BALLACHULISH, unbeaten in shinty's South Division 2, are well placed

to mark their centenary next year with promotion, and although there is

a view within the club that their young team might not quite be ready

for the step up their results this season suggest otherwise.

Already they have defeated in-form first-division side Glasgow Mid

Argyll in the Glasgow Celtic Society Cup, with a good chance of making

the final of a competition they have won only once, in 1952.

The club suffered last year from player shortage and were relegated

but now they have a healthy pool of between 18 and 20 and there is great

encouragement from the form of four teenagers -- wingers Ian MacMillan

and John Clark, forward Alan Clark, and full centre Innes MacDonald.

Moreover, David MacPhee's hat trick last week in the 5-2 win against

Kilmory boosted his season's tally to 27.

Ian Brown, the club secretary said: ''There is a big difference in

standard between the first and second divisions and we could almost do

with another year at this level before moving up. But if promotion comes

we'll happily take it.''

The team is managed by 28-year-old Philip MacLean, whose father,

Dochan, was a former Ballachulish stalwart, and already accolades are

coming their way, having been chosen as one of the Marine Harvest clubs

of the month.

This Saturday 'Hulish have a home league match against Kintyre which

should help consolidate their top position.

Mid Argyll, meanwhile, meet Kyles Athletic at Bishopbriggs in

Saturday's top first-division match, while in the North another attempt

will be made to play the two remaining second- round MacTavish Cup ties.

Kingussie are at home to Lochaber but the game will be switched to

Spean Bridge if necessary, while Strathglass may have to forfeit home

advantage in their replay against Kilmallie. The contingency plan is to

play at Beauly.