By Iain MacDonald
With three male teams competing for the coveted trophy it was decided to reduce the length of each half to 25 minutes, meaning there were three 50 minute games with a ladies match added to what turned out to be a feast of football, just as the organisers had promised!
The first match was between hosts Kilchoan FC and Thrumster FC who had travelled down from their home village near Wick with a team depleted after some late call-offs. However to their credit they rallied on and fielded a team which may count themselves unlucky to see Kilchoan run out winners with a flattering 5-2 scoreline. Kilchoan, having played their most amount of games in any season so far, dominated most of the game as they adopted a more attacking approach which team captain (and tournament organiser) Richard van de Peer had demanded from his players.
A near record attendance was recorded through the turnstiles on the day and the crowd were soon being entertained by the ladies teams from Kilchoan and the Easton Cowgirls, who along with their Easton Cowboys counterparts had travelled all the way from Bristol. The ladies game started as a very close affair with some terrific football being played from both teams, however the more experienced Cowgirls team eventually started to get the better of their opponents from Kilchoan who were, surprisingly to many spectators, playing in only their first ever match together. But the Cowgirls took a 2 goal lead in the second half before one of their players went down injured late on in what was a very serious injury, leading to the game being cancelled to allow medical attention to be administered to the player.
It should also be noted that along with the injured Cowgirl player, a Kilchoan FC player was also seriously injured in the first game, however such is the excellent medical service which West Ardnamurchan has at the moment (and which the whole community depends on so much) both players were treated immediately by the district nurse who was thankfully on duty in the Community Centre.
Play resumed soon after and this time it was Thrumser FC up against the Easton Cowboys in which was yet another fantastic game. Both teams created chance after chance but it was the Cowboys who were more ruthless in goals and ran out 5-1 winners which meant that they would only need to draw against Kilchoan in the final game to claim the trophy.
Kilchoan decided to adopt a more defensive 4-5-1 formation for this match as they recognised the threat posed by their opponents from Bristol. Despite this, Kilchoan conceding the first goal and looked in trouble, but the locals showed great fighting spirit to equalise just before half-time which set up an exciting second half. The crowd were in raptures soon after the break when Kilchoan, who needed the win to be crowned champions, took the lead after after a fantastic move which involved nearly all the players. But it just wasn't to be for the lads as the Cowboys managed to grab a late goal which turned out to be the last goal of a fantastic tournament which we hope to continue next year. The Easton Cowboys and Cowgirls were rightfully named as champions but the other teams can be thrilled with their display considering the small communities which they represent.
Prize-givings, celebrations and a few refreshments were enjoyed by all afterwards in the Kilchoan House Hotel with Cliff and Debbie yet again kindly providing a curry for everyone. Those who still had energy left later at night headed to the Community Centre to help celebrate the 21st Birthday of the Captain of the Kilchoan Ladies, Kayleigh MacGillivray. Thanks to everyone who organised, played, watched or helped make the day such a fantastic success.
Many thanks to Morvern for the photographs
Great report and pictures. It's not such a quiet place after all.
ReplyDeleteWell done everyone!