Highland dent Orkney title hopes with big win
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HIGHLAND blew the Caledonia League Division One title race wide open with an impressive 26-10 disposing of leaders Orkney.
The win allowed Gordonians to leapfrog the islanders into top spot, who are two points ahead having played a game more, but they have to visit Canal Park next weekend.
Highland sit in third place with a game in hand over the Aberdonians and a bonus-point win on Saturday will reduce the deficit between the two sides to just two points.
The home side reaffirmed that they have the quality up front and this time that was matched by a back-line that had none of the weakness that cost Highland so dearly in Kirkwall.
The importance of the game was not lost on the squad and were well-prepared by coach Dave Carson. Highland started solidly and built up slowly before they secured their first scores in the fine playing conditions.
Stuart MacDonald and Kevin Brown went over for tries after a lot of hard work and with both converted by Craig Irvine Highland led 14-0. It was looking good yet there were some patches of slack play that gave the visitors some relief.
Highland were definitely on top yet the visitors were able to snatch back a score. A break down the blind-side and a few missed tackles saw a converted try given away and it was 14-7 at half-time.
Highland came out refocused in the second period, although they gave away an early penalty before taking control. Orkney did not miss the opportunity and the deficit was cut to 14-10.
From here, though, Highland tied up the islanders attacking options and proceeded to work on their own. First to score was Sean Blair with another drive over the line and although the conversion was missed it was now 19-10.
Highland’s pace meant they were always dangerous out wide and this was illustrated by a pickup by Craig Findlater deep inside his own half. He deftly went down the line at speed, evading the Orkney defence for a fine try which was converted by Irvine for 26-10.
Highland were firmly in charge and saw out the game without any further scoring for a fine win and a bonus point. The only bad news was an arm injury suffered by Steven Rutledge, who went to hospital and the club awaits how he fares.
This was a fine win and a very happy coach Carson was quick to praise his players for doing exactly what was planned, picking out centres Rory Cross and Jack Sutherland for controlling the mid-field.
Promotion can be missed by such a small margin and despite Saturday’s victory the hiccups earlier in the season during the injury crisis means Highland can only control finishing in second place. This means another tough fixture next Saturday with the visit of Gordonians, who are now the league-leaders.
Orkney were taken aback by their defeat, yet with three games to play they need three wins and one bonus point to win the league. With all of these matches being on the road one defeat will give Highland and Gordonians a late shot at the title.
The Highland under-16 match against Orkney was postponed, however the second XV are playing a rearranged league match against North Police Scotland on Tuesday night.
It will be under floodlights and kicks-off at 6.30pm, presenting a chance to keep the pressure on Aberdeen Wanderers in the race for the Division Four title.
