Congratulations to Beauly II who were awarded with the MOWI North Division 2 title on Saturday following a 13-1 win against Strathspey.

Having wrapped up the title a few weeks before against Kilmallie, you might have expected Beauly to be going through the motions at the weekend. However, this was far from the truth. An emphatic 13-1 home victory made sure that the greens signed off their victorious league campaign in style. Lee Dunbar opened the scoring 4 minutes in and by 15 minutes it was 3-0 and all but over courtesy of Finlay MacLennan and Calum MacIver. One goal is always something to celebrate but MacLennan didn’t stop there, bagging 7 on the day, supplemented by goals from Kyle McDonald, Fraser Cameron and a brace from Scott MacLean – Beauly stormed to their eventual 12 goal margin of victory – Martin Ross bagging a consolation goal for Strathspey.

That truly swashbuckling performance was endemic of Beauly II’s season as a whole, their only hiccup came away to Aberdeen University back in May, and gives real cause for optimism amongst the Braeview ranks. Moving up to MOWI North Division 1 will be a real test for the side who were defeated by both Lovat and Newtonmore (both N1 sides) this year. However, victories against Glenurquhart and Kinlochshiel (also both N1 sides) goes to show that perhaps this is the level that Beauly II should be competing at.

Kyle McDonald, Beauly II Manager said:

“We are absolutely delighted with the way this season has gone and to win the league was the icing on the cake for us. We could tell from day one of pre-season how fired up the boys were and determined to challenge in all fronts. Credit to Aberdeen for pushing us all the way, when the going got tough our young squad never shied away from the challenge. Very much looking forward to next season in MOWI North Division 1 I feel it’s a league we can compete in and will aim to showcase our talents from the off! All in all, I couldn’t be prouder of the boys, it was a great achievement from them.”

David Calder, Beauly Shinty Club President said:

“This is a great achievement for such a young side. 100 goals in the league and a number of outstanding performances in the cups. The club is extremely proud of the lads and the future for this squad is very bright. They are relishing the challenge of playing North Division One next season.”

Torrin Cairns, Beauly II Captain said:

“All of the boys are delighted with what has been a successful season – a lot of the squad have an understanding from U14s/U17s level and supplemented with the more experienced guys it seems to have just clicked – there’s a lot of good eggs in the group. Finlay MacLennan’s 27 goals this year in the league have definitely helped, but we didn’t have all of our eggs in that basket as there are plenty of players who can hit the back of the net when given a chance. Thanks to my teammates and coaches as well as the supporters, committee and sponsors who have made this year possible.”

You can hear more from Beauly Manager Kyle McDonald in this week’s episode of the Russwood Half-Swing Shinty Podcast which is out on Thursday at 9pm.

Once again the Camanachd Association would like to offer its warmest congratulations to Beauly for winning Mowi North Division 2.