Ahead of the Littlejohn and McHue & Porter Tournament on 15th March, Lee Thompson from Scottish Student Sport, sat down with some of the Captain’s. Read Aberdeen University President Joshua Wood’s interview below:

How has your clubs preparations being going for the Littlejohn/McHue and Porter tournament

We have been consistently training twice a week on a grass pitch with Aberdeen University Camanachd (senior team). The extra session along with playing with experienced players has helped prepare the team for this year’s tournament.

There have been some good competitions this year and some highly competitive matches being played across the league. How do you think you will fair? or do you have a goal for this year’s tournament?

We believe have the potential to win the tournament as we came a 2nd last year and have developed greatly since then. Our squad is a mix of experienced players and inexperienced players. The extra league matches this season has allowed our new players to gain valuable experience, bringing them to a level which has enhanced the overall team’s performance. We are also proud we have introduced a lot of new people to the sport this year.

Who do you feel could be your biggest opposition this year and why?

Strathclyde. They beat us fairly in the final last year with a strong team however our squad has improved greatly and we believe we are now an even stronger competitor this year. Edinburgh and Glasgow have also been tough teams that we are not underestimating.

With the short time frame matches, an early goal can set the tone, even cost the game. Do you think this will be a challenge or an opportunity for you?

Both as we have a mix of experience and people new to the sport. However, some of our strongest performances have been in the first half of league games where we have capitalised early in the game.

Who in your team do you feel gives you a threat or will cause opposition difficulties?

Alastair Maclean and Noah Poole. Alastair has dominated the full centre position throughout the league matches this season. Noah has only been playing shinty since November however his goal tally this season shows his natural goal-scoring ability.

Who in your team has that ability to motivate players and bring the best out of them?

Niall McCallum and Michael Allison. Niall is vocal on the pitch and has helped the captain throughout our matches this season. Michael has captained the team for a few years now who has consistently supported the players and leaded a great example on and off the pitch.

Who is your dark horse?

Nick Smith. Despite being relatively new to shinty his Canadian ice hockey background has brought a physical threat to our team combined with his brilliant stick work.

Worst dance moves in your team?

Michael Allison – Men’s Captain.