Monday 10th March, 2008

Littlejohn Vase and McHue & Porter Cup Report

For the second year running St Andrews University played brilliant hosts to the prestigious and historic University Shinty Tournaments of the Little John Vase and the McHue & Porter Cup on the 5th March. Again the annual competition was blessed with fine weather and good attendance to witness battle for the acclaimed silverware; taken home in 2007 by Strathclyde men and RGU women.

From the final women's league standings and strong finishes to the season by Strathclyde and Edinburgh; RGU looked set to be challenged for the 2008 McHue & Porter Cup. Indeed the quality of play, determination and commitment displayed by all teams from the very first matches suggested that the path to the final was going to be a tough one. Edinburgh started strong with a 5-0 victory over hosts, St Andrews as did Strathclyde with a 4-0 win over east cost rivals Aberdeen. However Strathclyde's winning run was soon ended by an RGU team seeking revenge for recent league defeats and determined to hold on to the cup. Whilst RGU managed to sneak one goal past Strathclyde they found no way through the Edinburgh defence in a hard-fought match that ended goalless and served crucial to the final league standings. The remaining matches remained close with few goals scored although St Andrews cemented a surprise victory over Aberdeen with a fine display by Aisling Gribbon. Edinburgh remained undefeated as they secured a 1-0 victory over Strathclyde, stealing the SUS league winner's place in the final.

The women's final saw the 2007 winners meet a strong Edinburgh team, keen to put a new name on the cup after 3 years of RGU victory. As reflected in the morning's goalless draw, both teams were evenly matched and eager for victory. However it was RGU's impressive defence led by Annmarie Phelan coupled with a goal by Marian Holohan that led RGU and Scottish Universities Captain, Yvonne Connaughton to lifting the McHue & Porter Cup once again and denying Edinburgh their chance of silverware.

In the Littlejohn Vase Tournament, the men's teams also looked set to provide a spectacle of hard-fought Shinty as Strathclyde set out to defend their 2007 cup victory and secure a SUS league and cup double in 2008. Challenges to prevent a Strathclyde double were certainly present however with league runners-up Edinburgh sending a strong team coupled with ever present threats from other teams. The first fixture of the day proved to be the highest scoring as Glasgow cruised to a 4-1 victory over St Andrews, the majority of matches remaining quite close and very highly contested. Edinburgh started well with a 2-1 victory over RGU whilst Strathclyde showed their dominance with a 2-0 victory over Dundee. Both Edinburgh and Strathclyde remained on track for the final with no losses in the group stages but it was Strathclyde that almost lost their place when RGU narrowly lost to them 4-3 on penalties in the semi finals.

The men's final of the Littlejohn 2008 saw SUS League holders Strathclyde challenged by runners-up, Edinburgh at the end of a magnificent day of University Shinty. High winds made playing conditions difficult but both teams started hungry for victory. It was Strathclyde however who quickly showed dominance with a dazzling hat-trick by Gavin Park coupled with another goal from Donald MacDonald. Whilst Edinburgh stayed strong and found a late goal through Dave Woods, the on form Strathclyde team proved too skilful and Captain, Calum Maclean lifted the historic Littlejohn Vase for Strathclyde once again.

So the Littlejohn Vase and McHue & Porter Cup once more returned to Glasgow and Aberdeen respectively with Strathclyde men claiming the League and Cup Double and RGU women once again proving their cup winning talents. Another great day of Scottish University Shinty at St Andrews brought the season to a close for another year. Thanks again to St Andrews University and all of the officials and organisers who made the day possible.

For photographs from the event please see http://www.susphoto.com/.