This week sees the first Semi-Final of cup season in the shinty world as Kyles Athletic take on Oban Camanachd in the Artemis Macaulay Cup. We spoke to Oban Camanachd top scorer Daniel MacVicar ahead of this important clash.

Firstly, congratulations on your victory in the quarters against Oban Celtic. How did the match go from your experience?

We didn’t play great in the first half. We missed a few good chances and gave away a sloppy goal. However, we scored just after half time and after that it was just a case of how many. We hope to get double figures against them next time we meet.

Oban were in the Final last year of course – what would it mean to get back there again?

We were very disappointed last year, but we still had the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final to look forward to at the time so that helped. It would be great to reach the final again but we know that this will be the toughest opposition we have faced so far.

Are all the boys at full fitness ahead of the Semi?

We have been fortunate not to have any serious injuries so far and that’s probably down to the amount of training we have done this year.

Both yourselves and Kyles are unbeaten so far, but something has to give, what will be the difference between the two sides this weekend?

I think we will win if we play upfront how we know we can. Our defence has been very solid so it’s up to us to score some goals and take the pressure off them.

9 goals so far this season – you must be very proud of that tally, do you think you will extend it this weekend in the Artemis Macaulay Semi-Final?

Hopefully I will extend my goal tally on Saturday, although I’m not too fussed who scores just as long as we play well and get through to the final.