Highland overcome Strathmore and weather to keep title chase on track
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The visitors braved the hazardous travelling conditions with the intent of making amends for their exit from the BT Caledonia Shield at the hands of Highland last Saturday. For the home side it was expected that things might be a bit more challenging, especially with the heavy ground slowing Highland’s style of play.
From the kick-off the combination of the visitors determination and Highland being frustrated by the conditions meant the first quarter was very hard going. But as Highland adapted they slowly got on top of Strathmore and by half-time they were 24-0 in the lead.
In the second-half Highland kept up the hard work and maintained their edge over the visitors to post another 26 points for a final score of 50-0.
Alisdair Wemyss was in charge on Saturday and he was able to report to head coach Dave Carson, who was working, that the squad performed well given the conditions. Players who came in, such as Callum McIntosh and Calum Anderson, performed very well.
Highland ran in eight tries with two from McIntosh and one each from skipper Kevin Brown, Tom Brogan, Steven Rutledge, Andrew Findlater, Rory Cross and Anderson, with five conversions from Ruaridh MacDonald.
“The reports were excellent, from coaches and players, in what were atrocious conditions,” said Carson. “But we still managed to play some decent rugby.
“It’s pleasing to see Callum step up and get a couple of tries from the wing on his debut as well.”
Highland are maintaining their fine form and will hope to take a very strong squad north to play Caithness next Saturday in what is always a tough fixture. Highland sit third in the division, six points adrift of leaders Gordonians but with two games in hand.
For the fifth time this season, Highland also held their opponents without a point, which means they have conceded just 24 points in eight league games.
“The team spirit in the side means they absolutely hate conceding,” said Carson, whose only concern is eradicating the 17 penalties Highland conceded on Saturday. “It’s something we’ve worked hard on and making sure that everyone hits their tackles.”
The greens have no injury concerns coming out of the Strathmore victory and both Morris Dillon and Stuart MacDonald should be available for the weekend’s trip to Caithness.
The rest of the rugby weekend was hard hit hard by the bad weather. The unplayable Bught pitch meant that the Inverness Craig Dunain game against Highland’s second string was postponed as no switch was available.
Also postponed was Wednesday evening’s second XV game with North Police Scotland as the floodlit main pitch is badly cut up.
On Sunday the under-15s played out a very competitive game and were only trailing 7-5 until late in the game when Currie scores made it 22-5.
Also on Sunday the Minis and Micros stuck to their training, playing on the remaining firm ground left at Canal Park.
