Highland encouraged by friendly draw
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HUGH Mackintosh, Highland’s new director of rugby, declared himself happy with the Greens pre-season workout against Waysiders Drumpellier.
The match may have ended in a 19-19 draw, but there were plenty of positives to take away from this warm-up for Mackintosh and his coaching staff.
Highland had their resources stretched with injuries ruling out key players, while others, including winger Rory Cross, were rested as a precaution.
The pack had the biggest test up against a very large Waysiders Drumpellier eight, but despite only Jamie Strachan being a regular front row, they put in a staunch showing.
With each side trying to gauge the capabilities of their squads, some last minute substitutions by Highland resulted in a mix-up defensively and this let slip a score of 19-12 in the hosts favour as Waysiders fought back to force the draw.
Man of the match was Highland’s Andrew Findlater, who scored three tries and the city club will be keen to retain his services this season.
The Greens begin the season on Saturday with a match against Gordonians in the Regional Shield tournament
Meanwhile, the Reds were in action at the Blairgowrie Tens and they impressed by winning the cup for the third year in succession.
Highland’s over-35 squad also took to the field to entertain Les Barons Verres from Hermance RRC — a Swiss-based team.
