24/08/2026
The final day of the South Division Two season culminated on Saturday, as the stunning Clachan of Glendaruel surface played hosted to a winner takes all clash between Strachur-Dunoon and Bute Shinty Club
The Blues went into this fixture one point ahead knowing that a win or a draw would be enough to see them crowned champions, but they faced a young and energetic Bute outfit who already boasted bragging rights after outclassing Strachur-Dunoon 6-2 in Rothesay earlier this year. That, plus our already poor record against Bute, meant that there were some nerves in the Strachur-Dunoon camp heading into this crucial tie.
However, with the backing of a large and vocal crowd, Strachur-Dunoon started off the better of the two sides and flew out the gates with some tidy free-flowing shinty. Sandy Paterson & Angus Campbell were connecting very well in the forward line, but it would be constant threat of Martin Hall which would give The Blues a two-goal lead inside the opening 25 minutes. Marty did very well to get on the end of an inviting pass from the left channel to strike home after 17 minutes, before doubling our lead 5 mins later with another nice finish from a tight angle.
This struck the visitors into life, as Bute piled on the pressure for the remainder of the half. A clever passing move found Robert Lowrie in space as he fired home low into the bottom corner to bring his side back in the contest.
However, Strachur-Dunoon would restore the two-goal advantage moments later as right on the stroke of half-time Marty Hall would complete his hat-rick with an excellent strike from distance high into the roof of the net - making it 3-1 heading into the interval.
As anticipated, the intensity of the game grew after the break, with some bag tackles flying in from both sides resulting in referee Craig Scott branding a handful of yellow cards.
The visitors had more of the possession during this half, but Strachur-Dunoon looked more threatening going forward which was clear as the young Bute goalkeeper was forced into a handful of top drawer saves to keep his side in it.
Nonetheless, Bute kept knocking on the door and eventually found their 2nd through Neil McKirdy - but with 5 minutes remaining it was looking like it would be too little too late.
Angus Campbell then drove the ball into the corner flag to see the game out, as the referee blew for full-time - crowning Strachur-Dunoon South Division Two champions!
Captain Cammy Middleton was presented with the trophy, commencing the celebrations which lasted well into the early hours of Sunday morning 🏆
Marty Hall was deservedly chosen as Man of the Match for his outstanding performance in the forward line. Well in Marty!
The club would like to thank Bute for a great game of shinty and a brilliant battle over the course of the year. We’d also like to thank all the volunteers who have helped keep everything ticking this season, and of course to our players who’ve put in a monumental shift this season 🔵⚪️
Thanks again to ColGlen for hosting us on Saturday, the pitch was in immaculate condition. The boys enjoyed watching The Glen’s well contested 1-1 draw against Fort William after our game took place. ⚫️🟡
What a season, what a club 🏆🔵⚪️ Dunoon Camanachd Caledonian Laser Services
