Highland Rugby Club manager: ‘We will not let our season fizzle out’
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HEAD coach Dave Carson is determined not to let Highland Rugby Club’s season fizzle out despite conceding that the National One title – and with it promotion – has moved out of reach.
Defeat to GHA last weekend saw league leaders Ayr open up a 16-point gap at the top of the table, a tally that would require at least four matches to reel in.
Carson, though, is determined to record as high a finish as possible, so their bid to become runners-up resumes this weekend away at GHK, who Highland have already beaten at home this season.
“We need to just keep moving on,” Carson insisted.
“We’re still in a great place – three points clear in second in National One – so there’s a lot to play for.
“Ayr are away, they will be going up, but there’s still a prize for the guys to come to keep performing.
“The fighting spirit and the guts in our team is always evident, and it certainly has been this year.
“Even away from home when we haven’t got the Canal Park balcony cheering us on, the players cheer themselves on and gee each other up.
“This week – I wouldn’t say it’s vital, but it’s really important that we get back on the road again.
“I want to stay in second place, I don’t want to slip up and let the season fizzle out, and the players are of the same mindset.”
GHK sit bottom of the table with just two victories to their name this season, but that only leads Carson to be wary of a side backed into a corner as they battle to avoid relegation.
“It’s not an easy place to go,” he added.
“Last year they seemed to be very much a home or away team, although that’s not been the case this year.
“They will be fighting for their lives now – they’re sitting bottom of the league, so I asked our boys how we would react if we were in their situation.
“We would be fighting with everything to keep the club up, so that’s exactly what we’re expecting.”
