Shinty: Roberto Zavaroni's pain game sparks cup triumph for Bute

Roberto Zavaroni played a leading role as Bute lifted the Balliemore Cup on Saturday but confessed he didn't know if he would even make it to Skye.

The islanders defeated Caberfeidh 2-1 in Portree to lift the trophy, just months after suffering relegation from the top flight.

Zavaroni set the ball rolling with a freak goal in 26 minutes, but it was a miracle he even made the long trip north.

Last weekend, he had to be carried off the team bus and was on crutches until Monday after x-rays revealed a chipped bone in his foot.

Nevertheless, he played a major part on Saturday, surviving the 90 minutes with the help of Ibuprofen.

"It wasn't until Friday that I felt I had any chance of making the game. When I started to feel that way, I just didn't want to miss the game.

"My goal was more of a pass than a shot but luckily it went in. Hopefully this is the start of more success for us. It certainly feels great to win a trophy."

Robert Walker was Bute's other marksman while Kirk Taylor scored for Caberfeidh.

"The target for us now has to be to get back in the Premier League," said delighted Bute manager, Barry Martin.