Carson all set to return as Highland prepare for new season
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
HIGHLAND are already well into their pre-season training as they look to build on their magnificent successes of last season.
Head coach Davie Carson is back at the helm after a cancer scare, and although he is still to finish his chemotherapy course, he seems set to return to full health, which is great news for the reigning Caledonia Division Two North champions and National Bowl winners.
His squad will see a couple of changes as some depart due to work and commitments and to pursue further education, but these could be offset by several new faces attending the training just now as Highland’s senior side prepares for next season in BT Caledonia League Division One.
The early start is warranted with the busy set of pre-season friendly matches arranged. Starting on Saturday 2nd August, Highland host Oban Lorne before RAF Lossiemouth visit Canal Park a week later.
Uddingston, who Highland defeated in the semi-finals of the National Bowl last season, are next up on Saturday 16th August and then it is the Jack Henderson Trophy match with Ross Sutherland on Saturday 23rd August.
The competitive action begins the following Saturday as Highland travel to play Hillfoots in the BT Caledonia Shield before the league campaign starts on Saturday 6th September at Glenrothes, the team they beat to win the National Bowl trophy.
With competition for places required given Highland are stepping up a division, the club will have a second team competing in BT Caledonia League Division Four North next season
Coaches Alastair McKenzie and James Hay will be running the squad and they have been working hard to find players. Anyone wanting to join the squad should contact McKenzie on 0772 146 6552, Hay on 0794 938 8255, or e-mail jamesgordonhay@hotmail.com.
Meanwhile, Highland have appointed current first-team squad member Laurie Cuthbertson as the club’s new development officer. He replaces Sinclair Patience, who left at the end of last season to take up a post with the Scottish Rugby Union.
Highland Rugby Club member Peter Martin is going to be taking part in this year’s Mongol Rally. He will drive up to 10,000 miles with his team-mates Steve Langan and Rodger Williams with a target to raise £100,000 for the Scottish charity MASScot (Melanoma Action and Support Scotland).
Anyone wanting to find out more, or pledge their support to the cause, can log on to www.ice-cold-in-ulaanbaatar.co.uk.
