Highland on the up in bid for promotion
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HIGHLAND got back towards their true form on Saturday after a very confident 32-0 victory over Morgan Academy FP at Canal Park.
Right from the start Highland’s forwards were on top and with the backs showing their pace in using the ball supplied, it was always going to be one-way traffic on the scoreboard.
Three tries came from the back-line, with two by Steven Rutledge and one from Rory Cross and although they were not converted, Scott Fraser did convert a penalty to make it 18-0 at half-time.
In the second half Highland maintained the pressure with the pack staying on top and providing ball for the backs.
Two more tries came with a second for Cross and one for Dave Titterington, both converted by Fraser.
Coach Dave Carson was very pleased with the performance and the consistency that seems have returned in the team’s play. With lots to be happy about he still wants to improve in several areas.
The backs put on their best display for some time with good control in the midfield from Cross and Morris Dillon, allied to plenty of pace from wingers Craig Findlater and Titterington, as well as full-back Rutledge.
The pack should not be missed out as they went to work as a very solid unit with Johnny Milton and Oscar Baird showing up well.
This win keeps Highland on target to force their way into the second promotion slot and with Glenrothes at Canal Park on Saturday, a golden opportunity is on offer for another victory that would further strengthen their bid to go up.
Highland’s under-18s finished their league campaign with a well-deserved 18-7 win over a very strong Boroughmuir side.
With the National Cup final at Murrayfield on Sunday this match was just the test Highland were looking for in preparation.
The home side were on the attack from the kick-off and although they maintained a threat, the visitor’s defence was very well organised.
However, the pressure eventually paid off with a penalty converted by Fionnlagh Call for 3-0.
Highland kept up the hard work but were held off by stern defending until successive attacks eventually led toAlex Murray going down in the corner.
The difficult conversion was missed but Boroughmuir missed a kick of their own, a penalty chance, before the half ended.
From the restart Highland’s coaches were a bit concerned that so much domination saw such a small return and that the visitors still posed a problem.
Their fears were realised when Boroughmuir took their chance ofcourtesy of a try from their winger to cut the deficit to 8-7.
Highland responded well and went right back down the park in search of points.
A five-metre scrum just about went over but the ball was picked up by Call to dive over.
Highland now had the upper hand and they worked a move to let Calum Boyd cross over, despite a broken nose that he sustained in the first-half, for the game to end 18-7 in the hosts favour.
Highland sit top of the National League and only Currie can draw level if they win their last match.
Unfortunately for the young Highland squad, Currie have a far superior points difference which will give them the trophy if they candraw level with them on points.
Meanwhile, club coach Dave Carson has organised a bus to make the trip to Murrayfield for Sunday’s under-18 National Cup final and seats can be booked by contacting him on 0776 785 2470.
In Sunday’s junior cup fixtures there was good news for both of Highland’s squads.
The under-16s won 32-12 against Caithness in Thurso and the under-15s triumphed 30-0 against Orkney in Kirkwall.
The under-14s and under-13s played against strong Boroughmuir sides in a pair of friendly matches, losing out 35-25 and 26-20.
