Highland maintain title push with emphatic win over fellow challengers Glenrothes
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HIGHLAND now have a clear advantage in the BT Caledonia League Division One title chase after an emphatic 65-0 win over Glenrothes on Saturday.
The visitors travelled with a weakened squad due to suspensions and injuries and were completely outclassed by the home side.
Highland were quickly into their stride moving the ball well with good, crisp passing. The pace proved to be the visitors’ undoing and the first score came out wide from a try by Craig Findlater.
The first half ended with the home side leading 34-0 with three tries from Findlater and one each from Morris Dillon, Ruaridh MacDonald and Andrew Findlater. Dillon also added two conversions. The only bad news being prop Jonny Milton going off after twisting his knee again.
Highland did not let up in the second half, only seeing Glenrothes making the odd effort to keep the ball tight with their heavy pack. Highland’s work rate did not drop and saw another five tries, another two from the on-fire winger Craig Findlater who gave his opposite number a torrid time and one each from Stephen Murray, Nathan McLaughlan and Oscar Baird. Dillon capped a fine performance with three conversions.
The results and the score-line now place Highland as firm favourites for the title and give Glenrothes only an outside chance of coming back. Current table-toppers Gordonians have only two games left to play and will only be able to watch as their lead is eroded by Highland over the coming weeks.
Head coach Dave Carson was pleased by his squad’s work and impressed by how they handled the odd ripostes by Glenrothes, especially near full-time. The visitors rumbled up to the home line and some determined tackling stopped them dead.
The main worry will be the injury to Milton and also that of Paddy Bryden who came off as a precaution holding his hamstring.
Highland 2nd XV took advantage of Banff not playing to move back to the top of the league with a strong 78-0 victory away to Fraserburgh. Highland ran in 12 tries, three from Rory Grant, two each from Craig Irvine and Steven Rutledge, with one apiece by Laurie Cuthbertson, Ross MacDonald, Alex MacDonald, Callum Anderson and Craig Irvine.
Irvine sealed a fine kicking display with nine conversions.
Also in Division Three North Inverness Craig Dunain had a good day at home as they ran out 31-17 winners over visitors Peterhead. The result now takes Craig Dunain clear of the bottom placed sides and a chance for a good finish to the season.
n Highland held its annual mini rugby festival on Saturday morning and over 300 youngsters from all over the north took part. Moray took the P6
Highland’s under-18s managed to get a friendly played as preparation for their Caledonia Cup semi-final and had a good 46-12 win away to Perthshire.
