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Head coach Carson pleased at control Highland had over the game against Stirling Wolves in National One


By Andrew Henderson

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Dave Carson was pleased with the control Highland Rugby Club exerted over the final stages of their win away at Stirling Wolves.

In a rare Friday evening game for the National One outfit, Highland ran out 36–31 winners in what was an enthralling game of rugby.

Carson has seen his side throw away bigger leads than those five points earlier in the campaign though, so it was particularly pleasing that they managed to restrict their hosts who were desperately trying to make something happen in the closing stages at Bridgehaugh.

“We’ve lost against Ayr and Gala just through not seeing games out when we were in a commanding position,” Carson explained.

“We’ve really worked on that over the last two or three weeks, going over scenarios with the players, and they did that really well on Friday.

Lewis Sinclair scored the try that put Highland ahead against Stirling at the end of the first half. Picture: Gary Anthony
Lewis Sinclair scored the try that put Highland ahead against Stirling at the end of the first half. Picture: Gary Anthony

“We were 36–31 up with 10 minutes to go, and they just controlled it really well to keep the ball and slow it down when they had to. They took their time at scrummages and line outs, and we saw the game out. We got five points which was fantastic.

“I think at the beginning of the season Stirling could have scored at any time because their backs were electric, but we controlled it really well and I was pleased with that.”

It was a match made all the better because Highland were able to take all five points back up the A9, but even without those spoils it would have been a great match to watch.

“It just ebbed and flowed,” Carson said.

“They started well, we came back just before half time to take the lead and then we had a really good start to the second half.

“Every time we got away, they scored another try until we got a penalty with about 10 minutes to go to get us five ahead, and we were able to control it after that.

“It was a great game of rugby with some great talent on show. Some of our guys played really, really well, and the back three from Stirling are probably some of the best wingers I’ve seen in a long time.

“Their young right winger had fantastic feet and speed to change direction which was a joy to watch.”


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