Spectators at An Aird, the home of Fort William Shinty Club, were treated to two thrilling finals on Sunday. After a dazzling sunny day of youth shinty games, the stage was set to see which of 15 teams from the length and breadth of the Highlands would take home the two Fraser MacPhee memorial Shields.
Oban’s two Rockfield teams – P5s and unders, and P7s and unders – put up an excellent fight after reaching both finals, with the P5s and unders going into extra time following a 1-1 draw.
But Kingussie proved victorious in both matches – scoring two goals in extra time to take victory in the P5s and unders, and winning 1 – nil, in the P7s and unders. Both teams put on a very entertaining celebration when they lifted the trophies, to the delight of the cheering crowd.
The Player of the Tournament trophies went to Reid Patterson (Kingussie) in the P5s category, and Daniel Duffy (Rockfield) in the P7s.
The off-pitch skills competitions also proved a big draw with the young players in between games. Archie Freshwater from Alvie School in Kincraig won fastest shot at goal for the P7s category, with Torrin Dawson from Alvie winning fastest shot for P5s. Reid Patterson from Kingussie also took the skills competition trophy and Cian McLean from Caol won the P7s skills competition.
The sun shone all day, ensuring spectators and more than 150 players had a great day in the glorious Lochaber weather. More than £300 was raised at the tea bar, which was rounded up to £1000 and donated towards disability shinty by Rosemary MacPhee on behalf of the MacPhee family. Thanks to Alaina MacLennan from the Camanachd Association for coming along and accepting a cheque at the tournament.
The MacPhee family wish to thank all the volunteers for support to make the day happen – the Latto family, Alison Stephens, Willie MacDonald, Fort William Shinty Club, Mhairi MacKinnon, referees: Struan Stephens, Bobby McMillan, Archie MacKinnon, Stuart Disher, all the coaches and parents, but most of all, all the young shinty players who give it their all every year and showcase shinty at its best.