Highland aim for more title momentum with league win over Dunfermline
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THIS Saturday is the final day of the Six Nations and this would normally mean a fixture free weekend for Highland.
However, they have a rescheduled match away to Dunfermline and a chance to chip away at lead held by Gordonians and the large backlog of games.
Niggling injuries and availability are a factor for head coach Dave Carson and he has some changes to make. In-form winger Craig Findlater is tied up with work so his place is taken by Steven Rutledge. Centre Tam Magowan and flanker Paddy Bryden are rested and their places are taken by Iain Crush and Sean Blair respectively.
The only other doubt is over Jonny Milton who hurt his knee on Saturday. Fortunately, he came through Tuesday evening’s training okay and after assessment is almost certain to take his place in the front row.
Even with some changes the squad is still a strong unit and will fancy another win over Dunfermline. The Fife side are often weak playing away but at home at McKane Park they can be quite a formidable outfit. Carson’s side will continue their meticulous preparation at training and in the match will be prepared to work for their tries until they get the feel of the opposition.
The hope is the win can be secured with no serious injuries and in good style as next Saturday they have the National Shield semi-final away to North Berwick.
In Division Three North both Highland 2nd XV and Inverness Craig Dunain both have a scheduled free weekend but Highland’s junior sides are again busy.
The under-18s have an extra training session on Saturday although the coaches are trying to get another friendly sorted in readiness for next Saturday’s Caledonia Cup semi-final against Falkirk.
Also on Saturday the under-14s and under-13s travel to play Mackie Academy in a couple of friendly matches.
On Sunday the under-16s travel to Stirling County for a tricky cup match while the under-15s enter into their cup competition with a trip to Mackie Academy. Another mini-festival on Sunday as the P6/7 and P4/5 squads travel to Elgin to play in the Moray Tournament.
