Lovat & Kilmallie face off in the Ferguson Transport & Shipping Balliemore Cup Final this Saturday at Spean, with the game throwing up at 14:30.
This stat pack is brought to you thanks to support from:
Lovat are scoring an average of 4.3 goals per game and conceding an average of 1.8.
Kilmallie are scoring an average of 2.5 goals per game and conceding an average of 2.4 goals per game.
Sting in the tail
Lovat’s scoring record shows that they can be a threat from the first whistle. They have scored 12 goals in each of the opening two periods before a slight dip to five before half-time. Their attack comes alive again after the break, with 13 goals between the 45th and 60th minute, before peaking in the closing stages with an impressive 16 goals in the final quarter-hour. The figures suggest a team that starts quickly and finishes even stronger as we saw on Saturday when they defeated their final opponents in the last minute.
2nd half lockdown
Defensively, Lovat have shown significant improvement as matches progress. They have conceded seven goals in the opening 15 minutes and six in both the second and third quarters, indicating a tendency to come under pressure early. However, they have tightened up considerably after half-time, allowing just three goals between the 45th and 60th minute, three more in the 60–75 period and only two in the final quarter-hour. The data points to a side that grows increasingly difficult to break down as games wear on.
Danger throughout
Kilmallie’s scoring record is evenly spread, with their greatest threat coming towards the end of each half. They have scored six goals in both the 30–45 minute and 75–90 minute periods, making these their most productive spells. Elsewhere, their output remains fairly consistent, with four or five goals across the opening hour. The only notable dip comes between the 60th and 75th minute, where they have found the net just twice.
Staying tight
Defensively, Kilmallie’s figures are similarly balanced, although the closing stages have proven the most difficult. They have conceded six goals in the final 15 minutes, more than in any other period, while five goals have also been shipped in both the opening 15 minutes and the run-up to half-time. Their strongest spells come between the 15th and 30th minute and from the 60th to 75th minute, with just three goals conceded in each. The data suggests maintaining concentration at the beginning and end of matches could be key to improving their defensive record, especially when coming up against a Lovat side who are so dangerous in the final 15.
Wee G(oal)
Graeme MacMillan is Lovat's top goalscorer with an impressive 19 goals in 15 games for the Kiltarlity outfit, however, they will be without his services this weekend due to suspension so Marc MacLachlan and Lewis Tawse will have to step up and deliver the goods.
Shane & Able
Shane O'Rua is the top marksman for Kilamllie this season with 10 goals in 11 games. The 19 year old is one of the purest strikers of a ball in shinty but will need the team around him to be at their creative best to fashion chances against a team containing Scotland Internationals.
Balanced experience
There is little to separate the two squads in terms of experience, with Kilmallie averaging 24.88 years and Lovat 24.53 years. Both sides blend youthful energy with seasoned heads, each fielding players as young as 16 alongside experienced campaigners in their mid to late thirties. The figures suggest Saturday's contest will not be defined by age or experience alone, but by which team can best combine the enthusiasm of youth with the composure of their senior players.
4/5 for both
Both teams arrive at the final having won 4 of their last 5 games, however, the psychology of playing each other the week before the final will be interesting, does the win give Lovat confidence that it will happen again on Saturday, or does the defeat rile Kilmallie and make them that bit more determined.
Kilmallie Road to the Final
1st Round bye
4(p)-4 vs Glenurquhart
1-2 vs Inveraray
Lovat Road to the Final
10-0 vs Aberdour
W-O vs Oban Celtic
2-0 vs Beauly
Ferguson Transport & Shipping Director
Ally Ferguson
This weekend’s final sees local team Kilmallie Shinty Club and one of the north’s very successful teams in recent years; Lovat Shinty Club take to the field. Both teams are in transition, and we expect an extremely competitive match where everything will be left out on the field of play.
Camanachd Association President
Burton Morrison
“Lovat and Kilmallie bring a very long history of competitive shinty to the game with both clubs enjoying periods of success at the highest level throughout their existence. Lovat are appearing in this particular final for the first time whilst Kilmallie lifted the trophy as recently as 2018. Both teams have a mixture of experienced players and promising youngsters in their line-ups and play a similar style of shinty. If both teams can reach the levels of shinty they are capable of playing at, spectators can look forward to a thrilling encounter, witnessing a display of fast open shinty with good caman skills interspersed with physical challenges, played in a competitive but disciplined manner.”
Online tickets come with free £2 matchday programme:
To buy tickets for this event please visit our events page: Ferguson Transport & Shipping Balliemore Cup Final 2026 tickets from Skiddle .
