North End and Alvie victorious at National First Shinty Finals 2023

The Ferguson Transport and Shipping National finals brought together over 150 of the best young players from across Scotland all vying for the coveted National P5 and P7 titles.

The P7 & Under tournament was played at the Nevis centre, Fort William. The standard of play throughout the day was of the highest order with all the 11 teams giving a great account of themselves.

Section A saw the talented Caol Primary School driven on by the impressive Harry Stewart top the group on 7 points with the equally impressive North End Primaries team one point behind, claiming the runners-up spot.  Section B couldn’t have been more competitive, with the classy Glenurquhart Primary School topping the group on goal difference from the skilful Gleann Dail Primary School.

The first semi-final saw Caol Primary School take on Gleann Dail Primary from Glasgow, with Gleann Dail Primary proving too strong in the end winning 4.1 to book their place in the final.

The second semi-final saw Section B winners Glenurquhart Primary take on North End primaries in what was a closely contested game, with North End eventually prevailing 3.2 to reach the final.

The final between Gleann Dail Primary and North End Primaries started at a frantic pace with play raging from end to end, with the standard of play of the highest order. North End however, driven on by the outstanding Lachlan MacLeod, raced to a two-goal lead, before Gleann Dail pulled back a well-deserved goal just before half-time. The second half saw another two goals from Lachlan MacLeod his 4^th goal of the final proving too much for the talented young Gleann Dail side, with North End running out deserved 4.1 winners, to win the P7 & Under National First Shinty Championships 2023.

Michael Oliver of tournament sponsors Ferguson Transport and Shipping presented the trophy and medals to all the players.

The P5 & Under tournament was played at Lochaber High School. The standard of play throughout the day was excellent with all group games closely contested between the 10 top school teams from across the country.

Section A saw last years winners BSGI go through the group stages undefeated with some excellent play and goals scored. Alvie Primary followed them into the semi finals as their section runner up. Section B was also very closely fought with the final games deciding who was progressing to the final 4.

Rockfield school had a very impressive run of form throughout the day winning 3 and drawing 1 in the group stages seeing them go through as group winners. BSGP followed them through with 2 wins a draw and a loss.

The first semi final saw the two Gaelic schools BSGI and BSGP face off against eachother and there was nothing between these teams. BSGP were ahead by one goal going into the final seconds but a fantastic bottom corner equaliser by BSGI saw full time at 2-2 and extra time. BSGP found an extra burst of energy and grabbed the golden goal they needed to progress to the final.

The second semi final was goals galore, Alvie who had started the tournament slowing were now on a fine run of form and couldn’t stop scoring. Rockfield grabbed a couple of goals back through some excellent forward play but couldn’t catch up to the bumblebees. The final score was 6-2 Alvie.

The final saw some skilful shinty from both teams, tired legs were showing as a full day of shinty caught up to these young players. Alvie grabbed the first goal after some excellent play from their talented midfield line. They then continued their drive forward using that momentum adding a couple of goals to their tally and running out tournament winners for 2023.

Leeanne Mackay of tournament sponsors Ferguson Transport and Shipping presented the trophy and medals to all the players.