On Saturday Badenoch will face off against Lochaber in the Mowi WCA Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup Final. We caught up with their Captain Jeanette McGregor ahead of the big game:

Jeanette, how do you feel about leading Badenoch into another Mowi Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup Final?

It’s an honour to be leading the team this year, they’re a great bunch of girls! We were disappointed to miss out last year, so to be back here again is an exciting opportunity.

 

Badenoch’s attacking play has been a highlight this season. How do you plan to continue that momentum in the final?

Yeah we have had some pretty convincing score lines in some matches this year, but have to give the defensive unit a bit of kudos. They’ve been pretty solid which allows us to then build through midfield and create opportunities. I’m sure if you asked one of the defenders they might tell you the conversion rate should be higher. We know though that perhaps we won’t have as many opportunities so we’ll have to be more clinical on Saturday.

 

How does it feel to face Lochaber in the final, and what challenges do you anticipate from them?

It’s a nice change having previously played Skye in the last 3. We know Lochaber will be a tough test and one we’re very much looking forward too. They’re quite a physical side who don’t shy away from any challenges so we just need to make sure we match that intensity right from the start!

 

What lessons from previous finals and your experience as Mowi Player of the Year do you bring into this match?

Most of our squad have now played in a couple of finals so we know what to expect when it comes to the larger crowd, and all the little bits that happen in the lead up to the match starting. I don’t think I bring much more experience than any of the other girls but we’ll continue to encourage each other and work for each other until the full time whistle goes as it just takes one goal to build a bit of momentum. We’ve seen Lochaber come back from 5-1 down against Skye to draw the match.

 

Finally, what would it mean to you and the team to lift the Mowi Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup once again, and what message do you have for the Badenoch supporters?

It would be pretty special, to even have both our squads in cup finals this year is a massive achievement for the club. A double cup win would be the icing on the cake. The rise of girls playing shinty in the area has grown so much in recent years so we’d like to continue to inspire the younger girls. The weather for Saturday looks decent so there’s no excuse to not get down to The Eilan and cheer on both our squads!

You can preview the game with this Stat Pack & Preview.