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INVERARAY lifted shinty’s oldest trophy, the Glasgow Celtic Society Cup for a third consecutive year and for the 18th time in 21 cup final appearances, after an impressive 4-1 victory over South Division One side Glenorchy at Old Anniesland, Glasgow on Saturday.
Conditions were far from ideal for good shinty with driving rain and a hard surface forcing both teams to adapt their normal style.
Cup holders and strong pre-match favourites Inveraray were given a sharp wake-up call as early as the third minute when the found themselves a goal down after Keith MacIntyre put the lower league team ahead.
However, the lead was to last only seven minutes as Neil Andrew equalised before Gary MacPherson put Inveraray into a lead they were never to relinquish after 18th minutes.
Determined defending by the Glenorchy back four saw Inveraray restricted to their slender lead until seven minutes after the interval when Chris Crawford was on hand to score a crucial third goal.
Heavy showers and a blustery wind made conditions increasingly difficult for both teams as the tie swung from end to end.
Glenorchy, who were never out of the match but who struggled to dominate the final third of the field, stuck determinedly to their task with many of their younger players showing they can compete at a higher level.
Only a great save from Inveraray goalkeeper Graeme MacPherson from a fiercely struck penalty denied the Dalmally-based team a way back into the final.
With 18 minute to play, Glen’s goalkeeper Graeme MacKechnie did well to stop another Chris Crawford effort only for the ball to break to Andrew Sinclair who cooly slotted it behind the unfortunate keeper and seal Inveraray’s victory.
Keeping in touch with events unfolding at Glasgow’s Old Anniesland from a seat in the French sunshine was Inveraray manager Davy MacPherson who was enjoying a holiday break booked by his wife before checking the date of the final.
The manager should be back in time for this week’s Premier league fixture at the Winterton against Bute. Inveraray are lagging behind the rest of the league having played only seven league fixtures this season.
Glenorchy are back in cup action this weekend when they travel to Canal Park, Caol and a Balliemore semi-final tie against Kilmallie.
