Kyles clinch second trophy of season as late rally leaves Newtonmore reeling

They’ve been hinting at it since they reached and lost the Camanachd Cup final two years ago but now it is official: Kyles Athletic are a force in shinty.

On Saturday against Newtonmore, they lifted the Artemis Macaulay Cup, pulling back from the brink of defeat at 1-0 down to cram everything good about their play into the final four minutes of the showcase.

Newtonmore were left with just a sense of how cruel big occasions can be, surrendering two goals in the dying moments.

It was Kyles’ second trophy of the campaign, with the Glasgow Celtic Society Cup already under lock and key. They also stand at the threshold of winning their first ever Premier League title.

One trophy might be fortune, two is proof and three would be something from the script of a boys’ adventure comic.

This is a team from a tiny village, most of whom have grown up together and emerged at the same time through the area’s only primary school. Other than five individuals, the entire squad stay in Tighnabruaich, which is regaining its reputation as the home of a great shinty side.

“We just never gave up,” said centre line workhorse Robbie MacLeod, named man of the match for a tireless display. “We dug really deep and we took the chances when they came. Now we have the league to win and, if we can keep going the way we have, I think we can do it.”

Without question, Kyles are team of the year so far. Yet it could so easily have been Newtonmore carrying the trinkets and the accolades back to Badenoch.

They started best, fell away for a spell then got their noses in front right on the stroke of half-time. Sub John MacKenzie had only been on the park a few minutes when a mistake in the Kyles defence granted him a great opportunity. He duly accepted and thumped the ball high into the net.

As the second half progressed, it looked as if Newtonmore had used all their experience to nullify Kyles’ threats and seemed able to contain their more mobile opponents. At this stage, they didn’t look in significant danger.

From somewhere, though, Kyles found that extra tenth. It may have been relief that ’More’s Cameron Binnie missed a great chance that would have put the Speyside club out of sight. Whatever it was, captain Dunky Kerr saved his only telling contribution to the last moments, slamming home from a tight angle in 86 minutes.

Then Roddy MacDonald managed to outpace Newtonmore’s defence before he screwed the winner into the net.

It was incredible. It was cruel. It was decisive.