Winner takes all as Kyles meet Newtonmore for rumble in Argyll

The shinty season started back on 5 March but today’s Super Saturday could see the 2011 campaign depart into memory with an unforgettable crescendo.

Shinty’s grand old adversaries Kyles and Newtonmore face each other today at Dunoon Stadium in a rumble in Argyll where winner literally takes all.

Only a draw could drag the conclusion out another week, with Kyles (who have played one game less) then requiring a point to clinch the championship against Kingussie.

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The story of how we have got to this breaking point is a compelling one. By courtesy of a sinew stretching effort, Camanachd Cup winners and 2010 champions Newtonmore have managed to overhaul a 12-goal deficit in just a few weeks to poke an elongated nose in front at the eleventh hour by a point.

Kyles, who have led the division from day one, still have the chance today to take the paper off a salver that seemed gift-wrapped for them months ago. However, if they lose their one and only game of the season this afternoon, they will lose the title and surely that would be testimony to how unfair sport can be but also how dogged Newtonmore have been in snapping at their boots. Few sports could boast a side that would lose only one game and still not take the championship.

Newtonmore manager Norman MacArthur admitted the result is impossible to predict but, at least his men have recent knowledge of heading into ‘Super Saturday’ and emerging covered in glory. The case was exactly the same at this time last year, with Newtonmore requiring a result to see off Fort William on the last day below Ben Nevis.

That afternoon in Lochaber, a sublime Danny McRae virtuoso effort stole the show and Newtonmore were dancing around An Aird with their first ever Premier League title. “I’d settle for a similar outcome, of course, ” says McRae, who will pose Kyles a constant threat this afternoon. “We do have that experience of going into the last day and winning, which is good, because we haven’t beat Kyles for a long time. I suppose you could say we are due a result.”

It is this niggle which may provide the psychological leveller today. Yes, Newtonmore are the form side going into the game. However, it is three years since they have beaten Kyles and there was also the late winner by Roddy MacDonald in the Macaulay Cup final in Oban which saw Kyles, again, hold the Indian sign over them. This will be enough to maintain a balance of nerves at what the consequences will be come 3.30pm.

One side’s satellite is about to orbit. Just don’t pray for a draw.