Highland remain in title hunt with two to go
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HIGHLAND play their penultimate league game of the season with a trip to Strathmore this Saturday and the league title is still in their sights.
The squad have continually upped their game to defeat successive league leaders and coach Dave Carson has the same settled squad ready to travel to Forfar.
One enforced change is Eamon Guinan unavailable due to work although his position is covered. There will also be a wait to confirm whether Craig Findlater has recovered from a groin strain and Sean Blair from a calf injury. With only Tam Magowan still recovering from long-term injury, Carson has a good pool of regular players he can call on to bring the squad up to strength.
Strathmore sit in mid-table safe from relegation and can be quite a tough nut to crack at home. They have only suffered two heavy defeats this season, one of which was against Highland at Canal Park. Carson will be stressing to his players to stick to the game plan and ensure a win although the pressure will be on for a try bonus.
The club were dealt a blow this week with the news that only one team would be promoted from the Caledonia League Division One to National League Three, meaning Highland would need to win the league.
The final league positions depend on the results of the last matches played by Gordonians and Orkney. The islanders are not in action this weekend but Gordonians will play their last fixture against Ellon and that result will show what Highland have to do take second place.
Highland’s junior sides have a busy weekend of cup semi-finals with the under-18s take on Perthshire at Canal Park, and the hosts will be favourites after their fine season in national competitions. Perthshire have had few competitive matches this season but Highland know they can be a strong side.
The under-16s and under-15s are on the road on Sunday for their semi-finals, with the under-16s playing Ellon and well-placed to make the final. The under-15s have a much tougher task against Dunfermline and will need to put in a strong performance to progress to their final.
Also on Sunday the Minis and Micros have their usual training sessions and will be preparing for the many tournaments planned in April and May.
