Senior Men’s 1XV: National League Division 1

Highland 26-14 Peebles RFC

Senior Women’s 1XV: National Shield

Highland RFC Women  53-5 Inverness Craig Dunain RFC

U18 Boys: Saltire Energy Caledonia U18 Youth Cup & Bowl

U18 Boys Eagles: Youth Cup

Stirling County RFC 24-33 Highland

U18 Boys Falcons: Youth Bowl

Dunfermline Rugby Football Club 26-14 Highland

 

Scottish Rugby couldn’t have scripted the National League Division 1 Relegations battle any better.

There are three teams to be relegated from Nat 1 this season. One place was already decided, Dundee were down.

That left Boroughmuir, Peebles, and ourselves scrambling to avoid the drop on the last day of the season.  The only team with their fate in their own hands being Boroughmuir – a win against Biggar would make them safe.

All Highland could do is put in a performance and stay focussed on the task we could control, our home game against Peebles.

Peebles themselves had an outside chance of survival if they could land the win at Canal Park. This set up what was to be an entertaining and tough fixture for both sides. 

In there end the 1st XV  did their part on Saturday securing 5 points  for  getting a 26-14 win over a nuggety Peebles side.  

It was an impressive performance, where Highland took some time to overcome conceding  an early converted try, to recover 7-7 at half time courtesy of a Magnus Henry try, and conversion by Scott Fraser.

Highland knew they had to up their game, and they did. It was noticeable that the defensive effort was there all over the park, not just on our own try line. Big tackles were being put in everywhere, forcing errors from Peebles, and giving Highland turnover ball that we managed to capitalise on.

Highland scored a try early in the 2nd half through Dan Corr, who added a 2nd later in the half – one of which was converted by Scott Fraser.

Peebles came back into the game to score a converted try as the balance of the game swung in their favour for a while. 

However, Highland came back strongly again, with the set pieces, especially the scum, going well, we came back up the field.

This resulted in Ruaridh Knott scoring the fourth,  bonus point, try near the posts to the crowds delight. Part one done the try bonus, part two secure the win.

Win we did, but Boroughmuir did what they needed to by winning against Biggar. A  result that condemned Highland to National League Division 2 next season.

It’s incredible to be relegated with 40 points on the board in the league. But reorganisation forcing the situation that 3 teams were to be relegated from National 1 , was always going to make the league tough as teams fought tooth and nail for survival. We didn’t quite make good our escape in the face of Boroughmuir’s resurgence with four 5 point wins in the last 4 games.   

We also have 3 absolute warriors retiring from the game, as Stephen Murray, Kevin Brown, and Grant Jamieson step away from playing. Absolute legends all three!

Our Women’s team enjoyed a good day at the office, coming away with a comfortable win against a Craig’s team that never gave up.

We wait to see what the the next round brings.

Two  Under 18 teams took to the road today, heading to points south.

The Falcons had their chances against Dunfermline and might have sneaked a result if they could have capitalised on their first half play. The lads put in a great shift so well done to the team and coaches.

The Eagles had a tough task to go on the road to Stirling County. But my word did they put in a performance – coming away with a 24-33 win on the road is a superb effort. I’m sure the lads will be up for the next challenge what ever it may be.

So whilst we are disappointed that the men have been relegated, there is plenty to celebrate at the club. Rugby is strong in the north. We’ll enjoy a break, and then we go again!

Whilst the rugby isn’t quite done yet I want to say thanks to everyone who has supported us this season, on and off the pitch.

#morethanarugbyclub
#hereforhighland