NEWTONMORE manager PJ MacKintosh has refused to talk of today's summit clash with Kyles as having an influence on the destiny of shinty's Premiership.
However, both sets of players will know exactly what is at stake this afternoon, as the sport's 'friendly foes' lock camans at Tighnabruaich.
Newtonmore are currently in the driving seat with 14 points but Kyles have two games in hand and a win today would give them a platform to leapfrog the 5-times champions.
Onlookers will be mindful both clubs have only lost one game so far but MacKintosh believes it would be wrong for people to read too much into today's proceedings.
"Talk of title deciders is far too early because we only started in March and this is July. The season is only at halfway stage. In saying that, a win would put us in a good position and I am sure Kyles will be thinking the same thing. They are an excellent side and they have a really good forward line so we will have to be at our very best."
Newtonmore enjoyed a break last week whilst Kyles were lifting the Glasgow Celtic Society Cup.
One sore point for the reigning champions is the loss of versatile international Steven MacDonald due to work commitments.
MacDonald may miss the entire month of July; a problem at such a crucial time of the season, with the Camanachd Cup quarter final next on the horizon.
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