Boleskine make their return to the MacTavish Cup tomorrow after an absence of more than 20 years, but the club from Loch Ness-side could hardly have it tougher than against the holders Lovat at Kiltarlity.
The Wasps, managed by Bob Black, are three divisions lower, the only North Second Division club in the draw, and will field two players with a combined age of 96.
“This is a huge step up for us, we never envisaged playing Premier Division opposition, far less the form team in the country,” said Doneil Macleod, player and committee man.
“We were promoted from the Third Division and then found that under a new review of cup competitions, we can’t play as usual in the Sutherland and Strathdearn Cups. Instead, we’re in the Balliemore and MacTavish so it’s quite a challenge.
“But we’ve won two out of three games this season and are playing well, though we appreciate the massive task we face at Lovat.”
While 16-year-old Neil Hope will be in their attack, Boleskine will field two remarkable 48-year-olds – Graham Black and Ian Grant, a former player who has just rejoined after spells with Kincraig and Strathspey.
Dicky Mackenzie, man of many clubs, has been signed from Lochbroom and his experience will be important in midfield.
Boleskine captain Matthew Ross has picked up an ill-timed suspension and misses the big day but Lewis Smith, Third Division player of the year last season, will figure.
Boleskine now play their home games at Farr, where the facilities are the envy of some Premier clubs, and have had an aim of progressing a couple of divisions.
Stratherrick and Foyers were both playing more than 100 years ago before merging in 1927 to form Boleskine.
Playing in the MacTavish, however, comes very soon in their development and veteran goalkeeper Craig Pirrie will be kept busy by a Lovat side who won the cup last summer for the first time in 60 years and are keen to retain it.
Lorne MacKay returns from suspension for the home side.
Strathglass beat Newtonmore colts in the North First Division two weeks ago but now face their senior side, the Premiership champions, at the Eilan in a difficult tie for the Cannich men. Raymond Fraser misses through suspension for Strath, who have been scoring well through Josh Ironside and veteran Robert Geddes.
Inverness visit Kilmallie, a division above, and both teams have players suspended – Michael Rodger for the home side and Arran MacMaster for Allan Macleod’s men. Liam Girvan has scored five goals for Inverness this season and Charlie MacDonald four and they may put up stiff opposition to the National Division outfit.