Highland target back-to-back promotions ahead of National League return
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SUCCESSIVE promotions should be the target for ambitious Highland after they secured their place in National League Three.
Club president Geoff Begg cited the example of Glasgow side GHK, who won National Three this season, as how Highland can make the climb up another division.
GHK won West Division One in last year and stormed to another league title, beating West of Scotland into second place by 22 points after winning 20 out of 22 games. Highland are unbeaten in 16 league fixtures this season and have the title wrapped up with two games to spare.
Factoring in the limited turnover in players for next season and the club’s thriving youth setup, Begg sees no reason why the greens cannot challenge at the top end of the table.
“We have always aimed for the highest goals and reached them,” he said. “There’s no point in taking our foot off the pedal now.
“Winning is a great mentality to have. We have got a bit more travelling to do but that’s no issue, as we regularly make those trips at all levels of the club.”
Calls for further progression will be no surprise to head coach Dave Carson, who will sit down with Begg and the Highland hierarchy over the summer to instigate the next three-year plan.
The first one culminated in Highland reaching the National Shield final and gaining promotion back to the National setup, three years after Carson returned as head coach.
Improvements are being made off the park too. Construction has begun on a new clubhouse and 4G surface, which Begg anticipates being ready by August 2017. Adjustments will be made to the winter training schedule to prevent the weather-induced disruption that hampered preparations during this campaign.
On the playing staff, it appears only flanker Paddy Bryden will not stay on with the club next season as he has been accepted for officer training at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, which will be delayed by the snapped Achilles tendon he suffered in the Shield final loss to Carrick.
Begg, however, is confident there will be many capable replacements for Carson to choose from.“I don’t think, at any time this season, there’s been less than 90 per cent of our starting 15 that have come through our youth system,” he said. “That’s a great reflection of the work our coaching staff do.
“We’ve got a young team that if they stay together for the next four or five years, will be very encouraging.”
With the championship in the bag and two games against Hillfoots, rendered meaningless with them already being relegated, to go, it has allowed Begg time to reflect on the journey the club has taken over the last three seasons.
“There’s been an outstanding transformation in the club. Everyone, from the players down to the supporters, have bought into what Dave wants to do,” he said.
“We’ll be able to work around the construction next season and even though it’ll look a bit of a mess until it’s done, it’s a small price to pay to keep the club progressing.”
The celebrations will keep coming for Highland as they have also been nominated for the Scottish Rugby Union’s club of the year award, which will be presented at Murrayfield on May 27.
Meanwhile, delayed Jack Henderson Trophy match between Ross Sutherland and Highland was played on Wednesday in Invergordon. Even though the result was expected – Highland winning 34-10 – it was a scrappy game with Highland only showing their true form in patches.
