Highland suffer title race blow with loss in Edinburgh to Heriot's Blues
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HIGHLAND suffered a blow in their National One title bid as they went down 36–26 to league leaders Heriot’s Blues in Edinburgh.
The result means Highland will go into 2022 in sixth place, eight points behind Heriot’s when the campaign resumes on January 11.
Highland were in the game at half time after only being seven points behind with the score at 12–5.
But Heriot’s piled on the pressure in the second half, with three tries in the first 20 minutes of the second half to go 29–5 up.
Highland scored a converted try with 12 minutes remaining to make it 29–12, but Heriot’s replied with a try instantly to restore their 24-point advantage.
A late rally saw Highland score two converted tries in the final two minutes to earn the Inverness club a bonus point.
The defeat brought to an end Highland’s three game winning run.
Highland will return to action on Saturday, January 8 when they welcome Boroughmuir to Canal Park.
Meanwhile in Caledonia North Two, Highland 2nd XV’s game against Mackie FP was postponed due to Covid issues.
It has been rearranged to be played on Saturday, January 15.
They are 10 points behind new league leaders Aberdeenshire who knocked Moray off the top with a 28–13 win.
The Raptors resume their league campaign against Moray at Canal Park on Saturday, January 8.
Ross Sutherland’s clash against Aberdeen Grammar 2nd XV in Invergordon was postponed as the visitors could not raise a team.
In Caledonia North Four, Highland 3rd XV won the Inverness derby as they defeated Inverness Craig Dunain 30–5 at Inverness High School.
The third’s move into second place two points behind Deeside but have four games in hand.
Craig Dunain remain in fifth place with nine points, 13 points behind Deeside with fixtures resuming on January 8.
