Camanachd Cup final: Kingussie and Newtonmore do battle - how to watch on TV

Ronald Ross, shinty’s greatest-ever goal scorer, takes charge of Kingussie in a Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final for the first time as great rivals Newtonmore lie in wait.

Ross, a veteran of such occasions as a player having collected a dozen winners’ medals, knows plenty about preparing for the big day. He said: “In my early years as a player, I found it challenging not to get caught up in the hype and dealing with nerves ahead of these games.

“Every player deals with pressure and expectation differently and I tried to concentrate on what I could control and tried to shut out the external noise, but it’s easier said than done.”

Newtonmore's Iain Robinson, left, and Kingussie's Ruaridh Anderson ahead of this weekend's Camanachd Cup. | Neil G Paterson

Buckshee forward Ruaridh Anderson captains the Kings who have been amongst the goals this season despite a string of injuries. “It’s been more difficult as the injuries meant we haven’t had anywhere close to a regular forward line this season,” he said.

“Ronald puts the forward through some really good drills and has us working on patterns of play, getting us to play the way he wants. Given all Ronald’s achieved in the game, when he speaks to you, you listen.”

Newtonmore are holders and manager Peter Ross opened up on the difficulties managers face. He said: “I’ve a fully fit squad to choose from and everyone’s raring to go. Declan Brannan’s suspended, and we’ll miss him, but it’s a chance for someone else. It’s difficult though as they’re all desperate to play and if there’s one part of the job I hate, it’s leaving players out.”

After missing the semi-final win over Oban Camanachd when he was best man at former teammate Neil Stewart’s wedding, Newtonmore captain Iain Robinson wants to pay back his teammates for reaching the final.

“I owe them a lot and it’s a privilege to lead them out as captain every week,” he said .”We’re a team in every sense of the word and would do anything for each other. I think that’s where our success stems from.”

The final from Mossfield, Oban, will be broadcast live on BBC Alba and throw up is at 2.10pm.