Dave Carson praying to weather gods ahead of Dunfermline game
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Head coach Dave Carson fears an early pitch inspection today could put the game in doubt given the amount of rain in the central belt, instead hoping it can be delayed until tomorrow morning.
Frosted is expected overnight in Fife which could help ease the pitch conditions. Optimism is in short supply at Canal Park, however, after a spate of recent call-offs by opposition sides.
Carson’s men have been without a game since December 5, seeing games against Carnoustie and Caithness scrubbed because of the opposition’s failure to field a side. Dunfermline should have no issues over player availability but the state of the pitch is causing Carson concern.
“We want to wait until Saturday morning – leave it until 8am because we won’t leave Inverness for another hour,” said Carson. “I’m not holding my breath but let’s hope it happens.
“We beat them comfortably up here and they weren’t up to much. It’ll be different at home but all we’re focused on is picking up a bonus-point win. We can’t afford to give Gordonians any more ground.”
Highland were overwhelming 53-0 winners at Canal Park back in October and confidence is high that an important away win can be secured. Carson will not be taking any chances as he pushes his players to maintain the high fitness levels that has made Highland too hot to handle for the opposition so far this season. Also, fitness will likely catch many sides out so close to the festive holidays.
A strong squad is available and it sees Stuart MacDonald back at number eight. Out with a knee injury is prop Stephen Murray so it is fortunate that Johnny Milton came back before Christmas. Tam Magowan is away on school business and his place at centre will be taken by Iain Crush.
The second XV have a home start to the new year as they play Aberdeenshire third XV at Canal Park. The big numbers at training will ensure a strong side will be fielded and if all goes to plan Highland will be able to push their advantage to stay in the top three.
The second string had some action before Christmas but like the first XV they have missed a good number of fixtures, which sees rearranged dates already posted for May. This situation is not one the club wants to see develop and are already trying to move these rearranged fixtures onto currently free Six nations weekends. It is in both sides’ interests to have their games played in a decent timeframe to give them a fair run at their respective league titles.
Inverness Craig Dunain also get an early start to the new year and it is a tough trip away to a resurgent Banff who have pushed their way into title contention.
At junior level Highland’s squads kept up training over the festive break as they prepare for cup games later in January. The under-18s are keen to complete their President’s Conference fixtures and have Boroughmuir travelling north on Saturday.
