It went down to the wire, but in the end it was Strachur-Dunoon who prevailed to lift their first league title since their 2022 formation.

It took them a while to get going due to postponed fixtures, but a 9-0 win against Tayforth at the end of March laid down a marker for what was to come, even if it would take even longer to get a consistent run of games in the league. More postponements and cup duties meant they would only play one more match in April, a comprehensive 5-0 win at Aberdour before coming away with a 3-2 win at Uddingston in May. They then inflicted Kilmory’s only defeat of the season and rounded May off with a 15-0 rout over Stirling. Their first league set-back came on Bute, as the home side ran out 6-2 winners which meant the title race was well and truly on.

Strachur-Dunoon would bounce back with 3 straight wins but a late rally from Kilmory meant 2 points were dropped at MacRae Park in August, and after a 10-1 win away to Stirling it meant the league was poised for a final day decider. Having been locked in a title fight with Bute II all season, the two sides would meet at the Clachan of Glendaruel to determine who would lift Mowi South Division 2.

A first half hat-trick from Martin Hall meant the trophy would be staying on the mainland, with 2 goals from a young Bute team not being enough to sway the outcome. For Strachur-Dunoon it means they will compete in South Division 1 for the first time since their 2022 merger, and spells a successful first season since entering into partnership with Col-Glen. Having only lifted the 2023 Mod Cup to date, it’s a first league title for the club and testament to the resilience of all involved at a club who were facing significant player shortages only last season. Under the management of Andrew Rossi they have integrated a number of young talents such as Spencer Thoms and Hunter Black into the side, and a delighted Cammy Middleton summed up the feeling, saying:

“It was a fantastic day for the club and it was great seeing the boys being rewarded for all their hard work this year. Bute are a top side and gave us a really good game, but we knew the task at hand and I thought everyone on that pitch gave it everything they had. It’s been an unbelievable season and we’re already buzzing to see what lies ahead.”

Images courtesy of Paul Paterson.