Fort William Crowned Mowi National Champions
Fort William’s promotion to the Premiership as champions of the Mowi National Division is a remarkable achievement, signalling their return to shinty’s top tier after a season of resilience and determination. Their triumph came in dramatic fashion on the final day of the season, where a 5-2 victory over Bute saw them edge out rivals Beauly, who fell to Inveraray, by a single point. This thrilling conclusion highlights Fort William’s fighting spirit and their ability to seize the moment when it mattered most.
The team’s success can be largely attributed to their consistency throughout the campaign. From their early wins against Col Glen (3-2) and Inveraray (2-1) in March, Fort William set a strong foundation. Their defensive solidity, paired with a sharp attacking force led by top scorer Lachie Shaw, kept them competitive in every match. Shaw’s 13 goals were instrumental in their charge for the title, offering the firepower needed to turn tight games in their favour.
Despite a mid-season setback in June with a 3-0 loss to Beauly, Fort William responded in style, notably overturning that result in August with a 6-2 win over their title rivals. This victory proved to be a turning point, closing the gap at the top of the table and shifting momentum towards Fort William as they entered the business end of the season.
Their final-day triumph over Bute, combined with Beauly’s loss, secured Fort William’s promotion and the title. It marked a fitting end to a season that showcased not just their technical ability but also their mental toughness.
Promotion to the Premiership brings new challenges, but Fort William will carry forward the confidence gained from their Mowi National campaign. Their successful return to the topflight reaffirms their status as one of shinty’s up and coming clubs, and their ambition to make an impact on the Premiership stage is clear. With a solid squad and a strong team ethos, they are well-equipped to thrive in the league next season.