Stuart MacDonald hands Highland boost ahead of Caithness test
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Number eight MacDonald has sat out the last three weeks as mandatory recovery time for a concussion.
Head coach Dave Carson believes his ball-carrying ability will be a huge factor in the game in Thurso.
The far north side have had an up and down season so far and have put in some good performances and they will want to give Highland a hard time at Millbank.
With the current weather situation, the pitch in Thurso is likely to be very heavy going and will hinder Highland’s fast-paced game.
Last Saturday’s home win over Strathmore gave Highland some good practice in such heavy ground and, in addition to MacDonald, back Morris Dillon is also available after shaking off a shoulder injury.
“Stuart is a big player for us – a massive ball-carrier,” said Carson. “The guys that have filled in for Stuart have done well but he’s a wee level above them.
“That kind of player is someone you’re going to need when the pitch is heavy. It’s going to be wet and windy up there but the most important thing for us is to get the game on.”
Highland are already two games behind leaders Gordonians after call-offs by Hillfoots. The last thing Carson wants is further postponements.
Carson’s side sit six points behind the current table-toppers after eight wins from eight but he is in no doubt whose shoes he would rather be in.
“Without a doubt, you would rather have the points on the board,” said the Canal Park boss. “But hopefully these things will even themselves out over the course of the season. We’re already two games behind and we don’t want to drop any further back.”
The second XV have a home game with Gordonians’ second string scheduled and they too will keep their fingers crossed that a least one pitch will be playable at Canal Park. The second team need to get a game played and they will have a strong squad to field against a side that has had a poor season so far.
Highland’s junior sides have completed their league season in the President’s Conference and now have the National Cup and Caledonia Cup competitions to prepare for.
The under-18s will have to wait to see who comes out on top of other leagues to see who they will play on December 19.
In January in the Caledonia Cup, the under-15s and under-16s will be at home against Ross Sutherland and Ellon respectively. The under-18s are away to Orkney.
Highland’s minis and micros will watch the weather but are hopeful to have their usual training sessions.
Inverness Craig Dunain are at home to Dyce, but the weather and pitch availability could again be a problem.
There was some sad news for Highland earlier in the week as they heard of the death of former club president Cliff Gorman.
He was a great character who loved his rugby and will be sorely missed. He is survived by wife Sandra, daughters Shonagh and Lindsey and son Murray.
There will be a big club presence at the funeral next Wednesday.
On a happier note, there has been national recognition for two Highland junior players with selection to the Scotland training camps for under-18 Dean Roger and under-16 George Hurst.
