Highland's second string edged out by Banff in table-topping clash
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HIGHLAND’S second string were edged out in their title decider by Banff, going down narrowly 13-11.
With the first XV match postponed, the attention on Saturday switched to the top of the table clash in BT Caledonia League Division Three North.
Both sides were well aware of the importance of this fixture; a win for Highland and they would build a big cushion at the top of the table, while a win for the home side would mean a close tussle for the title.
Highland got into their stride quickly and with Banff not quite matching the early surge, the visitors engineered a score out wide with an unconverted try by David Titterington. This early dominance was short lived as Banff grew in stature and slowly edged their way into the game.
The home pack provided plenty of ball for attacks and it was from this that saw them reply with an unconverted try of their own from prop Stuart Ferrier to level the scores at 5-5.
The game now entered a highly contested phase with no-one getting a scoring edge. It also saw a rise in the penalty count from both sides but Highland got the better of it with one converted by Craig Little to go back in the lead 8-5. As the half ended it was Banff who were looking the better side.
The second-half started with Highland once again starting the better and their pressure gained another penalty from Little. However, Banff’s slower build-up saw them come back again. It was still a close game and it was perhaps a slip in Highland discipline that gave the home side that extra edge. An opportunity came from these penalties and Banff crashed over for an unconverted try from number eight John Swaffield to make the score 11-10.
There was still no clear dominance by either side but frustration from Highland again led to more penalties and a yellow card near the end of the match to see them finish with 14 men. Highland defended defiantly but being a man down they were vulnerable.
With time ebbing away Banff put themselves in a good position and gave their stand-off Gordon Robertson a good opportunity to kick a drop goal and a 13-11 victory.
This was an agonizing defeat for Highland and perhaps Banff just deserved to edge it. However, the loss bonus point keeps Highland top of the league and with the two university sides drawing 10-10 it leaves Highland and Banff more or less on their own in the title race.
Also in the same division Inverness Craig Dunain had an emphatic 89-3 win over Fraserburgh at the Bught Park to consolidate their mid-table position.
Meanwhile at Canal Park, Highland’s veterans played host to Dutch touring side Zwolle and played a friendly match before the televised Six Nations games. A lot of fun was had by both sides, on and off the pitch, and the game ended with a 44-22 victory for Highland. The result was not important as they watched Scotland defeat Italy. On Sunday the tourists visited Tomatin Distillery and had a round of golf before heading home.
Highland’s under-14s had a good 37-5 win over Ellon at Canal Park with some new recruits to the squad blending in well. The under-16s Caledonia Cup match with Caithness was postponed until next Sunday.
