A MIXED age team from Aberdour Shinty Club put on an admirable performance as they competed in the Tulloch Cup.

The club progressed through qualifying to be named the best in their area, joining seven teams from across Scotland.

Aberdour got off to a strong start, drawing 0-0 with Rockfield but then went on to endure some tough games against eventual winners Caol.

The kids, made up of pupils from primaries 3-7, rounded off the tournament with better performances against Hilton and Tighnabruaich, tight games with the club only narrowly losing.

Lisa McColl, coach for Aberdour Shinty Club, said: “Our kids had qualified to attend the tournament which is for the top clubs from each of the eight areas.

“It’s difficult, especially when you’re coming up against Highlands schools who are shinty-strong, it can be tough at this level.

“It was always going to be a tough ask, but the more we are exposed to teams at this level, the better we will get.

“A great experience regardless of the results.”

Despite results going against Aberdour, Lisa remained hugely proud of the kids’ performances against some top opposition.

Afterwards, the coaches spoke to the team and lifted their spirits, reminding them it was a huge achievement making it to this level.

Lisa added: “We said to them to remember that they qualified for this, the organisers told us there were 60 schools who entered from the start.

“To make it to the final eight and compete against these teams is a huge achievement in itself.

“That was a brilliant achievement, the kids went away happy and they’ve definitely learned a lot from the challenge.

“It was nice to be able to play different teams from the north and west and allow the kids to play at a different level.”