Big thaw set to give Highland return to action
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WITH a much improved weather outlook for this weekend it looks like all of Highland RFC’s squads will be back in action.
The first XV are desperate to get any game played and they may just get their way with the home fixture against RAF Lossiemouth.
Coach Dave Carson has been going to great lengths to keep his players engaged with indoor and outdoor sessions and knows it’s real game time they need.
With no injuries the squad is at full strength, with Stephen Murray being recently rested due to a knee knock.
The only doubt is over prop Johnny Milton who has been recovering from a chest infection, but is fit enough for a short run-out if required.
Back in October Highland were solid 38-7 winners at the RAF base even though they were not at their best.
Confidence is high that home advantage will mean they will simply be too strong for the forces side who have struggled somewhat after an encouraging start to their season.
With the hope being that the thaw will arrive in time it is also handy that with RAF Lossiemouth being so close a later call can be made on the pitch.
Highland’s second XV are also at home and at full strength for the game against Aberdeen University.
The university sides were looking good at the beginning of the league campaign but a loss and a draw each sees them not look quite so formidable.
With Highland’s second side growing stronger, the game on Saturday will very likely determine the title aspirations of both sides.
Coaches James Hay and Alastair Mckenzie will be confident for a win especially when looking at the likes of the backs. Their line-up could easily play in Saturday’s first fifteen.
Inverness Craig Dunain have a scheduled fixture free Saturday.
Highland’s under-18s and under-16s will hope to get back into action as well this weekend with scheduled National Cup matches. On Saturday the under-18s travel to Edinburgh to play Currie and are aiming to make it to the semi-finals. They will be confident of getting the game played with the Murrayfield back pitches on hand.
On Sunday the under-16s have home advantage as they welcome border side Biggar to Canal Park.
This will be a tough encounter but one that Highland will relish after a good league campaign.
Highland’s Mini and Micros sections will also be back to training on Sunday at 11am after being called off after last Sunday’s freeze.
