Fixture backlog set to extend Highland's season into May
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The heavy recent rains made the Glenrothes pitch unplayable and the Fife club were unable to secure another venue at short notice.
Highland were aware of this likelihood and are disappointed the home side were not better prepared for this eventuality, especially as it meant they were not able to accept the offer to play at Canal Park.
This added frustration for head coach Dave Carson (right) sees the match preparation not put to use.
Keen to get some match time for the players, a friendly with Ross Sutherland was arranged but unfortunately the Saturday snowfall caused this game to be postponed as well. Although the match backlog continues to grow, next weekend is a match free weekend due to the start of the Six Nations Championship and the big game between Scotland and England.
“The word we got from the Caledonia committee was that Glenrothes` had to find an alternative venue if there’s wasn’t playable,” said Carson. “Failing that, the fixture would be reversed and played at Canal Park.
“They phoned Friday afternoon saying they couldn’t find another pitch or get transport organised at short notice, plus they didn’t think it would be safe to travel. There’s nothing we can do if they feel like that.”
The next date likely to be confirmed for the Shield Final is February 20, which will mean the league game with Gordonians rearranged for that date will be bumped. Highland will be in action on February 13 though, taking on Caithness in Thurso.
It now seems certain that the club’s fears about playing into May will be realised, despite the best efforts of fixture secretary Geoff Begg to get games brought forward.
“We always let the boys know as soon as possible when games are arranged and they’ve been so good with that,” said Carson. “But come May those guys could be away doing other things.
“But if we’re still in the cups and fighting for the league, I don’t think there’ll be any problems with boys being available.”
Highland’s second XV battled the elements to get their league fixture played by clearing snow off the pitch to take on Aberdeenshire third XV. This was a tough game with the Granite City side pulling in some second XV players and Highland had a couple of first string players drawn in for a run out.
Highland kicked-off into the wind and they knew they were in for a tough game straight way, perhaps their toughest test of the season so far.
Highland took a lead 10-0 through tries from Callum Anderson and man-of-the-match Craig Little, but could not consolidate further with some scrappy play. Aberdeenshire were allowed to come back into contention and right on half-time they scored a converted try.
At the restart the home side still struggled to maintain their lead and the visitors hit back with a second converted try to take the lead 14-10.
The penalty count did not help but eventually Highland steadied their play and hit back with an unconverted try from Stuart Watson.
Highland kept up the play and from this restart the ball was collected by Grant Jamieson, who went clean through the defenders to nicely draw the last man and pop the ball for Anderson to score his second try and claim the bonus point.
Craig Irvine converted for 22-14 and this was followed by some dogged defending to keep Aberdeenshire pegged back. The win sees Highland sit second, only one point behind leaders Banff with a game in hand and a chance to go top when they play North Scotland Police on Wednesday evening under floodlights.
“It just shows what training every week with the first team can do,” added Carson. “Everyone is really putting the effort in.”
Inverness Craig Dunain got a much deserved 24-0 win over visitors Dyce. The win takes Inverness up into mid-table and a better reflection of their season’s efforts.
The next bit of bad news for Highland was the understandable postponement of the trip to Orkney for the under-18s. A hastily-arranged Saturday morning training session had to be cancelled with limited ground available for the session.
On Sunday the top pitch was still clear to allow the under-16s Caledonia Cup match with Ellon to go ahead. Highland took their excellent President’s Conference form and experience to the game and overwhelmed the visitors 51-3 to progress to the next round.
