A replay of the 2022 MacMaster Cup Final saw Newtonmore and Skye U14 teams face off again. The weather was bright and a large crowd had gathered to watch these two talented youth teams.

Teams were led out by their captains and lined up to meet the dignitaries, in fact David MacMaster, Steven MacKenzie (CA President), Kirsty Deans (CA Youth Director) and John MacKenzie (CA Chieftain) all walked out to meet the squads.

Jamie MacPherson got the game underway and not even a minute had passed before Skye had broken the deadlock with a well taken goal by Seth MacDonald, catching the Newtonmore defence off guard.

The game then began to settle slightly and Newtonmore began doing what they had done all season, mounting the pressure upon their opponents defence. It was on the 9th minute that Joe Coyle after a mazy run and a low hard strike into the bottom corner levelled the playing field and gave Newtonmore their well-deserved equaliser.

From there the talented Newtonmore team, marshalled well by Jacob Bain in full centre continued their pressure on Skye and it was only 3 minutes later they scored a second, again through the very talented Joe Coyle.

Skye battled hard and kept chasing the Newtonmore players but their movement in the forward line was hard to keep up with. A few fantastic saves by the Skye keeper meant that the half time score at 9-1 wasn’t as vast as it could have been. Both Coyle brothers James and Joe on the score sheet for Newtonmore in the first half.

The second half started more evenly and Skye dug their heels in, looking dangerous on the break but also defending well. It was late on in the half before Newtonmore began to have success once again, with precise passing and movement amongst their forwards creating more chances to score.

The Newtonmore forward line (whose passing and movement would be impressive to most senior teams) was in fine form and it was fitting that their hard work resulted in more goals to end the day. Young Fergus Gilligan getting a double (with the day’s best celebration) . The final score was 13-1 to Newtonmore and a very well deserved victory. Skye should also be credited for their never giving up attitudes and work ethic throughout the game.

David MacMaster along with Kirsty Deans (CA Youth Director) conducted the presentations and it was 7 goal hero, Newtonmore Captain, Joe Coyle who lifted the MacMaster Cup for 2023.