Dave Carson hopes Caledonia Shield success will boost Highland's title charge
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Highland take on Glenrothes in their own backyard tomorrow, but as the only team in the top half they have not faced this season, Carson believes a win will give them a psychological advantage in the title race.
Both sides are neck-and-neck in their quest for the BT Caledonia League Division One crown, each having played nine games, with only four points separating them in second and third places.
Highland hold a distinct advantage having been unbeaten for over a year and having the meanest defence in the division, with just 24 points conceded in nine games.
Getting a trophy under their belts after a barren 2015 will be the ideal start to a push for more silverware.
“If we do really well this weekend they’ve still got to play us twice,” said Carson, who has a fully-fit squad to choose from tomorrow.
“It makes a difference psychologically, knowing that you’ve got to come back and play them again.
“That was certainly the case with Gordonians, who played us a week after we beat them heavily.”
Bringing the shield back to Canal Park was one of the targets set out by the Highland squad at the start of the season, as well as achieving promotion to the National League setup.
In 2014 the club achieved the league and Bowl double, storming to promotion with an undefeated campaign.
Despite the greens being used to picking up wins every Saturday, a victory tomorrow would mean more than any other.
“It would be a fantastic achievement and great for the whole club,” added Carson.
“It’s taken a big effort to get us to where we are and get the structure in place.”
Carson also expects a big club contingent to head down to Fife for the first silverware of the season.
The match squad was finalised on Wednesday after intense training the previous day, with an inter-squad match giving Carson plenty of food for thought.
Glenrothes will certainly be no mugs on home soil and they have not lost since a 61-3 drubbing by Gordonians in September. Graham Smith’s men brushed aside Morgan Academy, RAF Lossiemouth and Carnoustie on their route to the final, while Highland disposed of Harris Academy, Gordonians and Strathmore.
“They’re very aggressive up front with a strong forward pack,” said Carson. “But if we get the ball to the backs and get it wide quickly, we’ll see how strong they are.
“They beat us down there last season and they’ll certainly be no pushovers.”
This week’s Greens training sessions have been good and saw many second XV players challenging for places.
One who might be promoted is Scott McKenzie, who is getting back to his best after returning to Highland. He impressed in defence against Aberdeen University.
As well as the shield itself, a place in the National Shield semi-finals is also up for grabs. Kick-off for the game is at 1.30pm and is subject to a venue change depending on weather conditions.
Also in action this Saturday are Inverness Craig Dunain, who will want to use home advantage to good effect as they take on Dyce.
At Canal Park, the second XV have a rescheduled league match against Aberdeenshire’s third XV.
Highland are well placed with games in hand to make a big play for the title, and a strong squad is again available.
They will hope to notch up another bonus point win. With leaders Banff not in action for several weeks, Highland have a good chance of going top over this period.
Highland’s under-18s, although now out of the National Cup, travel to Orkney for a match in the Caledonia Cup.
The players will have to pick themselves up after last Saturday’s narrow defeat to take on an island side that is always a tough proposition.
On Sunday the under-16s will be in confident mood as they welcome Ellon to Canal Park for their Caledonia Cup tie.
The win over Biggar was a big statement of intent by the youngsters. Also on Sunday the Mini and Micro squads train at 11am as usual.
n Highland were awarded the BT club of the month award after their victory over Lossiemouth last weekend.
