Highland face further weather pain ahead of Hillfoots trip
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It was initially encouraging to hear that the host’s pitch is reportedly in good condition but with the weather turning frosty, the match is once again under threat.
Head coach Dave Carson has mooted the possibility of Hillfoots reversing the fixture and playing it at Canal Park, but with similarly cold conditions in Inverness, both sides may be left with no choice but to call off the match.
Carson is despearate for games to get his side match-sharp, in preparation for the Caledonia Shield match against Glenrothes at the end of the month. There is only tomorrow’s game and a home fixture against Lossiemouth next weekend available for Highland to prepare for the Shield clash.
“I’m not confident for this weekend,” said Carson. “It’s what you expect at this time of year, to lose a few games due to the weather, but it was more disappointing not having games before Christmas.
“The final is creeping up on us and we haven’t played since December 5. That’s worrying because guys need game time. Hillfoots haven’t said no to coming up here for the game, but they haven’t committed to it 100 per cent either.”
Should the game go ahead, Carson will have Tam Magowan available after his return from holiday. Stephen Murray will sit out to rest his injured knee while Johnny Milton is doubtful with a chest infection.
Club president Geoff Begg has been making efforts to getting the second XV playing as they are now in the same position as the first team – title challengers but with games in hand over sides with points already banked. They have no scheduled game this Saturday and no friendly could be had despite Begg’s efforts.
Inverness Craig Dunain are back on the A96 this time travelling to play Aberdeen University Medics which will be another tough away encounter. Last weekend they lost 29-14 to league leaders Banff but the result shows they can compete and will take heart from that.
Highland’s under-18s have no scheduled games before their two cup competitions and to that end the net has been cast wide for a friendly match. They have been successful and will have to make a trip to Montrose requiring an early start on Saturday morning. A game is urgently needed to blow away the festive cobwebs.
The other squads in action are the Minis and Micros who have their usual 11am Sunday morning sessions. An incentive for the elder P7 players is that Highland have again been invited to the London Irish International Mini Festival later in the year.
