Shinty: Cup victory gives Inveraray belief

Published on Sunday 28 June 2009 23:14

INVERARAY have been looking for something from which to draw strength for their league survival fight this season and on Saturday it came in the rather elegant shape of the Glasgow Celtic Society Cup.

Manager Davie MacPherson was a delighted man as his team beat Oban 3-2 at Old Anniesland. He has certainly had enough to ponder this year, watching half his team disappear through one thing or another. On Saturday, in the second half, shades of the Inveraray of old returned. In the end, it was a double from Garry Macpherson, one a penalty, and a joyous effort from Chris Crawford that won the trophy for the 19th time in Inveraray's history.

They fell 1-0 behind after Scott MacMillan (who also got a late counter) put Oban ahead with a free hit, but when Inveraray finally did get their noses in front, they held fast, proving their character is still intact.

Furthermore, the squad that has been so decimated was almost back in one piece again; Crawford's sublime equaliser his first significant act since returning from a serious fracture. "The second half was a bit more like the Inveraray of old," said MacPherson. "This will lift us for the rest of the season. The boys will work really hard to avoid relegation because, if you mention it to them, they just don't want to know."

On the balance of Saturday, Inveraray's Premier League position, three points from eight games, is false. The cornerstones of their Camanachd Cup winning team remain and their injured players are returning. "We are a Premier team and that is what we'll stay," said a bullish captain Andrew McMurdo.

Inveraray brothers Garry and Graeme Macpherson equalled the record of Barnie Crawford of Kyles by winning their 11th medal each.