Season Review: Badenoch II

Badenoch II enter the Mowi Challenge Cup Final on the back of an impressive campaign in the Mowi National Division, where they finished as champions. Their season began steadily with a draw against Strathspey, but they quickly established consistency with a string of convincing wins.

Highlights included strong home form – notably victories over Aberdour and Strathspey – alongside a commanding 9-1 win over Dunadd in the semi-finals of this competition. Their ability to score freely while remaining disciplined at the back was a defining feature, with several results seeing them reach double figures.

Although two draws meant they did not secure a 100% record, Badenoch II’s dominance across the campaign underlined the squad’s depth and development, with players contributing across all areas of the pitch. A win on Saturday would cap an unbeaten season and a double for the girls at the Dell.

Season Review: Inverness II

Inverness II competed in the Mowi North Division, finishing second in a competitive league. Their campaign was characterised by resilience and steady improvement after an opening-day loss to Lovat.

The side responded strongly, recording home wins against Skye, Inveraray, Kinlochshiel, and Lochaber, while also travelling well with victories at Lovat and Aberdour. Their two draws against Glenurquhart showed the fine margins at play in the North Division, where competition was tight throughout.

Inverness’ attacking play was often decisive, most notably in their 10-2 win over Lovat and 8-2 away success against Skye. While occasional setbacks provided lessons, the team’s ability to stay near the top of the table demonstrated both progress and potential.

Half-Swing Podcast Verdict

Both clubs take confidence into Saturday’s final after strong league seasons, though their routes have been different. Badenoch II dominated the National Division with consistency and firepower, while Inverness II showed determination and growth in the North Division, finishing as credible runners-up.

The Challenge Cup Final now offers each side the chance to test themselves against opposition from another league, with Badenoch II bringing title-winning form and Inverness II carrying the momentum of a promising campaign.

The determining factor is likely to be how Inverness deal with Lexi Farquhar – there is the option to match Isla McNeil up against her and hope that the other Inverness forwards can do the business, but, Badenoch are a lot more rounded this year and threat from Olds and McAdam could still sway things Badenoch’s way.

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There will be Game of the Week Interviews out throughout this week on the Camanachd Association and WCA channels…