Highland braced for 'stiff' Orkney test
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HIGHLAND face their toughest game of the season this weekend, according to head coach Dave Carson.
The Canal Park side have dug in to stay in touch in the league title race and this weekend they reach a turning point as they travel to play Orkney.
The islanders are one of the favourites for the title after coming so close to promotion last season and underlined their intent for this season by defeating league leaders Gordonians last Saturday.
Pickaquoy is a very difficult place to come away from with league points, yet if Highland can do just that then they will be in a very good position knowing that the two sides above still have to visit Canal Park. A defeat and the title might be out of reach.
"There’s no doubt they’re one of the favourites for the league, especially with their home record which is second-to-none," he said.
"But we’re going up to take something from there in what will be a physical game. It will come down to who dominates between the two sets of forwards and we’ve put together a gameplan based on that this week.
"They’re a few games behind everyone else but got a good result last weekend against Gordonians, so it’ll be a stiff test for us."
Build-up to the game will be as relaxed as possible for the squad, with travel split between getting to John O’Groats for this evening and then catching the boat over to Orkney at 9.30am tomorrow.
Highland’s pack, at its best, can easily match the islanders and with the return of Gareth High and Eamon Guinan the back row will be quite a handful. Nathan McLaughlan’s return last Saturday was a big boost alongside the form of young Oscar Baird. Both will make a very mobile and capable second row.
The backs can be a match winner and with Craig Findlater moving to full-back his pace can be a factor as much in attack as in defence. The only change is likely to be Epi Vukicea who has work commitment, but Carson has several options to come in, such as Matt Allan.
Findlater’s speed will help Highland attack Orkney, according to Carson, who for the first time this season has a near fully-fit squad to choose from.
"This season has been injury after injury but we’re getting back to somewhere near full-strength," he said. "From having 12 of the cup final squad missing it’s now down to about four which obviously gives me more options.
"What it has done, however, is give some of the young boys a chance and they’ve done well. Maybe some of the experienced heads coming back will help them along."
He added: "I’m fairly happy with the way we’ve started the season, although the two defeats we obviously didn’t want. We lost those games by two points and one score and with a young squad, perhaps they didn’t realise just how physical it was going to be.
"But there’s still plenty of games to go."
Highland’s 2nd XV are also on the road as they make the trip to play Aberdeen Wanderers and with more players available they will hope to have a squad to travel. The club has been frustrated with the second string not getting game time. Hopefully this will change.
Highland’s under-18s are at home and have a very big game as they take on last season’s champions Ayr.
The visitors have not been as all conquering as they were last season yet they are still very much title contenders this season. Highland missed out on maintaining their winning form with Boroughmuir postponing last Saturday yet the high stakes will be clear for coaches John Carson and Andrew Call. With five players making the district squad the coaches know their squad has the ability to secure an important win and a big step towards the title.
Also on Saturday the under-14s and under-13s travel to Gordonstoun for a pair of friendly matches. On Sunday the Minis and micro have their usual 11am training sessions.
