Newtonmore seal back to back finals after penalty shootout

Taynuilt was the host to an entertaining semi final which saw both sets of fans go through a range of emotions, as both teams went down to 11 men in a match which would go all the way.

The first half was dominated by Oban Camanachd, who had some good chances go amiss before Connor Howe struck late on to give the his side the lead going into the break. Despite Newtonmore changes at half time, the Oban side would continue to pile the pressure which would pay off, with Howe finishing his second just after the hour mark to give Daniel Cameron’s men a well deserved two goal lead.

It seemed as if the game was slipping out Newtonmore’s grasp, before Declan Brannan unleashed a shot which was well saved by Cammy Sutherland, however the ball fell to Matthew Sloss who was wiped out by the Camanachd keeper which resulted in Robert Baxter pointing to the spot. The veteran Steven MacDonald made no mistake from the resulting penalty to give his side a glimmer of hope with 15 minutes left on the clock.

Minutes later Newtonmore were given a further boost as Oban Camanachd were reduced to 11 men, allowing them to up the tempo and give themselves a fighting chance. Late on it was joy for those who had made the long journey from Badenoch, as Matthew Sloss got on the end of a free hit to send the ball into the back of Sutherland’s net. With the game on the verge of extra time ‘More would too be reduced to 11 men, with Declan Brannan receiving a second yellow card.

Neither team was able to find a way through the other’s defence in extra time, and thus it was down to a penalty shootout to decide who would make the final. Up first was Daniel MacVicar, but it was Kenny Ross who continued to defy his age by saving the Camanachd captain’s hit, with Steven MacDonald stepping up next to net his second of the match, Lewis Cameron following up by converting his own penalty.

Up next it was Sutherland’s turn to save a penalty, as Struan Ross’s well hit penalty was shut out. Garry Lord and Rory Kennedy both had their respective hits saved next, and with Daniel MacCuish having his shot saved Euan Dingwall was unable to keep his shot underneath the bar, causing a sudden death situation.

Connor Howe would step up and flash his shot wide, meaning it fell to Brodie MacBean to send his side through. The pressure was on as he made the long journey up from the centre circle, but his nerves held as his strike sailed into the bottom corner, sparking scenes of both relief and jubilation, as Newtonmore reached their 2nd consecutive Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final after a gripping match for the neutral – but no doubt a nervy one for anyone with a stake in the game.

This sets up a mouth watering rematch of the 2025 final on Saturday 19th September at Mossfield Stadium, Oban. Not one to be missed, tickets are now on sale!