Semi final date for Lewis and Harris FC

Having seen off Invergordon in convincing fashion before Christmas, Lewis and Harris FC have been patiently awaiting the outcome of the scheduled Halkirk vs Shetland quarter-final clash.

However, Halkirk have now been handed a semi-final berth against Lewis and Harris after the holders Shetland were forced to withdraw.

The news comes after a series of weather-related postponements, the most recent coming on the eve of the scheduled match after Shetland had already begun their long journey and were breaking the journey up with a stay in Kirkwall, Orkney.

Now the Shetland camp have reluctantly pulled out of their defence of the trophy citing the fifth rescheduling of the fixture as coming at too short notice.

With the semi-finals of the competition due to be played next weekend, this weekend was the only viable date for the fixture, however several members of the squad were unavailable to make the trip. Given each team have three opportunities to fulfil their tie, Shetland managers John Scott Christie and Allan Graham had no alternative but to withdraw from the competition, thus surrendering their crown.

See this week’s Gazette to read the rest of the report and to see the 20-man provisional squad. On sale now.