Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton has struck a big blow to Kyles Athletic’s bid to win at Kingussie in tomorrow’s Camanachd Cup quarter-final at the Dell.
For Kyles raider Roberto Zavaroni is heading in the opposite direction to cheer on Hamilton in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Club secretary Mick Harrison said: “Roberto is a motor racing follower whose ambition was to see the grand prix and he booked this trip and ordered his ticket a year ago. It’s a shame it clashes with the Camanachd Cup.”
The former Bute player will be a big miss for Kyles, who have mixed news on the fitness front. Andy King, who missed last week’s Celtic Society Cup success with an ankle problem, has been unable to train but manager Norman Macdonald will give him a late fitness test.
Full back Calum Millar, however, has recovered from the eye injury sustained in the final as Kyles, cup winners two years ago and beaten by Newtonmore in last year’s final, head for Badenoch full of confidence. Kingussie have been dealt a blow with 17-year-old half back Rory MacEachran suffering a back injury.
Seasoned campaigner James MacLean, this year’s captain, has not trained due to an achilles tendon problem.
“His chances are 50-50 at best”, said co-manager Davie Anderson.
Kings have not won the trophy since 2006, their longest Camanachd Cup ‘dry spell’ in 30 years, and 17 year old attacker Savio Genini and 18-year-olds Ryan McWilliam and Bob MacGregor, who will all start, were in primary school when the Red and Blues last won the top tournament. Kingussie have played down suggestions that Scotland manager Ronald Ross might make his comeback in the tie.
In the National Division, leaders Oban Camanachd host fifth-placed Caberfeidh. Gus Campbell’s men are three points ahead of Fort William with two more games played, so full points are vital for Oban.
Beauly travel to bottom side Bute .
