Potential title decider awaits Highland as Glenrothes come to town
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
HIGHLAND face a pivotal weekend in their push for the BT Caledonia League Division One title as fellow challengers Glenrothes head to Inverness.
The Fife side crumbled against Dave Carson’s men in the Caledonia Shield Final last month and will face an uphill task to end Highland’s two-year unbeaten home record.
Highland has at last seen the bug going round the squad almost clear and with several players recovered from injury, the team is boosted with the return of centre Rory Cross, back Ruaridh MacDonald, number eight Stuart MacDonald, skipper and hooker Kevin Brown and prop Johnny Milton. The only player missing is prop Stuart Watson and he could be side-lined for some time.
Glenrothes will have their influential skipper Daryl Warrender missing due to suspension after being red carded last Saturday but Highland will not think the task will be any easier as the visitors have several other playmakers to worry about.
A bonus-point win for Highland could see them increase their advantage over Glenrothes in the league standings to nine points and with four games in hand over league-leaders Gordonians, give them plenty of opportunity to forge ahead in the title race.
In Division Three North Highland’s 2nd XV travel to play Fraserburgh knowing they have to register a bonus point win to keep up the pressure on Banff who have a tricky match against Aberdeen University Medics. Inverness Craig Dunain have a home match with Peterhead and this could be a close fought affair given their similar league standings.
Highland’s junior sides have friendly matches this weekend. The under-18s travel to Perthshire looking to maintain match sharpness for the Caledonia Cup semi-final on March 26. At home the under-14s and under-13s play Oban before the seniors take to the pitch.
The big junior event on Saturday will be Highland’s Mini Rugby Festival starting early at 10.30am with teams from across the region taking part. On Sunday the under-16s were looking to have a friendly organised but they look likely to have a free weekend.
