Crunch match for Highland as they head for Glenrothes
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The hosts are currently joint league leaders with Gordonians and could pose a tough nut to crack at home.
Highland put more than a ton past Mackie Academy last Saturday in a display of fine, controlled rugby and confidence is very high. Coach Dave Carson has some changes to make but he has the luxury of bringing in form players to replace those unavailable.
Stuart MacDonald is still sidelined due to a head knock picked up two weeks ago so the back row from last weekend remains unchanged with Andrew Findlater at number eight and Oscar Baird and Paddy Bryden on the flanks. There will be some changes to the backs starting line-up with Rory Cross, Rupeni Rokodoguni and Tom Brogan now available.
Glenrothes have only had one defeat by Gordonians and despite winning fairly easily against other sides, the league form suggests Highland are favourites. However, Carson will be continuing to keep his squad focused on maintaining their ruthless style and secure a very important win.
Highland’s second XV once again keep their fingers crossed about playing this weekend’s league fixture. This time it looks a good bet as the visitors to Canal Park are fifth-placed Peterhead, who have had a good run recently. Coaches James Hay and Alastair McKenzie will be preparing a strong squad that should prove too strong for the visitors.
The junior squads’ matches in the President’s Conference this weekend are against Stirling County. The under-18s travel to Bridgehaugh after a good away win over West of Scotland, although they will have to improve further against a strong home side.
On Sunday the under-16s and under-15s make the trip south while the under-14s and under-13s are at Canal Park. The under-16s got back to winning ways again last Sunday and with Ayr drawing, Highland now sit clear at the top of the league again. The under-15s are struggling to find form while the under-14s and under-13s had a good pair of wins to set them up for the visit of Stirling County.
The Minis and Micros have a change of schedule this Sunday with the Mini P4/5 and P6/7 squads travelling to Perthshire with the Micros at home for their usual 11am training.
Also on Saturday Inverness Craig Dunain are at home and they have a difficult task as they entertain title favourites Aberdeen University.
Former Highland player Bruce Flockhart was one of the four try scorers for the Glasgow “A” side which defeated Edinburgh “A” at Broadwood Stadium on Wednesday.
