United Highland believe 4G signals the way to Shield success
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Highland take on Glenrothes tomorrow in the Shield final and due to issues with their league rival’s ground, the game will be played on the University of St Andrews’ all-weather pitch.
Carson’s side have limited experience playing on artificial surfaces, the last time being in the Caledonia Bowl two years ago, but said it will suit Highland’s high-tempo game.
The fact the game will go ahead is a relief to the Highland hierarchy, with the original fixture on January 30 called off due to the weather. Last weekend’s resounding 41-6 triumph over north neighbours Caithness provided an ideal test ahead of Glenrothes, who have lost just once in the league this season.
A change in surface will not hamper Highland’s chances of glory though, with Carson confident they can use the change of venue to their advantage.
“It suits the pace of our game down to the ground,” he said. “We can move the ball quickly and there’s no problems for the boys underfoot.
“Some times a poor pitch can be a leveller but this one is fantastic. We’ve been waiting for this game for a long time and it’s one we set out to win at the start of the season.”
The prize for the winner is a spot in the National Shield, which pits the victors of the Caledonia, West Regional, Border and Edinburgh shields in a knockout format. The West Regional Shield final takes place this weekend, with the other two playing on March 12.
Carson is taking a strong squad with only one omission, Rory Cross, who suffered a fractured cheekbone last Saturday. His pending operation will see him out for four to six weeks and his replacement at Caithness, Seamus Ross, impressed enough to keep his place. The pack is boosted with the return of Nathan McLaughlan in the second row and Stephen Murray as front-row replacement on the bench.
Trophy success is also on the agenda for the under-16s, who play Ayr in the National Cup Final at Murrayfield at 2pm on Sunday. Reaching the final is a big achievement in itself, but the Highland youngsters are keen to go one better and have been putting in extra training sessions in preparation.
“To reach a National Cup final is absolutely outstanding,” added Carson. “They had a massive win against Hawick in the last round in horrific conditions and have a great squad of players.”
A huge contingent from the club will be taking in both finals, with some first XV players staying in the central belt on Saturday to get to the game.
With the creation of the National leagues a couple of seasons ago and now the conference leagues, Highland’s youth teams have continued to flourish. The benefit of playing large clubs like Ayr, Stirling and Currie has brought the players on and given them the sense of belief that they can compete at that level.
The club has plenty of business elsewhere too. The second XV have a home match on Sunday as they take on Dyce, looking to maintain their lead at the top of the league. Also on Saturday Highland’s under-14s and under-13s play Mackie Academy in a pair of friendly matches at Canal Park.
Also in BT Caledonia League Division Three Inverness Craig Dunain take on Aberdeenshire third XV.
- The team bus for the Caledonia Shield Final, with seats available for supporters will leave the Matalan car park tomorrow at 8am. Check with the club for seats. A full supporters’ coach will be leaving the Matalan car park on Sunday for Murrayfield at 9.15am.
