Rare defeat rocks injury-hit Highland
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HIGHLAND suffered their first competitive defeat in over a year when they were defeated 17-10 by Hillfoots.
Their plans were disrupted before the match when they lost Stuart MacDonald to illness on Friday evening while Thursday’s training saw a total of 11 injuries revealed. It meant a complete rebuild of the back three and a new second row to come in.
Highland found themselves playing downhill against the wind and found it difficult to discover the form of last season. They also had a problem in giving away penalties which led to the home side landing one for a 3-0 lead.
At this stage, giving these sort of points away was all they had to worry about as Hillfoots did not offer much else in attack. The visitors put together some better moves and were able to reply with an unconverted try from Eamon Guinan and the score was 3-5.
It looked better for the visitors as they approached the break, but a loose clearance kick falling short of touch allowed a quick counter by Hillfoots and their own unconverted score for a 8-5 half-time score.
The game was more physical than Highland were used to and injuries were now cropping up. As the second-half got under way a few more changes had to be made, with full-back Tam Magowan coming off with a hamstring injury with young Steven Rutledge taking over.
Further bad news came with Highland giving away more penalties. Hillfoots kicked three penalties to lead 17-5 before Highland started to settle down and play.
The visitors battled on and were rewarded with an unconverted try from Stuart Watson for 17-10. Highland exerted further pressure but they simply ran out of time. So Highland go out of the Shield in the first match, but it did serve to give a taste of what is to come in the league.
Coach Dave Carson was disappointed yet he saw much to be confident about before the first league fixture away to Glenrothes next Saturday. The first concern will be assessing the injury list at Tuesday evening’s training — who is out and who will come back in.
Highland’s under-18s also started their season with a tricky away trip to Hamilton and put in an impressive performance in this first game to win 34-14.
As with the first XV there were a few call-offs and a 20-man squad travelled south. Highland’s intent was signalled from the start as Calum Hay made a clean catch from the kick-off.
A good start though it was, the home side dominated through their large pack and it took a while for the ball to pass into Highland hands. With possession they put Ruaridh Casey in to make the score 5-0 after some nice handling. Fionnlagh Call added a penalty for 8-0.
Highland were now putting some good play together and another two tries were picked up by Hay and Will Davidson, both converted by Call for a 22-0 lead. It may have seemed that the visitors were well in charge, but Highland had to defend well against the big Hamilton forwards for the rest of the half.
After the restart Highland lost some of their continuity but none of their commitment. Hamilton were still full of fight and after a rare missed tackle they took advantage to grab a converted try and it was 22-7.
Highland hit back and although Calum Boyd seemed to put Jamie Rodgers through for a certain score the tackle that stopped him was judged to be high and a penalty score awarded and it was 29-7. Hamilton continued to fight back and the pressure saw Highland give away several penalties and allow the home side field position.
This eventually saw a converted try for Hamilton and 29-14. Highland upped the pace as the end of the game drew near and desperate defending by the home side saw a clearance kick charged down by Call who then pounced on the loose ball to make the final score 34-14.
