The sun was shining brightly in Scourie last Saturday when the camans clashed for the first game of the annual Far North Shinty Sixes. First to take to the pitch in the Open category were the A team from hosts, Kinlochbervie Camanachd and Loch Broom. It was a tight game with, the shinty flowing very evenly between the teams on the pitch. There were a few chances for the home team but they didn’t manage to find the back of the net, the result a 0-0 draw. Kinlochbervie Camanachd were also fielding a B team and two younger teams in the 14 & Under section. Loch Broom also had a team in the 14 & Unders as did Farr who fielded three teams in the Open. The games were fast and furious in both sections with some great Shinty being played by all the teams. Camanachd Association referee, Alan Purdy was on hand to officiate the games assisted by KLB Coach Duncan Clark.

While the spectators watched the games they also enjoyed the refreshments laid on by parents and friends of the Kinlochbervie Camanachd youngsters, the BBQ was doing a roaring as was the teas tents.

Meanwhile the points on the scoreboard were becoming very close and games were keenly fought. In the younger section Loch Broom were dominating the field with KLB A and Farr fighting it out to take second place. In the Open section it was an even closer run competition, KLB A, Farr A and Loch Broom were all in the running for pole position, the much anticipated game between KLB A & Farr A had ended on a 0-0 draw, KLB B looked to be getting the upper hand of Farr A, scoring first blood but Farr fought back taking a 2-1 win and a vital 3 points. KLB A needed a win badly and did just that up against Farr C taking a 9-0 win, 3 points and a large goal difference on the scoreboard. KLB B also held Loch Broom to a draw denying them a much needed win. In the younger section KLB A secured a win against Farr making securing them second place. The second last match of the day turned out to be the deciding game for the three top teams battling it out. Loch Broom took to the field to play Farr A. KLB A needed Loch Broom to take the win and knock Farr A out of the running. It was a frenetic match with passions running high in both teams and amongst the crowd on the sidelines but Loch Broom seemed to find their feet and their game taking three goals in succession against the North Coast side. This left Loch Broom and KLB A tied on points but one look at the scoreboard showed KLB with a 10 goal advantage and the Open title for 2011.

The cups and medals were presented by referee Alan Purdy from Newtonmore who also awarded Player of the Tournament shields to Coirsten Hughes (Loch Broom) Open Section and Olivia Corbett (KLB), 14 & Under Section. Runners up in the Open Section, Loch Broom and in the 14 & Under Section, KLB A were presented with silver medals. There were roars and cheers from the crowd as Loch Broom Juniors and KLB A seniors were presented with their gold medals and lifted their cups in celebration.

A fantastic day of Shinty was had by all, players and specatators. Huge thanks to all who played, helped out and came to support, here’s to next year!