Greens win again on the road
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A MUCH changed Highland squad overcame the alterations in personnel to claim a second successive away victory that keeps them within striking distance of the top team in Caledonia Regional League Division One
Ruaridh Knott had a fine game for the under-18s before retiring with a knee injury, while John Clark also showed up very well in the tackle. Highland officials hope both of these promising young players will be called into the Caledonia under-17 district squad this week.
With several players on holiday, Highland were not at full strength and found themselves 33-7 down at the interval before putting in a good second half showing that made the final score 33-12. Both of their tries came from Johnny Milton.
The under-18s, the only other Highland team in action at the weekend, travelled to Gordonstoun for a friendly.
Having taken the initiative, the Greens set about finishing the game as a contest and two further penalties from Irvine did just that, the 19-10 win giving them four points that keeps Highland fourth in the table.
Highland’s pack looked solid and secured more ball, number eight and skipper Ross Thompson leading by example when he went over for a try that was converted by Irvine to put the visitors 13-10 ahead.
Despite trailing, there were encouraging signs from the opening half that the Greens were gelling more as a team. This was more apparent after the break.
The boot of Irvine, however, kept Highland in this contest as he kicked two penalties, but it was the hosts who went in at the interval 10-6 in front, courtesy of another unconverted try.
Initially Highland struggled for cohesion and their cause was not helped when Caithness scored an early unconverted try.
Ruaridh MacDonald moved to full back with Craig Irvine filling in at stand-off. Euan Watson was declared fit following a head knock and came in at hooker, while Ryan McLaughlan also made a surprise return to the back row.
A combination of strong wind and rain was not a welcoming sight for Highland’s players and coaching staff, although of more worry was yet again having to change the starting line-up.
Director of rugby Hugh Mackintosh and his fellow coaches faced pre-match concerns about the Greens first-team pool ahead of the trip to Thurso to face Caithness, but despite having to shuffle the pack, the visitors came away with a hard-earned 19-10 victory.
