Sunday the 1^st of June saw the Macaulay Sixes return to Mossfield Stadium, Oban. 27 teams entered over 3 categories including: Development, P5 & Under and P6/7.

The development section had eight teams separated into two leagues where the top top teams from each league progressed to the semi-finals. Rockfield Ravers and the Rockfield Rovers progressed from league A then Dunollie and Lundrava progressed from League B. Two closely contested semi-finals saw Rockfield Rovers edge out Dunollie and Lundrava beat Rockfield Rovers progress to the final. In the end the impressive Lundrava team came out on top winning the final to cap off a successful day for the Fort William based side who were unbeaten throughout. It was great to see so many youngsters putting on a great determined performances throughout the day with numerous primary 1s playing their part for their teams.

The P5 and Under section was once more split into 2 leagues with 8 entries. League A required a playoff to decide who would top the group between St Columba’s and Aberdour Whites. St Columba’s won that game meaning they would play 2^nd place in league B. Aberdour Blacks topped their section with Park finishing in the runner up spot. In the first semi final the 2 Aberdour sides faced off and despite a good fight from the Aberdour Whites the Aberdour Blacks came out on top. The other semi-final saw St Columba’s edge out Park Primary who are improving in every competition.

The final was another close affair between two sides who have met each other several times at this level always providing a close game and this would prove no different. In normal time nothing could separate the two teams in what proved to be a nervous final meaning extra time was required as neither team could break the deadlock. 2 minutes each way was needed and with 45 seconds to play it was Aberdour who broke the deadlock and looked certain to win the tie. However, the young St Columba’s team pushed on from the throw up and with the last hit of the ball a great strike found the back of the net to take the tie to penalties. In the end Aberdour won 3-2 on penalties on what was a great spectacle for the neutral.

The P6/7 section had 11 teams entered. In league A Kyles Athletic came out on top going unbeaten followed by Lovat who made the long journey down from Kiltarlity. The 2^nd league saw Rockfield topping their section with the Glasgow Gaels finishing in 2^nd spot. The first semi final saw Kyles take of Gaels and Kyles took an early 2 goal lead. However, the Gaels showed great fight and managed to score 2 goals in the second half to take the game to extra time. Gaels had an early chance to take the lead for the first time in the tie however and some good recovery defending meant the scores remained level.  Kyles then pushed on from that scare and score 2 goals meaning the game finished 4-2. The second semi final beaten Lovat and Rockfield proved to be just and competitive with the game remaining goalless until the 2^nd half when Lovat manged to break the deadlock. Rockfield pushed on and in the last minute found an equaliser once again meaning extra time was needed to separate the sides. After another 4 minutes the game stayed even meaning once again penalties was required to decide who progressed to the final. In the end Lovat progressed after 3 well struck penalties and Rockfield missing one of theirs.

Kyles and Lovat competed in the final where an early strike from Cairn Crowe put Kyles ahead. Kyles continued the early pressure and doubled their lead soon after through good work from Sorley Kerr. Kerr would go on to grab another soon after closing the Lovat keeper winning the ball back and finishing low into the net to have a 3 goal lead into half time. The 2 half was more balanced with Lovat pushing to get back into the game however it was Kerr who completed his hattrick to round off an impressive display from the Tighnabruaich players.

The presentations took place and on top of the sides winning their competitions there was also player of the tournament awards handed out. Firstly, Kayla Heely from Rockfield primary was awarded the Girl of the Tournament for her impressive displays and gritty never give up style of play. Sorley Kerr was deservedly awarded the boys player of the competition and his goals proved to be the difference for Kyles on the day.

Will Cowie from the Camanachd Association added “The Macaulay Sixes was once again a great success, it was great to see teams from all over the country competing in this competition. The development section offers young players the opportunity to play competitive shinty they may normally not get and the standard of play in the older sections was tremendous! A massive thanks has to be given to the Macaulay Association for organising the day as well as the volunteers who refereed and ran the bakes stall on the day, these events wouldn’t be able to happen without these volunteers giving up their time.”