AN historic season for Aberdour Shinty Club had a “perfect ending” last Saturday as they finally got their hands on their maiden league trophy.

Proud head coach Lisa MacColl paid tribute to her history-making squad as, four weeks after clinching the Mowi South Division One title, they completed their fixtures in style at Ballachulish.

Two goals in 19 minutes from Jack Mitchell and Alec Mitchell put the champions in command and, although Lorne Brown pulled one back, Tom Bowerman’s 37th-minute effort gave them a 3-1 half-time lead.

’Dour were denied what MacColl felt was at least one clear penalty and, after Dougie Rankin pulled another back for Ballachulish, Dan MacLean levelled the game with just 13 minutes to go.

But, to cap a magnificent campaign in fitting fashion, David MacDougall netted the winner moments later before the Silver Sands side were presented with the silverware.

The West Fifers have suffered only one defeat in 16 matches, of which 13 were won, and scored a whopping 65 goals, conceding just 25.

“We took a coach and quite a lot travelled in cars, so we had a very good travelling support,” MacColl reflected.

“We could not have asked for a better day. The sun was shining, the backdrop was fantastic – at Ballachulish, you’re surrounded by the hills of Glencoe – and we went 3-1 up, back to 3-3 and then, luckily, David MacDougall came through with the winner with 10 minutes to go.

“Everything about it was like the perfect ending.”

She continued: “The aim was to play boys who are part of the squad, but who have not had as much game time, as much as possible while trying to win the game.

“We’ve finished the season with lots of historic moments. It’s the first time we’ve only lost one league game out of 16; and we’ve scored 65 goals, and conceding 25, so we have a plus-40 goal difference, which is the first time we’ve had a goal difference as high as that.

“There have been lots of milestones and, although there was a point when it felt a bit tight, we’re sitting well clear.

“You get out what you put in, and this is proof of that.”

Aberdour must wait to find out whether they will face a play-off – depending on who wins North Division One – or whether they will win promotion automatically, but MacColl wants her squad to enjoy a well-earned close season break for now.

“Craig Callaghan and David MacKenzie played 90 minutes in all the games, and some of the others were not far off it,” she added.

“The team have put in a huge amount of commitment in the last few years. I’m proud of what they’ve put in for the club, themselves and the sport of shinty.”