Relegation-threatened Mackie await title chasers Highland
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HIGHLAND face another relegation-threatened side this weekend as Mackie Academy FP head for Canal Park.
With Glenrothes defeating leaders Gordonians last Saturday the real race for the league title is now between Highland and the Fife club. Having played the same number of games Highland still have the edge but getting games played is key to keeping up the pressure.
Coach Dave Carson has two enforced changes with Ruaridh MacDonald and Rory Cross still going through their head knock recovery protocol. So even with the squad at near full-strength, Carson is keen to rotate in some of the best performers from the second XV.
An example is Seamus Ross who has already made the step up and he currently retains his place in the starting line-up. Carson is looking to the future and wants to have players ready to come in when required.
Highland’s form book suggests they will be easy winners over the struggling side but as ever the preparation will continue to be thorough – a hallmark of the squad’s success this season. Coinciding with the first XV game on Saturday will be Ladies Day for all wives, girlfriends and friends to have a special day at the club. Full details are available on the club web-site.
The odd number of teams in Division Three North means it is Highland second XV’s turn to have a fixture break. It also means Inverness Craig Dunain will be in action and this Saturday they have a tough away fixture with Gordonians second XV.
On Sunday the junior action is made up of the under-16s travelling to play Caithness in the Caledonia Cup while the under-14s and under-13s play Aberdeen Wanderers at Canal Park. The Minis and Micro Sections have their usual 11am training sessions and they will be preparing for a busy month of rugby festivals starting with Highland’s own festival next weekend.
There was exciting news for one of Highland’s under-18 players Dean Roger, who has been selected to represent Scotland under-18 against England on Sunday, March 6 at 1pm at Stirling County RFC. The rest of his programme will be a preparation weekend on the 17th, 18th and 19th of March and taking part in the Five Nations Easter tournament to be held in Wales from March 23 to April 3.
The club wishes to pass on the best of luck to Roger and the best of luck in this adventure and it reflects great credit on Highland and the success of their junior programme.
