, when following hesitancy in the defence, Newtonmore opened the scoring from close in and four minutes later following a some neat passing play, the home side drilled home their second goal from the edge of the D . Newtonmore playing with wind in their favour had by far the better of the play and it was only in the twentieth minute that Boleskine forced the keeper to make his first save of the game . However in the twenty fourth minute Newtonmore made it three after a mix up in the defence, followed two minutes later by another home goal to lead by four goals to nil . In thirty fourth minutes Wallace Grant raised Boleskine's hopes when he scored after a good forward interchange play, shortly after this Garry Maclennan had to be substituted following a facial injury. The home team scored again in the forty seven minute to lead by five goals to one as the half drew to an end. In the second period now with the wind Boleskine came more into the game and in the fifty second minute Lawrence Parrot hit a high shot from forty yards out on the right hand side into the net . Boleskine pressed for the next goal to get themselves back into the game, though they created chances unfortunately they weren't converted or the home keeper foiled them and in the sixty fifth minute Newtonmore concluding the scoring for the day. A much better second period than the first for Boleskine, if we had converted some of the chances our second half play merited, the final result would have been much closer .

Saturday 12 May LD2 Glengarry 5 Boleskine 6

Boleskine collected their first away points of the season at Invergarry today, when they had a fine win over a Glengarry side with whom they had drawn recently at Smith Park. In 5 minutes a short hit out by the home side fell to Lewis Smith, who despatched the ball into the net to open the scoring and in 13 minutes a Kevin Hunter shot from the right made it 2-0. Glengarry came more into match after this and in 32 minutes they scored after some hesitance in the Boleskine defence and from then until half time they play was quite even. 1 minute after the interval Kevin Hunter scored the best goal of the match when he created space and fired high into the net despite the attentions of 2 defenders. This was followed 1 minute later by a cross from the right being knocked past his own keeper by the Glengarry full-back making the score 4-1.The home side then pulled a goal back only for Lewis Smith to score his second from the edge of the D. The home side then made the score 5-3 following which Kevin Hunter completed his hat-trick when his shot crossed the line only to be hooked back into play by the goalkeeper and Lewis Smith following up put the ball in the net. The last ten minutes were very much backs to the wall as the home side pressed hard and scored twice but the final score was 6-5 in our favour. An excellent team performance with Kevin Hunter, Paddy Bryden and Raymond Robertson standing out. Guest reporter this week Alex Fraser

Saturday 28 April LD2 Boleskine 2 Newtonmore 3

Boleskine started brightly taking the game to the visitors and were unlucky not to open the scoring on a few occasions , however it was Newtonmore who capitalised in a mix up in the home defence, resulting in the ball breaking to two free forwards, one of whom Scott Chisholm struck it low into the net. Ten minutes later the sides were again equal, when a through ball found Lewis Smith on the left side and his low struck shot went across the keeper into the net. The remainder of the half the play was fairly even the visitors fielding several players with first team experience, this was to main differences between the teams as the match progressed . In the fifty ninth minute Newtonmore were awarded a relatively soft penalty and Scott Chisholm scored the resulting hit though the Boleskine keeper James Fraser touched the ball but could not stop it entering the net . Within three minutes Boleskine were level when following good play on the right, the cross found Lewis Smith free twenty five yards out and his drive went high into the net . With both teams going for the winner, controversially in the seventy eighth minute the visitors were awarded a dubious penalty on the say of their goal judge, which Scott Chisholm again converted to gain his hat-trick. Boleskine gamely went once again for the equaliser, but the visitors experience was telling and limiting their forward opportunities though we had a couple of chances, then Newtonmore's Stuart Forrest was sent off for rough play and in the few remaining minutes we had them pinned back, but no breakthrough came. A well contested match which a draw would have been a true reflected of the game , another good team performance with Graeme Black, Garry Maclennan and James Fraser catching the eye.

Saturday 21 April Strathdearn Cup preliminary round Lochaber 0 Boleskine 4

The first half was fairly even with Boleskine having the better of the opening exchanges and as the half progressed Lochaber came more into the game, however though chances were created on both sides, neither keeper was called into serious action . Lochaber started the second period on the offensive, with the visitors defence having to look sharp to repel them, then in fifty minutes a through ball from Wallace Grant found Lewis Smith in space and he slipped it past the advancing Lochaber keeper to break the deadlock. Two minutes later following good play on the right , David Higham received the ball at the edge of the D and dispatched it high into the net, shortly afterwards Lochaber's task of getting back into the game was made more difficult as they had a player sent off . Boleskine had the better of the play from then on and in sixty three minutes, Garry Maclennan finding himself with space fifty yards out dispatched a measured shot just under the crossbar for the third . Lewis Smith sealed the victory ten minutes from time following crisp short passing movement on the left, David Fraser found Lewis and his shot from forty yards wickedly bounced over the keeper into the net. A very good all round team performance from Boleskine mix of youth and experience, secured their place in the next round against Kingussie at home and contrary to popular belief Lewis Smith was not the oldest player on the park this Saturday ( this weeks reporter can remember Lewis's father complaining about the same affliction twenty years ago) .

Saturday 14 April LD2 Skye 4 Boleskine 0

Our visit to Portree today ended in a 4-0 defeat, a score-line which certainly flattered the home side. With several key players unavailable it was always going to be a difficult match but the whole Boleskine team battled bravely and for long periods in the second half James Fraser in goals was a virtual spectator The home side went a goal ahead within the first ten minutes and increased their lead shortly afterwards. They then added a third just before half time in controversial circumstances when the goal judge seemed to signal that the ball had been kicked by a Skye forward but the referee let the goal stand. A fourth goal midway through the second half ended the scoring and gave Skye their first win of the season . A Boleskine full strength team would almost certainly have returned home with both points which should give us confidence for the weeks ahead. Guest reporter this week Alex Fraser

Saturday March 31 LD2 Boleskine 2 Glengarry 2

After an initial Boleskine flurry, Glengarry emerged as the more dominant side taking the game to the home team who were finding it difficult to clear their lines . In the twelfth minute following a good James Fraser save, the ball broke to Glengarry's James Henderson to open the scoring and by the twenty first minute they increased their lead through Stewart Gregory, after the Boleskine defence were unable clear the ball during sustained visitors pressure . Glengarry were winning the midfield battle, any ball that went up to our forwards was competently dealt by their defence whilst the visitors forward line were creating chances, with only poor finishing and last gasp tackles by the Boleskine defence restricting them scoring . The second period was more of the same with Dedi Cameron & Martin Patterson stifling Boleskine's attempts to get into the game more, whilst feeding their own forwards who were still creating chances but not taking them . Boleskine hung on in there trying gamely to get back into the match, then a positional change by the home side seemed to bring a better balance to the team, in the seventy third minute the scales finally tipped when a long high ball by Garry Maclennan found the net . Nine minutes later up popped Garry Maclennan again with a high shot from thirty five yards to even the scores . The game from then to the final whistle was far more even with Boleskine having possibly the better opportunities to secure the win. Glengarry have every right to feel robbed, they dominated for seventy minutes and if had taken only a few of there many chances the game would have been sewn up long before half time . Boleskine on the other hand played second fiddle for so much of the game, but the defence and midfield doggedly stuck to their task till eventually they got back into the game, securing a point that looked a forlorn hope for most of the match, outstanding performances from Garry Maclennan and Kevin Hunter epitomised the spirit required to make the comeback .

Saturday March 24 LD2 Kingussie 6 Boleskine 1

Kingussie were the first team to settle and in the seventh minute opened the scoring with a high shot from thirty yards . In the eighteenth minute their experienced forward Allan Macrae made it two nil with a snap shot from the right hand side of the D and two minutes later they added there third following good interchange forward play . This good forward interplay by Kingussie was excellent to watch and had the Boleskine defence stretched at times , with only timely interception by our defenders restricting their chances .Our centre line were not winning enough possession to enable the forwards to hold the ball up, relieving the pressure on the defence . The second half began with both sides having a more equal share of the play, in the sixtieth minute David Higham's long forward pass from the centre dropped within the D and past the keeper to earn Boleskine a lifeline line . It was apparent that the next goal would be crucial to the final outcome of the game, unfortunately it was the home team who stuck it in the eightieth minute and followed up with two more in the eighty fifth and ninety fifth minutes .

Saturday March10 LD2 Boleskine 4 Lochaber 1

In this reversed fixture played at Farr due to the Spean Bridge park being unplayable because of the recent wet weather in the Lochaber at area , Lochaber played with the strong wind in their favour in the first half and it was very evident that the wind would have bearing on the outcome of the game . Lochaber had the best of the first period but the Boleskine defence managed to hold out and any shots were confidently dealt with by Peter Tinney, however in the thirty third minute Lochaber's John Woodrow slipped his marker, to find the net with a brisk shot from the left hand edge of the D. With bye hits hardly reaching the bucksie back position on account of the strong wind, Boleskine were unable to mount any sustained attacking pressure on the visitors goal and the half ended with no further scoring . In the second period the wind seemed to increase slightly, keeping the rain away and Boleskine now enjoyed the ascendancy that the visitors had previously .In the fifty second minute Lewis Smith latched on to a clever pass from Kevin Hunter to make one a piece . Thirteen minutes later Wayne Grant put the home team ahead with a low shot from forty yards, to make up for his disappointment of getting last weeks effort chalked off and three minutes later following brilliant arial play from Kevin Hunter who found himself through the Lochaber defence, and placed the ball into the net to for a two goal lead . Five minutes from time Boleskine scored their fourth by the same player from close in, to conclude the scoring for the day. A well earned two points to make up for last weeks lapse, we defended well against the wind and created chances in the second half , which we took sufficient enough off, to win the match with a bit to spare. A good all round team performance with Lawrence Parrot having an outstanding game at wing centre and the older players using their experience coaching the youngster's through the game, aye it was back in July last year we last scored four goals.

Saturday March 3 LD2 Boleskine 3 Lovat 4

Boleskine open the 2007 league campaign brightly when new singing Kevin Hunter opened the scoring in six minutes with a good drive, two minutes later the Lovat keeper came to his sides rescue with arial save from the same player. In the fourteenth minute Boleskine made it two when Kevin Hunter scored from close in and Garry Maclennan made three with a shot high into the net in the thirty first minute . Lovat pulled one back eight minutes later following a good save from James Fraser in the Boleskine goal , the ball fell to Lovat's Calum Cruden to net from close in. The second half started fairly equal but Lovat were getting more of the play and in the sixtieth minute pulled another goal back from the penalty spot. The next goal was crucial to the outcome of the game and Boleskine looked to have secured it four minutes later, when a Wayne Grant high shot found the net only to have it debatably ruled offside . Lovat had the better of the match after this and only several good saves from James Fraser maintained Boleskine's lead however Lovat pulled level in the eight first minute by Rory Campbell and two minutes later the same player scored the winner . A very disappointing result in view of the fact we were leading by three goals at one point , however it was away back in July last year that we last scored three goals .

Saturday 24 Feb Brian Stoddart & Donald Macgruer Memorial Cup Boleskine Veterans 0 Boleskine 2007 0 , Boleskine Veterans win on penalties by two goals to one

Buoyant following their success in the challenge cup the previous Saturday the present team took the field against the veterans of yesteryear, however it was the veterans who started the game the more impressively and it took good work from the present teams defence to keep them at bay . As the half progressed it became ever more an even game with both defences of top of their game allowing the respective forwards few opportunities to score, approaching half time the present team lost their full centre Scott Ferguson with a hand injury . The second period was once again a very tight affair with little to chose between the teams and the few chances that came the present teams way, they found the the veterans keeper Charlie Kennedy in a defiant mood .The veteran's too had their fair amount of pressure resulting in openings, but they were not converted and as the final whistle blew the result was a no scoring draw ,signalling for the first time since 1987 the cup would be decided on penalties .The veterans were first on the spot with Peter Gow who opening the scoring, the fifth penalty was converted by Clive Girvan whilst Raymond Robertson pulled on back for the present .Charlie Kennedy saved two penalties including the final one to retain the cup for the first time ever for the veterans .

The Cup was presented to veterans captain Duncan Macmillan and medals to both teams by Ally Stoddart the brother of Brian Stoddart . Best player for the veterans was Charlie Kennedy and for the present was David Higham . This is the third time Charlie Kennedy has won the best player for the veterans team, previously winning it in 1984 and 85 then as an outfield player and in today's match as goalkeeper. Incidentally both veteran scorers used the same club to take the penalties and rumour has it that this lucky club will be stored away carefully, till required again at the next old crocks game just like the Macleod's fairy flag.

Saturday17 February Boleskine Challenge Cup Boleskine 0 Newtonmore 0 Boleskine win on penalties by two goals to one

The Boleskine Challenge Cup match against Newtonmore heralded in the start of the 2007shinty season at Inverarnie , Boleskine with some of their more experienced players unavailable fielded a few of their promising youngsters whilst more occupied the substitute bench . Boleskine settled first and had the best of the first half, though for all of their good outfield play could not find a way past the Newtonmore defence to get the opener whilst on a couple of occasions James Fraser the Boleskine keeper had to look sharp when called upon. After half time the same pattern continued with Boleskine having the better of the play but good defensive work by Newtonmore and no luck in front of goal for the Boleskine forwards, the game had a no scoring draw look about it . In the latter part of the game Newtonmore came more into the match and it was the turn of the home defence to put the shutters up , with the game ended in a no scoring draw. So it was then up to the penalty takers from both teams to decide the destination of the trophy , which Boleskine's Andrew Young and Scott Ferguson converted two whilst Newtonmore only managed one, their other penalty takers denied by two good James Fraser saves who was unfortunate not to save their goal also. So for the first time since 1999 it was the Boleskine captain Keith Nicholson who was presented with the trophy and his players received medals from club president Peter Macdonald. On the day the team deserved their win with all the player doing well, top performers were Scott Ferguson, Andrew Young and our keeper James Fraser .

Boleskine Season 2007 Fixture list

Adult games throw up at 2:30 pm unless specified ,

DATE	Adult North League Div 2
3 MARCH	BOLESKINE 3 LOVAT 4
10 MARCH	BOLESKINE 4 LOCHABER 1 Game reversed Spean unplayable
17 MARCH	BOLESKINE v FORT WILLIAM (Game cancelled unplayable pitch )
24 MARCH	KINGUSSIE 6 BOLESKINE 1
31 MARCH	BOLESKINE 2 GLENGARRY 2
7 APRIL	BOLESKINE v KILMALLIE ( Game cancelled no referee)
14 APRIL	SKYE 4 BOLESKINE 0
21 APRIL	LOCHABER 0 BOLESKINE 4 (Str) preliminary rd
28 APRIL	BOLESKINE 2 NEWTONMORE 3
5 MAY	BOLESKINE bye Suth cup 1st rd
12 MAY	GLENGARRY 5 BOLESKINE 6
19 MAY	NEWTONMORE 6 BOLESKINE 2
26 MAY	BOLESKINE 3 KINGUSSIE 6 (Str 1st rd)
2 JUNE	BOLESKINE 2 LOCHSIDE ROVERS 0 (Suth cup 2nd rd )
9 JUNE	LOCHABER 4 BOLESKINE 3
16 JUNE	BOLESKINE 0 CABERFIEDH 4
23 JUNE	FORT WILLIAM v BOLESKINE (Game cancelled funeral)
30 JUNE	KILMALLIE v BOLESKINE
7 JULY	CABERFEIDH v BOLESKINE post Suth cup QF
14 JULY	INVERARAY 4 BOLESKINE 0 Suth cup QF) BOLESKINE v SKYE post
21 JULY	LOVAT 3 BOLESKINE 0
28 JULY	BOLESKINE 1 SKYE 1 BOL V KINGUSSIE post
4 AUG	KILMALLIE 2 BOLESKINE 0 League Postponements
11 AUG	League Postponements
18 AUG	BOLESKINE 1 KINGUSSIE 2 League Postponements
25 AUG	CABERFEIDH 6 BOLESKINE 1
1 SEPT	Inverness 6 a sides
8 SEPT	League Postponements
15 SEPT	BOLESKINE 1 KILMALLIE 4
22 SEPT	CAMANACHD Cup Final at Inverness Fort William V Inveraray ( �10)
29 SEPT	Strathdearn Cup Final at Inverarnie Kingussie 1 Kilmallie 2 (�5 & �3)
6 0C T	BOLESKINE 3 FORT WILLIAM 4
13 0CT	SHINTY HURLING INTERNATIONAL
20 0CT	League Postponements
27 OCT	FORT WILLIAM 6 BOLESKINE 0

Str = Strathdearn Cup, Suth= Sutherland Cup, MacM= Macmaster Cup.

Letter after date in date column indicates the day game is on, if no letter game is on Saturday.

Team selection for 2007 season

Name

L
E

N
G

str

L
E

N
G

NEW Bol chall cup

str

suth

LOCH

SIDE

ROVE

suth

INVE

RARAY

Keith Nicholson

Graham Black

Scott Ferguson

Garry Maclennan

Lewis Smith

Andrew Young

Wallace Grant

Peter Tinney

Raymond Robertson

Wayne Grant

Ben Macpherson

David Higham

Sandy Fraser

Kevin Hunter

James Fraser

Gavin Butterworth

David Fraser

Paddy Bryden

Simon Fraser

Lawrence Parrot

Kevin Hepburn

John Fraser

Shane Mason

Davie Gillies

Ian Hope

Neil Robertson

Neil Fraser

Ewen Macdonald

Ali Matheson

Andy Matheson

Neil Ferguson

Ali Fraser

Mike Pirrie

Peter Macdonald

Joey Smith

James Hunter

Andrew Sumner

X = Played S = Substitute O = On bench

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Season 2007