Title race on hold as Kyles refuse switch

Published on Friday 20 November 2009 22:53

SHINTY'S big title-deciding weekend was thrown into chaos yesterday when Kyles Athletic refused to switch their "home" clash with Kingussie, 175 miles away to Beauly.

The destiny of the Premier League silver salver was due to be decided this afternoon as Kyles played Kingussie, and Inveraray took on Newtonmore.

Both Kingussie and Newtonmore sit on the same points, but only the Newtonmore game will go ahead at the emergency venue of Kiltarlity after Kyles refused to have their home clash relocated to Invernesshire.

Kyles were docked two points last night as a result of their refusal to travel north. But club secretary James Perlich felt it was necessary for the Tighnbruaich club to take a stand on principle.

"We want to stress that our decision was not a reflection in any way on Kingussie or Newtonmore or any favouritism towards any club," he said.

"We tried to find an alternative venue but Dunoon Stadium would have required a re-scheduling of a designated football game. We have managed to book that for the next fortnight and, given the forecast, we feel it will be better to play the game then, when the weather might be more favourable.

"As it is our home tie, and given the forecast for the country, we don't feel it is reasonable, or safe, to be asked to travel all the way to Beauly."