This weekend Kinlochshiel take on Lovat in what is set to be a fantastic contest at Reraig. The two teams of course met in the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final in 2021 and while Shiel will be hoping for a repeat of that success, Lovat will be set on revenge. We spoke to Lovat and Scotland star Craig Mainland ahead of the match.

How are the boys settling into the new season, training etc?

Yeah, training is going well so far with some serious effort put into the sessions of graft.

Lovat started the season with a fairly comfortable 3-0 win against Kilmallie, how did you feel the match went?

Delighted with the first game. We played some tidy stuff and looked pretty comfortable.

Kinlochshiel vs Lovat would quite easily be the kind of match you could see in the final of the cottages.com MacTavish Cup – what do you make of the draw?

Yeah, I’m quite happy with the draw as it’s two of the big teams it gives you a good indication of where your at so early in the season come the end of the game.

You guys are obviously quite familiar with each other after that tightly contested Camanachd Cup Final last year – do you plan to do anything different or is it just a case of getting the rub of the green this time round?

To be honest, we have a style of play that we have become known for over the last few years. If we play as we intend then we will be happy.

Overall, are there any specific aims or trophies that Lovat are targeting this year?

The same as every year we compete for everything. Always in the latter stages of cups and obviously most importantly the Scottish finals. But no matter what the competition we always want to win and play well if we can. If we stay injury free we would love to compete strongly on all fronts.