Highland set for tough challenge
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HIGHLAND return to league business this Saturday with a home fixture against Strathmore.
It is still early in the season to confirm the form of most teams but what there is suggests that Highland will be in for quite a tight encounter.
The home squad are still missing several key players due to injury with Tam Magowan out for the season. Richard Sim, James Taylor and Corrin MacKenzie are also out for long spells and there is some doubt on Rory Cross, although Darren MacLeod could be back next week.
The good news is that the growing depth of the squad means coach Dave Carson still has a strong playing pool to select from. Back in comes try-machine Craig Findlater, lock Simon Stephen and back row Eamon Guinan.
The players have responded well at training sessions this week after having a week off and the coaching team has been pushing them hard with a target of a bonus point win.
The 2nd XV are also at home and they will be clear favourites against Ellon 2nd XV. A full squad will be available and they will be confident after only thirteen players secured such a big victory away last Saturday.
The under-18s have certainly produced the goods this season sitting top, equal with Currie after five wins from five games. This Saturday they travel to Falkirk looking to repeat the fine performance in their victory over Mackie Academy. If they can maintain the same intensity then a sixth victory is very likely.
The under-15s travel to Stornoway on Sunday and they too are looking to maintain an unbeaten season. The under-16s were meant to make the same trip but that match has been postponed.
The Minis return to training on Sunday with the Micros at the usual 11am slot. Last Sunday the Minis had a successful trip to the Ross Sutherland Festival. Being a Positive Coaching Scotland event there were no placed teams, however Highland’s P6/7 Reds squad won three and drew one out of four games, while the P4/5 Reds won five and drew one out of six games played.
There were awards presented for the Best Player and Most Improved Player in each squad and they were awarded to each squad as follows: P6/7 Greens — Best player — Rhiannon Macleod; Most improved — Alexander Webster. P6/7 Reds — Best player — Robbie Russell; Most improved — Finlay MacDonald. P4/5 Greens — Best player — Morgan Fitzgerald; Most improved — Bobby Russell. P4/5 Reds — Best player — Finlay Maclean; Most improved — Calum Watson.
