Kingussie take on rivals Newtonmore at The Dell this weekend in the Strathdearn Cup Final to crown the premier north junior side for 2026. Both teams make up the top two of Mowi North 1 so it’s set to be an even game, we spoke to Newtonmore captain Rasmus Cheyne.
It’s a big one as you make the short trip to The Dell to compete in the Strathdearn Cup final, how are you looking forward to the game?
I’m looking forward to see the boys play to the best of their abilities, and hopefully having a big crowd behind us all the way.
Newtonmore of course take on your rivals in the final, does that add an extra layer of motivation to get the result?
Of course it does. Our last meeting ended in a draw which doesn’t reflect our ability so we have a point to prove and a cup to play for so the boys will be well up for it.
The head to head shows two wins a piece and a draw in your last five games so it’s completely even between the two games, what will the boys have to do to nullify their threat though?
The team will have to play the same shinty we have been playing week in week out. We know we can beat big teams and defend good forwards lines so it’s a matter of doing it on Saturday.
22 of your goals this season have come inside the first 15 minutes, how important will it be to try and nail down an early marker?
It’s become more apparent as the season goes on the positive impact that those early goals have on the team which often leads us to winning the match, so an early goal will be target for us to set the tempo.
You are of course captain this year, how much would it mean to be the one to lift the trophy above your head come Saturday afternoon?
It would be a honour to lift the trophy on behalf of Newtonmore, knowing the effort the boys have put in and a with a few experiencing their first senior final.
