RUGBY: Highland prevail in close-fought contest in Glasgow
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Highland Rugby Club survived a late comeback from GHK to seal a 26-23 victory in Glasgow on Saturday.
It was the home side that took an early lead, and it was only on the cusp of half time that Highland were able to level the scores through Kevin Brown.
There were far more points to add in the second half though, with Scott Fraser putting Highland ahead for the first time.
GHK pulled the deficit back to two points, but Rupeni Rokoduguni restored Highland’s advantage from a scrum five metres out – again Fraser converted to put Highland 19-10 in front.
A penalty for the hosts kept Highland in check, but they would again go on the attack and Rokoduguni scored again.
While that was the scoring complete for the Inverness outfit, GHK set about reeling them in as the clock was ticking down.
Despite the 13-point gap at one stage, it ended up being a tense finish, as GHK would score two unconverted tries to get close – but not close enough as the final whistle was blown on a 26-23 Highland victory.
Highland’s Raptors had a similarly narrow win in the Caledonia One, edging out Caithness 18-17 to strengthen their chances of securing a play-off spot from the North Conference.
It was another close scoreline for Highland’s third team at home against Kinloss in the Caledonia North Two.
Realistically, victory would have been Highland’s last chance of saving their own play-off hopes against a side who could still top the Highlands and Islands Conference, but a 22-19 Kinloss win all but ends their chances.
In the same division, Inverness Craig Dunain recorded a massive victory over Skye, triumphing 121-5.
While Skye are bottom of the standings having yet to win a match this season, it was still an important result for Craig Dunain as they look to finish above Moray 2nds and Caithness in the division.
ICD’s women’s team finally completed their Caley North One season, taking on Aberdeenshire Quines at the fifth time of asking.
Unfortunately, it did not go well for Inverness, who lost 43-7.
