Highland begin preparations for new season
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As the hosts were unable to put out a second XV for the day and no other local clubs could make the trip, Highland’s 23-man squad faced the might of a 40-plus Cartha pool. Not only that, but the game lasted nearly two hours with four 30-minute sessions.
The pre-season efforts by Highland in fitness preparation certainly seemed to make an impact with the squad holding up well, although with many regular forwards still not available to the Greens, the visitors had a considerable advantage with their big pack.
Despite this major handicap, the home side did well in the line-outs, while out wide Highland’s backs were more than a match for Cartha’s.
The lack of numbers for Highland to rotate with, however, resulted in a few players picking up knocks. Andrew Findlater hurt his knee, but should recover quickly, although Ross Thompson’s ankle knock might see him out for at least two weeks.
After the game, Cartha voted Highland’s Ryan MacLaughlan as the man of the match. Director of rugby Hugh Mackintosh declared himself very pleased with his squad’s efforts and is looking to continue the tough fitness programme, being run by Gareth High, which will underpin the team’s efforts during the forthcoming campaign.
Highland have no fixture this weekend, but will look to send to two squads to the Ross Sutherland Tens tournament the following Saturday.
