Caberfeidh and Kinlochshiel set to clash in Ross derby at Strathpeffer
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Caberfeidh and Kinlochshiel are set to clash in the Ross-shire derby in shinty’s Premiership at Castle Leod tomorrow afternoon.
The two teams have already met this season with Caberfeidh beating Kinlochshiel 2-1 in the MacTavish Cup first round.
However, the Strathpeffer club exited the MacTavish Cup last week when they suffered a 4-0 defeat at home to holders Kingussie.
Caberfeidh coach Garry Reid said it was a disappointing result to exit the cup with in a season which he has described as being up and down.
Caberfeidh find themselves in eighth place in the Premiership, with just one win from their four matches. Reid says they will be looking for a morale boosting win tomorrow to help them surge up the table.
He said: “We just played each other two weeks ago and we managed to get the win that day.
“But it was a well contested match, we know Kinlochshiel are one of the top teams in the country.
“We have to be at our best to get anything out of the game, but we need to start picking up points in the league and this is crucial game.
“This season has been up and down for us, it hasn’t gone the way we have been hoping for. “We started with a good win, but we have not been able to follow that up at home with a couple of losses.”
Conor Macgregor broke his leg in the match against Kinlochshiel two weeks ago and will be out for a number of weeks. Kyle Grant is also out after breaking his foot playing football with Logan Beaton out due to work commitments.
Kinlochshiel got over their MacTavish Cup first round exit last weekend as they thrashed Lochaber 5-0 at Reraig.
The victory moved them up to fourth place in the table and four points behind leaders Kingussie.
Head coach Willie MacRae says the club are determined to launch a title challenge this season and keep up the pace as they look for a victory at Castle Leod.
“We were disappointed to lose to Caberfeidh two weeks ago as we dominated the game,” he said.
“I think they admitted they got away with it the last time, so we will be looking to return the favour.
“The pitches will be dryer now and that will make a difference. We had a good win against Lochaber at home last week on a pitch that was like a bowling green.
“Our tails are up after the Lochaber, we were unlucky in our first few games, but you have to make your own luck.
“We are picking up points and are getting there. Everyone is taking points off each other this year and Kingussie are sneaking results by the odd goal.
“Not just us, but other teams are capable of taking points off Kingussie this season.”
MacRae said late fitness tests will be carried out on some players, but expects to take down a full strength squad.
Throw-up is at 12.45pm
