Legend Ross rediscovers his hunger for the game

Last July, struggling to shake off injury, he had to cope with the death of his mother, Belle. After 11 months out, he finally picked up a caman again in the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup third-round tie against Lovat on June 1, scoring in a 3-0 win.

But Ross has had to battle with himself, wondering if he would ever again reach the heights that brought him the award of an MBE in 2011.

“Last July, we weren’t having a great season, then I lost my mum. I just lost all my hunger and desire for the game. It’s difficult dealing with a loss like that. Shinty just pales into insignificance,” said Ross, a former Scottish junior tennis champion.

“This season, Davie Anderson, our co-manager, has been asking me for a while to come back but I didn’t feel I was ready. It could easily have been the finish.

“However, I’ve been back for two-and-a-half games now and I’ll take things as they come. I’ve been very fortunate to play in numerous Camanachd Cup finals in my career. Obviously, I’d love to get to another final, but you certainly need a little luck along the way.”

On Saturday, shades of the legendary finisher returned as Ross grabbed a hat trick against Kinlochshiel in a 5-2 win to help seal Kingussie’s place in yesterday’s draw, made by Scotland rugby legend Chris Paterson.

The Badenoch striker said he was surprised at his scoring masterclass. He said: “Afterwards I thought, ‘Oh well, maybe I can still do this, after all.’ I’ve been lucky to have had a great career, but if I wasn’t achieving the standards I expect of myself, I wouldn’t overstay my welcome.”

The semi-final between Kingussie and Kyles will take place on August 3 with the other tie, Fort William versus Newtonmore, going ahead on August 10 in front of the BBC Alba cameras.

The final will take place at An Aird, Fort William, on September 14 with BBC Scotland covering the action live.

Archie Roberston, the president of the Camanachd Association said: “The semi-final pairings are very interesting. It’s got the makings of a terrific end to the competition and there is still the possibility of a north versus south final, which would be very attractive.”

Article source: http://www.nswrl.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display&id=79063&title=vb-nsw-cup-previews---round-eighteen

Legend Ross rediscovers his hunger for the game