Highland keen to maintain winning run ahead of Strathmore rematch
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
After convincingly defeating the visitors 35-0 on their own turf last weekend to progress to the final of the BT Caledonia Shield, the Forfar side will not be looking forward to this game.
Highland have maintained their fine form with head coach Dave Carson pushing his squad to keep up the tempo. This Saturday will be no different as another bonus-point win is important, even though the ground conditions will make it very heavy going.
The Inverness side has been fairly lucky so far with injuries although it does mean Stuart MacDonald will be rested for the final week of his head-knock protocol. He will be joined by full-back Morris Dillon who has a shoulder injury as Carson has the luxury of an otherwise unchanged squad.
“We’re just looking to pick up where we left off last week,” he said. “I don’t think there’ll be many changes to their side.
“We can’t afford any slip-ups now and we still need to make sure we get the job done every week.
“The most pleasing thing for me this season has been our style of play. We’re getting the ball across the field and back again and wingers are scoring tries, which is something I like to see.”
Strathmore have had a 50-50 season so far and even though they will want to get some payback, it is unlikely they will be able to match Highland.
Highland have had word that the Shield final is to be on Saturday, January 30.
The second XV are very hopeful of getting their match with Inverness Craig Dunain played, although there might have to be some pitch changes due to the weather. Carson was hoping to rotate some players for the match with Strathmore, however a strong second-string is to be fielded to maintain the title push in BT Caledonia League Division Three North.
“The boys are looking forward to this one,” added Carson. “Craig Dunain have been going well this year compared to other seasons and are on a good run. It will be a tough, competitive derby.”
Highland’s junior sides have Edinburgh side Currie as their President’s Conference opponents this weekend. The under-18s are at home on Saturday keen for a match after Boroughmuir cancelled last weekend. The under-16s and under-15s are at home on Sunday, with the under-16s looking for another win to stay in title contention.
Also on Sunday the under-14s and under-13s are looking to make the trip to the capital although with their games being lost to the weather last Sunday, they will be worried that this may happen again. The Minis and Micros hope to have their 11am Sunday training sessions.
