Argyllshire and Dunoon News

YOUNG GUNS TRIUMPH IN NIALL CAMPBELL MEMORIAL MATCH

Strachur Over 30s 1, Strachur Under 30s 2

THE annual Boxing Day fixture at Strachur produced yet another enthralling encounter on a frozen pitch more suited to ice-skating than shinty.
The youngsters were boosted by the return of Premier League stars Stuart ‘Pie’ Robertson and Dunky Kerr but the ‘auld yins’ were also strengthened by the appearance from the Granite City of PC Ally Paterson and school teacher John McFadyen.
Referee Duncan Kerr (Snr) let the game flow as much as conditions would allow, with players on both sides slithering about and ‘Dancing on Ice.’ Against all expectations the veterans took a deserved lead when big Duncan Geddes MacNicol thundered home one of his famous rockets  ‑ for his first goal in 25 years.

A terrific midfield battle developed between Big Monty, young Fadgie and ‘Strole’ MacLeod against the younger trio of Andy ‘Flying Forester’ Hunt, ‘Pie’ Robertson and ‘Ginger James’ Roy. The young guns equalised through Grant Mitchell lookalike Craig Morton after good work by Ian Hamish Paton, and within minutes took the lead when ‘Wee Sparrow’ Dunky Kerr fired home at the second attempt, right on the half-time whistle.
The second period saw defences on top with ‘Old Fadgie,’ ‘Donut,’ ‘Chips,’ Stevie ‘box’ and ‘Ronaldo’ Campbell holding firm for the vets, while big Ewan, Ian MacLennan, Ally Reid, Davy ‘Pup’ and ‘Big Rossco’ did likewise for the bucks.
Impressive debuts from ‘half-hour Archie’ from the Creggans – showing his old hockey skills – and rugby player big Andy Williamson (on holiday from France) delighted the hardy bunch of supporters.
Good interplay between Ian ‘Robbo’, Willie Flannel and Ally Mirrlees saw big Rossco kick the ball in the penalty area but, despite strong appeals for a penalty, referee Dunky Kerr awarded a free hit.
The final few minutes saw the over 30s lay siege on their opponents with a succession of corners but, despite a nine-man attack, the youngsters held out to record yet another victory.
Captain Ally Reid received the trophy from Ronnie Campbell, son of the late ‘Mr Niall.’
At the ‘get together’ in the Memorial Hall, Strachur and District Shinty Club presented its annual awards; with the popular Andy Hunt being named ‘Player of the Year’ and Ally Mirrlees receiving the ‘Top Scorer’ award.
The club would like to wish everyone best wishes for the new year.