Highland v Whitecraigs
Saturday 6 September 2008

Whitecraigs travelled the long journey north to Canal Park, Inverness last Saturday knowing Highland would be formidable opponents who would be looking to register their first league win following their mauling by Glasgow Accies the previous week.

Kicking off with the wind behind them, it was clear territorial advantage was there priority. This placed considering pressure upon a well drilled Whitecraigs defence, however it was not too surprising when Highland took the lead in the 17th minute when they took advantage of an offside decision with an easily converted penalty kick.

‘Craigs came more into the game with some excellent back play with forward exchanges and to the delight of the travelling support Gordon Hutton finished of an excellent passing move touching down in the right corner.

At half time ‘Craigs were ahead 5-3.

As the second half progressed, it was clear the rucking and early distribution of the ball was causing a tiring Highland side considerable difficulty. With the wind assisting, it was no surprise and well deserved when Nick Blamire forced over the Highland line to secure what was the second of five tries for Craigs in the second half, the other try scorers being Colin Nisbet and a hat trick from the impressive Graeme Fisher. Ally Stevenson, recently called up to the Scotland under 18 squad, converted five from six from difficult angles to record and impressive win by 40 points to 3.

The game was played in good spirit with one blemish when Highlands stand off was yellow carded for a scrum infringement, a punishment which their Captain and No 7 Gareth High was fortunate to escape.

As the results in National Division 2 filtered through, it emerged Craigs had moved to the top of the league courtesy of the try bonus point and the previous week’s winning opening encounter against near rivals Kilmarnock.

Jim Henderson the Head Coach summed up

‘I was pleased with the result and the performance. Highland is always a difficult team to beat at home. I am sure there will be other teams to visit Inverness who shall be less fortunate than us’

The team – A. Stephenson, G. Fisher, G. Hutton, C. Percival, J.Kemp, A.Little, S.Henderson, C.Nisbet, J.Christine, A.McCormack, J.Howarth, M.Stuart, N.Blamire, D.McKelvie, S.Pollock,

Replacement – F.Campbell, B.Blamire, D.Beattie.