Sibling trio aim to lead Kyles to 32nd Celtic Society Cup success
SHINTY
KYLES ATHLETIC are chasing an impressive record of lifting their first shinty trophy of 2015 without losing a single goal.
The Tighnabruaich outfit travel to Taynuilt today to face Oban Camanachd in the Gregor Cameron Consultancy Celtic Society Cup Final.
On their way to the pinnacle of the southern Scotland championship, the team from the Playing Fields have yet to concede a goal.
Hoping to preserve that proud record, and pick up a medal, will be keeper John Whyte, one part of a sibling trio at the heart of the Argyll side’s push.
John’s brothers Thomas (his twin) and Gordon are also listed in the squad as Kyles look to make it 32 wins overall in Shinty’s oldest competition.
“It is a piece of family history and it would be great if we could mark it with a victory,” said John.
“I won a medal as an outfield sub in this competition before but this will be my first start so I am really looking forward to it.”
With Kyles having defeated Oban 3-1 already this season, they will start as favourites but Oban are plucky and well marshalled by manager Gus Campbell, a player in the club’s heyday.
Oban themselves have only conceded 3 goals on the way to the BBC Alba-televised final and are no strangers to the victory podium.
They have hoisted this trophy 14 times already and will be looking to make the 111th final their story of triumph; a pleasant distraction from their survival fight in the Premiership.
CANOEING
Double world champion David Florence set the standard at the second World Cup of the season in Krakow. The Scot was fastest qualifier for today’s semifinals, powering through his canoe singles in a clear run of 75.28 seconds.
It was more than two-and-a-half seconds ahead of second-placed Stanislav Jezek who won gold at last weekend’s opening World Cup in his native Czech Republic.
Florence finished with a bronze last weekend but wants to upgrade that medal to get back on top of the World Cup rankings.
Compatriot Bradley Forbes-Cryans qualified for the semi-finals of the kayak after finishing 22nd in the opening heat with 78.70 seconds.
There was an impressive seventh place for Eilidh Gibson in her heat of the women’s canoe singles after touching a couple of gates and clocking 100.42 seconds. Australian world champion Jessica Fox led the way with an impressive 93.24 seconds.
BOWLS
After qualifying in the pairs, triples and senior fours, Scotland were left empty handed as the men’s individual British Isles Championships concluded at Eddlewood in Hamilton yesterday.
Despite a strong performance, Campbelltown duo Jim Anderson and John McLean had to accept second best on the day to England’s Craig Carter and Tom Milership 21-14. In the senior fours, the Upper Cowal rink of Alex Kennedy, Keith Campbell, Dan Whyte and David Beattie coasted through their semi-final game against Jersey 24-7.
The Denny trio of Darren Couper, Paul McAteer and Stuart Hogg scored a lastend single to win their triples semi final against England 14-13, then lost out 17-14 in a title decider against Ireland.