Highland reignite old rivalries with Orkney ahead of National League bow
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HIGHLAND’s rivalry with Orkney will be stoked up this weekend – but that will not stop the greens using them as a model to build off.
The two sides open their league campaigns at Canal Park tomorrow, in what is the closest thing to a derby for both sides.
Orkney made the step up to National Three a year before Highland did by winning Caledonia One and Highland coach Chris Brogan, who takes the team this weekend in Dave Carson’s absence, said they have set the example of how to handle the step up.
Despite their being 160 miles and a ferry journey between the two sides, there is still somewhat of a local rivalry between the two clubs, with players knowing each other from days representing the district.
Brogan added that you only have to look at how Orkney have handled their challenges in stepping up to highlight how the transition to National rugby can be made.
“They set a good example for us – they finished mid-table last year and home advantage was massive for them,” he said. “With the resources they have and the travel problems they encounter, having to come across to the mainland every two weeks, they’ve shown a huge amount of commitment. There’s boys that won’t get home until midday on Sunday if they’re playing central-belt sides.
“But absolutely, it’s still a rivalry. A lot of boys played together in district rugby and keep in touch via Facebook. It’s all good-natured.
“They are the bigger club at the moment and it’s up to us to knock them off their perch.”
After the huge success of the BT Cup triumph over St Boswells last week, the league is now the main focus again. It will test Highland’s credentials for playing at this level and how Highland fare in this game will be crucial for the season ahead.
The injury list is already lengthy and with Stuart MacDonald added after breaking his ankle on Saturday and Jonny Milton nursing a back injury, it means another re-shuffling of the pack.
Nathan McLaughlan will come into the back row while Ben Gordon comes onto the bench. Winger David Titterington is on holiday and his place will likely be taken by Ruaridh Casey. Tam Magowan and Steven Rutledge remain out with knee injuries.
“Stuart had an operation on Tuesday night and had a pin put in it,” added Brogan.
“With the way the bone has dislocated, it’s broken a bit off his ankle. I’ve seen the pictures of it and it’s not one for the squeamish.”
The second XV start their season at home with the visit of Ross Sutherland in BT Caledonia League Division Two West. The squad will be very strong as the growth of the playing pool has benefited the second string as well as the first XV.
The setup of this league means there are only six teams but when the top three are decided after the initial fixtures, they will play against the top three of Division Two East.
“Fingers crossed we get a good weekend all-round for the club, with both the firsts and seconds being at home on the same day,” said Brogan. “It’s great for both sides to start off with home games.”
The junior sides continue in the President’s Conference as they play top club Ayr.
The under-18s have had a good run in friendly matches and won their first league match last Saturday. But this weekend they will need to be at their best in a tough encounter away from home.
The remaining junior sides did not have such a good start last weekend and it might too tough a test for them again. On Sunday the under-16s and under-15s are also on the road while the under-14s and under-13s are at home. The Minis and Micros continue their training sessions on Sunday morning.
