Mowi Game of the Week - Newtonmore vs Kingussie
Daniel Sloss Interview
Newtonmore welcome Kingussie in the first Badenoch Derby of the season this Saturday at 3:00pm with the home side looking to pick up their first win over Kings since 2019. We sat down with Newtonmore defender Daniel Sloss ahead of his first taste of the derby.
Saturday will be your first Badenoch Derby since joining Newtonmore—how excited are you for the occasion, and what have you heard about what makes this rivalry so special?
I’m really excited for Saturday’s Badenoch Derby! Know how intense and passionate the rivalry is between Newtonmore and Kingussie. It’s not just about the game—it’s about the whole community coming together, the history behind it, and the pride that both teams have for their village. I’m looking forward to experiencing that atmosphere and being a part of the biggest derby in shinty!
It’s been a mixed start to the season for Newtonmore with a win against Caberfeidh but a tough result against Fort William. What’s the mood in the camp heading into such a big game?
The mood in the camp is really positive as we head into such a big game. While the result against Fort William wasn’t what we wanted, we’ve learned from it and are focused on improving. The win against Caberfeidh showed what we’re capable of, and we’re determined to bring that same energy and focus to the Badenoch Derby. Everyone’s motivated, and we’re ready to give our best performance!
Kingussie have made a strong start with three wins from three—what do you think will be the key to stopping their momentum and getting a result on Saturday?
Kingussie have certainly had a strong start, but we’re focused on what we can control. The key to stopping their momentum will be sticking to our game plan, staying disciplined, and playing with intensity from the first whistle. We know we have the quality in our team to challenge them, and if we play to our strengths, we’re confident we can get a positive result on Saturday.
You and your brother Matthew both made the move from Oban Camanachd to Newtonmore this season. How have you settled into the squad, and how different has it been adjusting to a new team?
It’s been a really smooth transition for both myself and Matthew joining Newtonmore. The team has been incredibly welcoming, and it’s been great getting to know everyone on and off the field. Adjusting to a new team has been a positive challenge, but with the level of talent and experience here, it’s really helped us settle in quickly. We’ve been enjoying the work ethic and the intensity of training, and it’s exciting to be part of such a big club. Both of us are really looking forward to what’s ahead!
What would it mean to you personally to get a result in your first Badenoch Derby, and how big would a win be for Newtonmore at this stage of the season?
Getting a result in my first Badenoch Derby would be incredible—it’s a game that means so much to the fans and the club, so to be part of it and come away with a win would be something special. Personally, it would be a proud moment in my shinty career, but it’s also about helping the team and contributing to a big victory. For Newtonmore, a win would be huge at this stage of the season. It would give us a real boost and build momentum going forward.
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