Highland claim victory in stop-start clash
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HIGHLAND got back to league business after a two-month delay and despite the lack of match time they recorded an important 17-22 away victory over Mackie Academy.
It was a match that started well enough, but later became a stop-start affair that Highland did well to rally from and secure the victory.
Highland looked bright from the kick-off and Morris Dillon went over for a try which was converted by Craig Irvine for a 7-0 lead. The visitors kept up the pressure and went further ahead when Irvine made a clever crossfield kick that Laurie Cuthbertson was quick on to and he dived over the line.
This was the high mark for Highland in the first half as Mackie came back firmly and were able to get on the scoreboard with a converted try. The second half featured a dismal 20 minutes as the referee continuously pulled back both sides for infringements. Highland struggled to maintain any continuity and the home side used the opportunities offered to grab another converted try to take the lead 14-12.
At this point coach Dave Carson admitted to being very concerned as his squad struggled against the high penalty count. But the players regrouped and slowly came back into the game. First Irvine converted a penalty for Highland to grab back the lead at 14-15. Then he again put in a clever crossfield kick for lock Stuart MacDonald who was lurking out on the wing. He collected the ball and charged over for a try and with Irvine’s conversion Highland were back in charge at 14-22.
Mackie Academy never relented and despite their late efforts they managed only a penalty for the final score of 17-22.
Carson was very relieved to get the win and feels that his side should have won a lot more easily. He knows his squad has a lot to work on at training this week in readiness for the visit of Morgan Academy FP’s.
The 2nd XV were able to keep up their run of matches as they took on North Police Scotland. As expected, this was a tougher encounter than recent matches and it took a while for Highland to get into a controlling position before running out 10-46 winners. Highland now sit top of the league with five wins from five and are looking good for the title, with only Aberdeen Wanderers 2nd XV likely to challenge them.
The under-18s had an amazing 34-22 win over Hawick Wanderers in the Borders to progress to the final of the National Cup. Highland started the match as underdogs and the home side got off to a good start, initiating several attacks only to be met with some resolute Highland defence. The home threat came from their potent back-line while Highland looked good both in defence and up front.
Some rare ball in attack allowed Fionnlagh Call to convert a penalty to take a 3-0 lead, only for Wanderers to get right back on the attack and their full-back touched down in the corner for a try and a 5-3 advantage.
The home pressure was maintained out wide and met with strong Highland defending before the Hawick full-back repeated his earlier score to increase their lead to 10-3.
Highland began to see the game go their way in other areas which helped to switch pressure onto the home side. A penalty saw a quick ball given to Calum Boyd who went over under the posts. Call nailed an easy conversion and the half ended perfectly poised at 10-10.
The second half was just as fiercely contested but Highland grew in confidence as they came to terms with their opponents’ abilities. With more ball, it was their turn to run wide and Stephen Grant deftly went through the defenders and with the full-back to beat he chipped on and touched down for an unconverted try.
Highland were now in charge and again it was Grant who benefitted, this time from a hard run from Cameron Beattie and the resulting try was converted by Call for a deserved 10-22 lead.
A lack of concentration by Highland led to a wayward kick which was collected by the superb Hawick full-back who ran in his third try to cut the deficit to 22-17. Another unconverted try then levelled the scores at 22-22.
The game was now nearing a defining point with the next score likely to be the winning one. Highland’s forwards won more possession and quick wide ball saw Cameron Beattie held up just short of the line, but Boyd came up in support to pick up and score. Call’s conversion dropped just short but Highland were now on top.
Further pressure on the home line saw the ball continuously recycled until Murdo Paterson went over by the posts. Call converted to make it 22-34 with five minutes to go.
The lead was maintained as Highland remained camped in the home twenty-two stopping Hawick from getting any chance to score. This was a superb win for the U18’s beating a borders’ side on their home turf and sees Highland through to the final on Sunday 1st March, against Jedburgh Thistle or Ayr.
The under-16s, travelling with the under-18s, made the trip for their long delayed match with Peebles in the National Bowl. The squad played exceptionally well yet were up against a strong Peebles side that eventually ran out 36-10 winners.
