Highland start league campaign
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DIRECTOR of rugby Hugh Mackintosh still has an injury crisis to contend with, although some players will return, giving the squad a much-needed boost ahead of Highland’s first league fixture at home to Aberdeen University.
On Sunday, the under-16s and under-15s continue their season with games away to Stornoway and Moray respectively, while the minis and micros have their usual session at Canal Park.
With last Saturday’s postponement, Highland’s under-18s do not have the match practice they would have liked as they host Gordonians tomorrow at noon.
Coaches Alastair McKenzie and James Hay will be looking for a strong start to the new season as they look to defend the title they won last term, albeit the league is now known as Caledonia League Division Three North-West.
The Reds start their season with the visit of Stornoway and Highland’s second string has a large pool of experienced players to choose from alongside some promising youngsters.
Highland will surely feel they are in better shape than last Saturday and will look to get their league campaign off to a winning start. The unknown quantity is that of the visiting students, whose form could vary greatly so early in the university term.
Further out along the line, Tam Magowan should respond to the physiotherapy he has been receiving, but winger Rory Cross is being rested. Coming into the division will be Andy Hill and Dave Titteringham.
It would certainly be a boost if a revitalised pack can complement the ability of the back line. In this department, the coaching staff hope to see Ruaridh MacDonald shake off his knock to resume at stand-off alongside scrum-half Euan MacKenzie — a young pairing that shows some potential.
The second row will be stronger if Stuart Anderson and Ryan McLaughlan are cleared to play, while in the front row Euan Watson and Robbie Russell join Jamie Strachan.
A fresh Andy Beattie and Gareth High will make a big difference to the back row, joining skipper Ross Thompson, who is still not quite back to full fitness.
Last weekend, a wounded Highland pack laboured against Gordonians in the Regional Shield. Despite some players still having niggling injuries, there will be a fitter look to the forwards.
