Kinlochshiel are on verge of making history as they are one game away from reaching the Camanachd Cup final for the first time
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KINLOCHSHIEL are one game way from reaching the Camanachd Cup final for the first time in their history.
Kyles Athletic is all that stands between them reaching shinty’s biggest game when the two teams clash at Taynuilt live on television tomorrow.
The Wester Ross outfit has enjoyed success in recent years, most notably winning the Premiership in 2017, when they became only the fourth club ever to do so with Fort William, Kingussie and Newtonmore.
The Premiership may now be considered the biggest competition to decide who is the best club in the country.
But the Camanachd Cup remains the most historic and a trophy Kinlochshiel would love to have their named engraved on.
Full forward John MacRae says it would be a momentous occasion for his team to reach their first final.
But he says the weight of history is not hanging heavy on their shoulders.
“I would say that the league is the biggest competition due to the number of games and the best team wins that,” he said.
“But as we have won the league and the Macaulay Cup, the Camanachd Cup is the one trophy which would be nice to win.
“The chance of being the first team to make the final is something the players aren’t thinking about.
“They always want to do as well as they can and win as many cups, whatever cup that is, they will look to give it their all and see what comes.”
Kinlochshiel have had an impressive run to the semi final having defeated Glenurquhart 3–0 in the last 16 before thrashing Oban Celtic 6–0 in the quarter finals.
MacRae knows Kyles Athletic will be a step up in quality but is confident they can reach their first Camanchd Cup final.
“Both our teams are quite similar in fitness levels and physicality.
“It will be a tough game for us on Saturday.”
Kinlochshiel have not played for three weeks due to postponements.
But MacRae says the time off has helped them bring back injured players.
“We have had a lot of injuries this year and at one point we had seven first team players out.
“We have had three of our four best defenders out in recent weeks, but we should have two of them back this weekend which will be good for us.”
