Limping Greg Matheson battled through the pain to leave Oban with a Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup winner's medal on Saturday and new responsibilities as an uncle.
The Lovat forward received intense physio on a hamstring problem right up until the final against Kyles Athletic at Mossfield Park. Thankfully he started the match, as the Kiltarlity outfit ended a 62-year wait for the sport’s biggest trophy by defeating Kyles 2-1 in front of a crowd of 3000.
That was not his only joy, though, as his brother Jamie and partner Emma brought baby Murray into the world two hours before the whistle.
The birth meant that his new dad Jamie, who had scored in the semis, missed the showcase but his brother admitted he would be doing enough celebrating for both of them.
“I think it will take some time for us to realise what we have achieved for the club and the local community by winning the Camanachd Cup,” he said.
“To be honest, I was struggling a bit with injury but there was absolutely no way I was going to miss this final. I would have dragged myself miles to be a part of it and I’ve got until March to recover.”
Speaking about his new pre-match nephew, he added: “Jamie was supposed to be coming down to the game today but Emma went into labour on Friday night and baby Murray was born at mid-day on Saturday.
“He had made the decision that he wanted to be at the birth and I think he was pleased he had scored in the semi final and left the rest to us. I have a wee nephew now. It’s great news all round.”
Lovat’s crucial strikes both came from Scotland man Kevin Bartlett but they were under pressure for large chunks of the game and had another internationalist to thank for the win.
Goalkeeper Stuart MacDonald was in outstanding form and denied Kyles with no fewer than seven heroic saves.
Robbie MacLeod was the only Kyles man to beat him with a powerful shot into the net in 49 minutes. However, it was the shot-stopper’s prowess that ensured Lovat made club history with their first Camanachd Cup since 1953.
“I must admit it was probably the best game of my life,” said MacDonald afterwards. “The key thing for us was that we took our chances.”
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