FANS of Oban Camanachd and Kyles Athletic have a new diary date after their teams battled their way into the final of the Gregor Cameron Consultancy Celtic Society Cup on Saturday.

The final takes place at Taynuilt for the first time, on June 27 and for Camanachd boss Gus Campbell the big day cannot come too soon.

“The last time we were in the final we lost to Kyles so hopefully we can put one over them this time, but make no mistake it will be tough,” he said.

“This is going to be huge for the club but the final is a few weeks away so we have to put it to one side and concentrate on other matters like picking up some points in the league.”

Campbell had just watched his side demolish town rivals Celtic 7-1 in Saturday’s semi-final but he was in no mood to gloat over his struggling arch-rivals.

“Obviously very pleased with the win, particularly in the manner in which we did it.

“We were a bit short but the lads who came in from the junior side really stepped up and that is very gratifying to see. Daniel MacMillan is just seventeen and he played like a tornado, took his goal well and if he works at his game I think he has a big future.

“We also had big performances from the more experienced lads like Andrew MacCuish who scored three and could have had more.”

Campbell was full of praise for his his beaten rivals – a club he represented before crossing the town to play in one of the most successful Camanachd sides in history.

“I have to admire their courage – they refused to lie down and simply never gave up. They lost Iain MacFarlane, one of their best defenders, to injury early on and that must have been a blow.”

Campbell added: “I think it speaks volumes for the sport in Oban that both teams reached the semi-final – that is a terrific achievement.”

Meanwhile less than 40 miles away in the Royal Burgh cup holders Kyles Athletic edged out local rivals Inveraray 3-0 in the other semi-final.

Mick Atkinson, secretary of the Tighnabruaich side, felt it was a comfortable victory after Kyles got off to a flying start and were three up with barely 30 minutes on the clock.

“I think we caught them cold and and although they were stronger after the break I never thought we were in any danger,” he said.

Atkinson added: “There were some strong performances today.

“I thought Andrew King at half-back was immense while Gordon Whyte played extremely well at half forward.

“Strangely we played better against the wind in the first half.

“I think it encouraged us to keep the ball on the deck.”

For Kyles the goals came from Dunkie Kerr, David Zavaroni and Gordon Whyte and despite being odds-on favourites to retain the cup Atkinson is convinced that Camanachd will not be easy push overs.

“The Celtic Cup always comes early in the season and it is reassuring to get a trophy in the cabinet so that is obviously our aim. But Camanachd have improved this season and we will not be taking anything for granted,” he said.

In the North, Newtonmore are through to the final of the RBS MacTavish Cup following a 2-1 win over Kinlochshiel at Balmacara.

Level at the break with goals from Gordie MacDonald and Glen MacKintosh for Newtonmore, the Badenoch side booked their place in the final courtesy of an Evan Menzies strike midway through the second half.

Lovat climbed to the top of the Marine Harvest Premiership after edging out Lochaber 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller at Spean Bridge while Fort William are up to fifth following a 4-2 home win over Glenurquhart, with Ewan Campbell scoring twice to secure the Fort’s second win in succession.