Highland rue poor showing from backs
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THE opportunity for an important BT Caledonia League First Division win through in Aberdeen was missed as Highland went down 27-20 to Gordonians.
In a close-fought encounter Highland’s pack had a good game only to see their team-mates in the back line have an off day.
Fine conditions allowed both teams to produce good rugby and it was the home side that got the first points with a penalty. Highland hit back quickly with two penalties of their own from Craig Irvine and took the lead 6-3.
The warning signs were already evident as the Gordonians backs were a constant threat and eventually they broke out of their own half to run the length of the park for a converted try and a half-time lead of 10-6.
Despite the loss of Stuart Watson after 20 minutes to a head knock, the pack continued to have an edge over their opponents with Johnny Milton doing very well.
However from the restart, defensive frailties in the midfield were becoming a concern and the home side extended their lead with a second converted try to take a 17-6 lead.
To Highland’s credit they hit back immediately with a try from Eamon Guinan which was converted by Irvine to reduce the deficit facing them to four points.
Gordonians backs continued to make ground due to tackling errors, breaking the Highland line numerous times. This saw another try from the home side and it too was converted to make it 24-13.
Despite the problems, Highland battled on and a clever cross-field kick from Irvine allowed Gareth High to collect out wide and crash over followed by Irvine converting to again cut the hosts advantage.
The last 10 minutes were very tense and although Highland mounted some pressure in the home 22, Gordonians added three more points from a penalty to make it a final score of 27-20.
Coach Dave Carson was adamant that Highland would not lose like that again by promising to eradicate the problems that beset the midfield.
There was, however, a lot to be happy about with the pack and the back row in particular being more than a match for league leader’s pack. Highland also prevented Gordonians picking up a bonus point while collecting one of their own.
Highland now have a break in their league programme and this is ideal to allow the return of further players from injury.
