Highland gear up for league kickoff
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE new season has become quite a challenge for Highland’s first XV and their coaching team as they prepare for their first league fixture away to Glenrothes tomorrow.
Last Saturday’s narrow defeat in the Shield to Hillfoots showed the tougher opposition they are likely to face, as well as highlighting that errors and indiscipline have to be controlled far more than was the case last season. Better control might have seen a positive result.
Coach Dave Carson is aware this has to be worked on, but he also has an injury list that did not happen last season, with no fewer than 15 players at different stages of recuperation and other players unavailable due to work.
An increase in numbers at training allows the squad size to be maintained, but Carson will still be hoping for some positives from several players.
It is likely that the squad won’t be finalised until after Thursday evening’s training session as the coach waits progress reports on Rory Cross, Tam Magowan, Ruraidh MacDonald, James Taylor and Nathan McLaughlan.
Glenrothes will want to gain a measure of revenge after the National Bowl defeat in April and this match will be a very tough encounter at Carleton Park.
Carson insists that despite going out of the Shield last weekend, the league was always going to be the priority.
When asked what the 1st XV’s target is this season he said: "I want to see the squad build on the success of last season and continue to improve. This will mean we have to consolidate our place in Division One and push for a good positional finish."
The Highland coach expects to meet this challenge by following the basic rule of league success: winning home matches and building on that with as many away wins as possible.
"The success of the club’s junior section means we have another three youngsters from last season’s U18’s moving into the senior squad," he added. "We are also seeing more players returning to Highland when completing their university studies."
This increase in young talent was highlighted when 10 of last weekend’s 19-man squad were 21 or younger, while Hillfoots were all over 25.
Hooker Kevin Brown again takes on the captain’s role and is just as keen for success as he was last season.
He has already identified players who are likely to stand out this season. "Stuart MacDonald is a big plus for the pack after his return from university where he played for Stewart’s Melville," Carson said.
"He will feature in the second and back rows where his physical presence will be key, as will his ball carrying skills."
As for the backs, he added: "Rory Cross made a major impact last season and was man of the match in the National Bowl Final.
"If he can stay clear of injury we hope he will make the same sort of impact again."
The skipper admitted that the squad had their eyes opened last weekend but believes the re-launch of the second XV has generated a renewed interest amongst local players. Up to 50 are attending training, which can only bode well for the depth in the senior pool.
"The players realise there won’t be any 100 point wins this season and if they take responsibility in the tough matches ahead there is no reason why we can’t challenge for the league title," said Brown.
Highland’s under-18s got the winning start they wanted and tomorrow are at home to Dumfries Saints.
This is likely to be a very tough encounter even with home advantage, as the visitors had a big win over Dunfermline — a side usually very close to Highland in ability.
Coach John Carson wants to keep his players’ expectations grounded in reality and will be working on maintaining the work rate they showed last week and eliminate the mistakes. Their kick-off has been brought forward to noon.
The under-16s start their season on Sunday, a week late as the odd-numbered league saw them have the first match day off.
They take on Gordonstoun at Canal Park and kick-off times are now 3pm. The under-15s have the same fixture at home and this will mean a busy day at Canal Park as the Minis and Micros train earlier in the day at 11am.
